Vinyl Windows Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a vinyl window?
• Why choose Vinyl windows over aluminum, wood or other type of windows?
• What other advantages do vinyl windows have over windows fabricated from other materials?
• How do vinyl windows compare in price with windows made of other materials?
• How do I care for my vinyl windows?
• What is insulated glass and how does it compare to single pane windows?
• What is LoE² glass and how does it work?
• What is condensation and what causes it?

Q: What is a vinyl window?

A vinyl window (frame) is one which is fabricated primarily from polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Q: Why choose Vinyl windows over aluminum, wood or other type of windows?

There are many reasons to replace your old wood windows with new vinyl ones. Vinyl windows are affordable, durable, energy efficient, aesthetically appealing and require little maintenance. Vinyl offers better energy efficiency which helps maintain consistent temperatures inside your home. Vinyl frames have welded corners, which make it air tight and prevent elements such as water and dust from leaking into your home. Vinyl offers the best protection against air and noise infiltration, which means a more comfortable and peaceful living environment. Vinyl maintains its new look over time, eliminating fading and repainting.

Q: What other advantages do vinyl windows have over windows fabricated from other materials?

Vinyl windows have demonstrated several significant points of undisputed superiority. For example, unlike many materials, vinyl does not swell and shrink when exposed to extreme moisture conditions. Vinyl windows operate smoothly in any weather. Vinyl has intrinsically high insulating qualities when compared to other window materials. Vinyl does not rust, pit or corrode. Vinyl windows never need painting and are easily cleaned with a damp cloth and some mild detergent. Vinyl is comfortable to the touch in either sub-zero or tropical weather conditions.

Q: How do vinyl windows compare in price with windows made of other materials?

Vinyl windows compare very favorably in price with quality windows made of all other materials.

Q: How do I care for my vinyl windows?

Vinyl windows never have to be painted. The color is actually part of the vinyl. If your vinyl windows have become particularly dirty, or if they are subject to stubborn grime because of local conditions, a mild non-abrasive detergent solution will clean your vinyl windows to an "as-new" condition. Normally, all that is required for thorough cleaning is a damp cloth.

Q: What is insulated glass and how does it compare to single pane windows?

Insulated glass consists of two pieces of glass sealed to a spacer. This creates an insulating air space between the two pieces of glass, resulting in better thermal performance. A lite of insulating glass is approximately twice as energy efficient as a single pane of glass, helping to keep your home more comfortable while reducing heating and cooling costs.

Q: What is LoE² glass and how does it work?

LoE² (low emissivity) glass is coated with two thin, transparent metallic layers which selectively filter solar energy. These coatings reflect infrared energy away from the window in the summer, helping to keep your home cooler. In the winter, LoE² glass reflects heat energy back into your home, helping to keep it warmer.

Q: What is condensation and what causes it?

Under certain conditions, condensation, or sweating, can form on windows and obscure your view. This is the result of high humidity levels, or excess water vapor in the air, coming into contact with the cooler glass surface of a window and forming visible droplets. No window is immune to condensation although the energy efficient features of vinyl windows keep the glass surface warmer, helping to reduce condensation.
For more information read our Condensation F.A.Q.

Here are some other suggestions to help control humidity in your home:

• Open windows frequently to "air-out" your home.
• Use a dehumidifier to help control excess humidity/water vapor.
• Use venting fans in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry to help vent moist air to the outside.