VINYL WINDOW PARTS AND OPTIMAL EFFICIENCY
LET’S TALK VINYL: A GUIDE TO THE WINDOW REPLACEMENT OPTION
VINYL WINDOW PARTS AND OPTIMAL EFFICIENCY
PART 1
Vinyl Window Parts and Optimal Efficiency Vinyl windows have long been used by many homes in the country but they are still very popular as replacement options, despite the introduction of other choices in the market today, because they offer a number of benefits. Specifically, vinyl windows are able to address the growing interest and need for energy efficiency in the home, performing well thanks to the sum of their parts. These parts include:
LET’S TALK VINYL: A GUIDE TO THE WINDOW REPLACEMENT OPTION
VINYL WINDOW PARTS AND OPTIMAL EFFICIENCY
FRAMES
Vinyl frames offer outstanding thermal insulation and low conductivity, meaning they don’t absorb and transfer heat unnecessarily. This allows vinyl windows to contribute to keeping indoor temperatures stable, helping prevent your HVAC system from working overtime, which leads to guzzling power needlessly.
GLASS
The higher the number of its panes are, the more energy-efficient a window is. This is because having multiple layers of glass improves a window’s ability to keep heat transfer to a minimum. And because window glass occupies the biggest area in a unit, the kind of glass a vinyl window comes with can greatly affect its level of energy efficiency.
SPECIAL COATINGS
Low-emissivity glass coating allows a vinyl window to keep heat from the sun away from a home without affecting the level of natural light it lets in. Ultraviolet rays are also filtered out, which prevents fading in furniture and other items situated around a window. LET’S TALK VINYL: A GUIDE TO THE WINDOW REPLACEMENT OPTION
VINYL WINDOW PARTS AND OPTIMAL EFFICIENCY
GAS FILLS
Because vinyl windows can have multiple panes, they can also have spaces in between layers of glass. By default, air fills this space but inert gas like argon are also used. Colorless, odorless, non-flammable, and non-toxic, inert gases insulate better than air, helping further reduce thermal transfer across glass panes.
SPACERS AND SEALS
Warm-edge spacers keep the window panes at recommended distances between each other, ensuring outstanding insulation, and create an effective thermal barrier to help reduce energy loss through the window. High-quality seals, on the other hand, make sure that all glass panes are sealed tight, keeping gas fills intact and preventing condensation from forming.
In Part 2, we’ll be debunking common myths surrounding vinyl windows to help you get to know the window replacement option better. Read on for more! LET’S TALK VINYL: A GUIDE TO THE WINDOW REPLACEMENT OPTION
VINYL WINDOW PARTS AND OPTIMAL EFFICIENCY
PART 2
Debunking Common Myths About Vinyl Windows Vinyl windows have undeniably enjoyed a certain level of popularity but they remain the subject of a few concerns that prevent some homeowners from truly appreciating what they have to offer. By clarifying these concerns, debunking the myths that surround the window replacement option, we hope to enlighten you on what you can get out of getting vinyl windows.
LET’S TALK VINYL: A GUIDE TO THE WINDOW REPLACEMENT OPTION
DEBUNKING COMMON MYTHS ABOUT VINYL WINDOWS
Here are the top misconceptions about vinyl windows and the proven truths to debunk them:
1. THEY ARE NOT AESTHETICALLY APPEALING
Some find vinyl windows boring and think that they look inauthentic. Some do not see them as suitable for modern homes or are under the impression that they don’t have a lot to offer in terms of style and design. However, vinyl has come a long way, thanks to technological advancements, and now feature not just a range of colors and finishes to choose from but can also mimic the appearance of other materials to address any preference you might have. Whatever look you’re looking for, there’s sure to be a vinyl window that will complement your home.
2. THEY CAN HARM THE ENVIRONMENT
Manufacturing vinyl produces a toxic substance called dioxin and the material is not biodegradable, both of which can be bad for the environment. What a lot of people don’t know is that vinyl production is responsible for no more than 1% of the total dioxin in the environment, with the other 99% coming from volcanic eruptions, chimney smoke, and other emissions not related to vinyl. Unfortunately, the material is truly not biodegradable. It is, however, recyclable, meaning old vinyl windows don’t necessarily have to head for landfills right away after a replacement. LET’S TALK VINYL: A GUIDE TO THE WINDOW REPLACEMENT OPTION
DEBUNKING COMMON MYTHS ABOUT VINYL WINDOWS
3. THEY ARE NOT DURABLE
Vinyl is lightweight, making it easy for many to assume that windows made of the material are frail, unable to withstand the elements like other materials. On the contrary, vinyl windows excellently perform under extreme temperatures and high winds and offer outstanding resistance against moisture. Available finishes also last a long time despite constant exposure to the sun.
4. THEY ARE NOT ENERGY-EFFICIENT
Those who are unaware of how effective vinyl windows are in terms of weather and temperature-resistance may also think that they are energy-inefficient. The truth is, vinyl windows are insulative, keeping indoor heat in and outdoor heat out to maintain your home’s indoor environment. Opt for multi-pane glass with low-E coating and you can further improve your vinyl window’s ability to enhance energy efficiency in the home.
5. THEY DO NOT ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME
Any improvement you make is a step towards boosting your home’s value. As vinyl windows offer a number of benefits, they make great additions to any home, improving both form and function to make your property more attractive.
Sold on getting vinyl windows? Make the most out of choosing the window replacement option by keeping in mind a few tips. Head on over to Part 3 to learn more! LET’S TALK VINYL: A GUIDE TO THE WINDOW REPLACEMENT OPTION
VINYL WINDOW PARTS AND OPTIMAL EFFICIENCY
PART 3
Making the Most Out of Vinyl Windows - Some Tips Replacing your windows is an investment so it’s only natural to want to ensure that the job is done right. Keep in mind these few tips and you’re sure to make the most out of getting vinyl windows.
LET’S TALK VINYL: A GUIDE TO THE WINDOW REPLACEMENT OPTION
MAKING THE MOST OUT OF VINYL WINDOWS - SOME TIPS
INSTALLATION
Finding the best vinyl windows for your home will be all for naught if you agree to inferior installation. To ensure the job is done right the first time: • Carefully consider and plan the placement of your windows in relation to their operation type.
• Check your walls and siding before installation to make sure that they don’t have any damage that can affect your vinyl windows. • Do not install your vinyl windows yourself. Leave the job to a professional to ensure professional results.
MAINTENANCE
All windows will benefit from receiving some TLC from you but vinyl windows make caring for them easier by requiring very little to maintain. Do the following and you’ll surely help your vinyl window reach their maximum lifespan: • Regularly clean vinyl windows using a mild detergent and a soft scrubbing brush. If you’re using a commercial cleaner, make sure you follow all usage instructions.
• Carry out window inspections every season, checking for damage and other problems.
• If you find any damage, call a window contractor right away to have repairs done as soon as possible.
LET’S TALK VINYL: A GUIDE TO THE WINDOW REPLACEMENT OPTION
MAKING THE MOST OUT OF VINYL WINDOWS - SOME TIPS
FINDING A CONTRACTOR
Who you entrust your window replacement to will greatly affect whether or not you’ll make the most out of your vinyl windows. To make sure you find a reliable professional: • Ask for licenses, permits, and certifications. Contractors are required to have necessary licenses and permits to operate while certifications will show you how credible they are. Instead of getting swayed by sweet talk, let credentials to the talking to ensure your window replacement is in the right hands. • Check reviews. Aside customer ratings and comments in portals like GuildQuality and Bazaarvoice, testimonials and referrals will also help you assess a window contractor. • Ask about warranties and guarantees. Generous terms and conditions are signs that a window contractor is confident enough in their work to offer such, making it likelier that you will receive quality service.
Having a successful window replacement project and making the most out of vinyl windows is easy when you have all the right information and are working with the right people. Want to learn more about vinyl windows? Talk to your local contractor today. LET’S TALK VINYL: A GUIDE TO THE WINDOW REPLACEMENT OPTION
VINYL WINDOW PARTS AND OPTIMAL EFFICIENCY
KROLL CONSTRUCTION 29017 Ford Rd, Garden City MI 48135
(888) 338-6340 www.KrollWindow.com
LET’S TALK VINYL: A GUIDE TO THE WINDOW REPLACEMENT OPTION