HouseWindows

Vinyl House Windows

Vinyl house windows are durable, economical alternatives to the traditional window building material, wood. Most vinyl house windows are also manufactured from nearly 100 percent recycled materials, so they are eco-friendly and friendly to the buyer's wallet. For many years, homeowners preferred the appearance of wood to the plasticized look of vinyl, but modern innovations in construction and design have allowed vinyl house windows manufacturers to produce a product in a wide variety of attractive finishes, some that even resemble that esteemed wood-grain. Now, consumers can have the classic look they want for a price that won't cause a severe case of sticker shock.

The real appeal of vinyl house windows is how low-maintenance they are. Unlike wood, which needs frequent painting to disguise scratches, vinyl is colored throughout so it doesn't show dings. To keep them looking new, the frames just need to be wiped down every once in a while to remove grime. The frames are also highly durable because they are poured, not built, which means they are a single unit rather than several pieces nailed together. And unlike wood, vinyl is not susceptible to every homeowner's nightmare: termites.

Top Notch Energy Efficiency

Another reason to buy vinyl house windows is for their energy-efficient properties. Windows lose heat in four ways: conduction, convection, radiation and air leakage. Conduction is the direct transfer of heat through a conductive body, like metal; convection occurs when warm interior air gives up its heat to the cool window, causing it to become heavy and sink, resulting in a draft. Radiation is the movement of warm air through the window in the form of infrared heat, and air leakage is simply the slipping of warm air through cracks in the window frame.

Vinyl is a great insulator and seals tightly to prevent air leakage. This is one of the primary advantages of vinyl over wood: wood, as a natural material, expands and contracts when the weather changes, which can leave gaps in the cold winter for warm air to escape. Vinyl is great at keeping its shape during temperature fluctuations, fitting snugly in place year-round. Unlike a aluminum, which is highly conductive, vinyl house windows do not conduct the heat outdoors. Radiation and convection are properties of the window glass itself, so investing in energy efficiency coatings can maximize the energy savings of vinyl house windows.

Talk of energy efficient house windows often revolves around cold-weather climates, but people in warmer areas can also benefit from these energy-saving properties. Air leakage also contributed to air conditioning loss in summer. Conductive frames can transfer exterior heat into the house. Window glazing can experience high solar heat gain without the appropriate coatings, which warms the house despite your air conditioner's best efforts.

Finding a Dealer

Vinyl house windows dealers advertise with gusto these days. Television ads, newspaper flyers and Internet pop-ups bombard you every day with all the merits of these companies and their products. With so many options, choosing a dealer can make your head spin. Don't be tempted to look only at the bottom line. Poor window installation ruins the energy efficiency of the house and can lower its market value down the road should you ever choose to sell.

The big name brands tend to be tried-and-true, but some models may be inferior to others. Read plenty of reviews from both consumers online and reputable publications like "Consumer Reports." Ask for referrals from a company so you can contact their clients or drive by to see their work on an actual home.

Some companies also include installation of house windows. This is rarely a free perk: the cost is built into the price of the windows. So when comparison shopping, consider what the price tag includes before balking at the difference. On the other hand, if you have a contractor that you trust to install your windows, find a company that will sell you the units without insisting on installation.

Another advantage of long-standing brands is the value of the warranty. House windows usually have lifetime warranties, which includes the installation if the company was responsible for it. A lifetime warranty is useless if the manufacturer or dealer goes out of business a few years later, so choosing a reliable company can ensure you have a pristine window scheme for years to come.

This is not to say that lesser-known companies cannot produce quality vinyl house windows. Big name brands did not start out that way, and every company was young at one time. Do the same due diligence of researching reviews, obtaining referrals and taking a first-hand look at the quality of the craftsmanship. You will be looking through your new window for many years, so be a discerning customer to be sure you get the best product for the best price.