My house is an 11-year-old stuccoed frame, with contractor aluminum windows. The windows need replacing, and I'm considering vinyl for energy efficiency. Recently a couple of friends advised against it because 'the vinyl crumbled in the sunlight after a couple of years', they said.
Is that a common problem, or did they get an inferior product? Bear in mind that here in New Mexico we have many days of strong sunlight, and we have a mile less atmosphere than at sea level to filter the UV that damages plastics.
Can anyone give me info on this? The available suppliers here all guarantee their product for at least 15 years, but even if the guarantee covers such damage, I don't want to be replacing my windows every few years.
Doug
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1. I wouldn't recommend white vinyl in your area, its'static properties attract dust and dirt.Off white/ivory
2. Stay away from recycled vinyl window products,even the smallest amount some (fillers or other fancy name)reduce its heat resistancy therefore causing fading, bowing and in extreme conditions,toxic fumes
3. Your Vinyl Window should have full steel reinforcement ( not just the corners)all around the frame and the sashes.Vinyl is very heavy and without proper support can bow or break on its own weight much easier than wood.
4.No man made product can copy the energy efficency of wood and its renewability
5.Hope this will help,but feel free to email me at
www.probuildersmall.com
2. Stay away from recycled vinyl window products,even the smallest amount some (fillers or other fancy name)reduce its heat resistancy therefore causing fading, bowing and in extreme conditions,toxic fumes
3. Your Vinyl Window should have full steel reinforcement ( not just the corners)all around the frame and the sashes.Vinyl is very heavy and without proper support can bow or break on its own weight much easier than wood.
4.No man made product can copy the energy efficency of wood and its renewability
5.Hope this will help,but feel free to email me at
www.probuildersmall.com
Thanks very much for your reply.
The vendor told me the same thing about non-virgin vinyl; theirs is virgin, and guaranteed for decades. Also, they're well-established in the area and nationwide. We're going with the white to save money, and I'm aware that increases our cleaning time. (My wife says my labor is free!)
The sample window was well-built, so I'm as confident as I can be. (There are no guarantees in life. :-) )
Wood would be my first choice, except for up-front cost. BTW my dad installed redwood storm windows in our house in Michigan many years ago, and they're probably still there.
Regards, Doug
Doug
The vendor told me the same thing about non-virgin vinyl; theirs is virgin, and guaranteed for decades. Also, they're well-established in the area and nationwide. We're going with the white to save money, and I'm aware that increases our cleaning time. (My wife says my labor is free!)
The sample window was well-built, so I'm as confident as I can be. (There are no guarantees in life. :-) )
Wood would be my first choice, except for up-front cost. BTW my dad installed redwood storm windows in our house in Michigan many years ago, and they're probably still there.
Regards, Doug
Doug
