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 Vinyl Window Construction

Author: Denise (216.68.236.---)
Date:   

I am obtaining price quotes from different vinyl window companies to replace my old windows with vinyl. I am very confused about what is important to look for in terms of frame construction. Some companies inject a foam substance into the frame and say they are insulated more than vinyl windows without the foam. Some companies have reinforced the vinyl columns with steel and say this prevents buckeling of the vinyl frame over time. I need to know what the bottom line is here. Do I need foam for greater insulation and is steel reinforcement a good idea with the vinyl, or do neither of these things matter? Has anyone replaced windows with vinyl and can you recommend a good brand that has an economical price? Thanks for your help!




 

 Re: Vinyl Window Construction

Author: Mark A (---.dsl.tulsok.swbell.net)
Date:   

I having been looking at vinyl windows myself with the understanding that they are so much more efficient. But after looking at www.efficientwindows.org, I now have my doubts. With all the reports of the vinyl worping (possibly why a steel reinforcer is used) and seeing that double paned, clear glass, low-e coating with an aluminum frame w/ thermal break seems to be the biggest gain in energy savings, I am back at looking at the aluminum frames. Check out www.efficientwindows.org/factsheets.cfm and pick your state and see the savings between the window options. Once you get beyond case 3, you don't really save enough to spend the money the salesman are asking for all the extras


 

 Re: Vinyl Window Construction

Author: Dan McCuan (---.bak.rr.com)
Date:   

In response to your questions.

The foam injected into the window jambs traps air in the membraine of the foam. Because the air particles are seperated from each other by the foam membraine, the thermal transfer between molicules is slowed down there fore you have a more efficient frame. Please note that the glass is still the most inefficient portion of a window. It depends on your climate to determine if the injected foam is worth the additional expense over a traditional vinyl frame. You might look at a window that is still hollow vinyl, but is very compartimented. (i.e. an Anlin window frame)

The old problems of window warping are nearly eliminated with the new vinyl windows in the market. Most top companies guarantee against window warping, and will repair/replace any window that has warpped.

Most refuitable companies will place steel into the jambs of a window for strength. Typically the only jambs that are steel reinforced are the center jambs, or the interlockers. All windows in California are required to pass grueling Government forced entry tests, and all windows that pass are AMMA certified.

Because vinly has no significant structural value, steel in incerted into the center jambs of higher quality windows inorder to make them stronger/safer.

Personally the steel is a nice additive, but not entirely necessary. If a theif wants in, he will get in. In my house I have non steel reinforced windows.


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