Vinyl is a popular material for modern vinyl windows in San Diego, CA, and for good reason. It is durable, versatile, and will hold up for the long run. These windows have clean lines, improve energy efficiency, and require little to no maintenance. As such they are easy chose for many homeowners. Best of all, they come at some of the most affordable prices. It is no surprise these windows are taking over the market. However, with so many options, you want to be sure you get quality vinyl windows. Here is what to look for:
What are Vinyl Windows?
These windows are made from construction grade polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This is no ordinary Polymer. It often contains several additives like chemicals, plasticizers, and pigments. As such the material comes in different grades of quality.
Quality Vinyl
For quality windows you want the vinyl itself to be high grade. How can you tell? Well, some vinyl will have a bluish tint, indicating it doesn’t have enough organic tin or titanium dioxide. That said, some vinyl is tinted blue on purpose, because some customers think it is more esthetically pleasing. You can also find out if the vinyl is newly made, or recycled. You can also consider the price. Quality vinyl is usually more expensive. Still not sure? Look for these other qualities too.
Fusion Welding
Check the corners of the window frame and it should tell you a lot. Manufacturers assemble vinyl frames in two ways: screws, brackets, and caulk or welding. Caulked seams can break, even during shipment or installation. Instead, you want to find vinyl windows with seams that are fusion welded. Welding is a chemical reaction that creates a smooth seal. It is a nearly impenetrable, unbreakable joint.
Vinyl is a popular material for modern windows in San Diego, CA, and for good reason. It is durable, versatile, and will hold up for the long run. These windows have clean lines, improve energy efficiency, and require little to no maintenance. As such they are easy chose for many homeowners. Best of all, they come at some of the most affordable prices. It is no surprise these windows are taking over the market. However, with so many options, you want to be sure you get quality vinyl windows. Here is what to look for:
What are Vinyl Windows?
These windows are made from construction grade polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This is no ordinary Polymer. It often contains several additives like chemicals, plasticizers, and pigments. As such the material comes in different grades of quality.
Quality Vinyl
For quality windows you want the vinyl itself to be high grade. How can you tell? Well, some vinyl will have a bluish tint, indicating it doesn’t have enough organic tin or titanium dioxide. That said, some vinyl is tinted blue on purpose, because some customers think it is more esthetically pleasing. You can also find out if the vinyl is newly made, or recycled. You can also consider the price. Quality vinyl is usually more expensive. Still not sure? Look for these other qualities too.
Fusion Welding
Check the corners of the window frame and it should tell you a lot. Manufacturers assemble vinyl frames in two ways: screws, brackets, and caulk or welding. Caulked seams can break, even during shipment or installation. Instead, you want to find vinyl windows with seams that are fusion welded. Welding is a chemical reaction that creates a smooth seal. It is a nearly impenetrable, unbreakable joint.
Multi-Chamber Frame
Take a look at the cross section of the frame. You want to see multiple chambers of varying size. These improve energy efficiency and prevent deformation caused by too much heat. The more chambers the frame has, the higher the quality. You can also look at the vinyl thickness, and know thicker vinyl is often better.
Double/Triple Panes
If you want to minimize heat loss and cut down on solar heat gains you need quality glass. Top quality windows use inert gas sandwiched between two or three panes of glass. You might also consider Low-E coatings and protective finishes to reduce glare and protect your belongings against ultraviolet rays.
Esthetic Design
Last, but certainly not least, consider the style of the windows. You want a product that will go well with your home’s design, both inside and out. Fortunately, vinyl windows come in several colors, shapes, and styles. You are sure to find windows to suit your needs and personal taste.
The best indication of quality is certification from the American Architectural Manufacturers Association. If you have questions about quality vinyl or want to come look at some near San Diego, CA call us at 619-258-0515 or visit us at 11632 Riverside Dr Lakeside, CA 92040.
Take a look at the cross section of the frame. You want to see multiple chambers of varying sizes. These improve energy efficiency and prevent deformation caused by too much heat. The more chambers the frame has, the higher the quality. You can also look at the vinyl thickness, and know thicker vinyl is often better.
Double/Triple Panes
If you want to minimize heat loss and cut down on solar heat gains you need quality glass. Top-quality windows use inert gas sandwiched between two or three panes of glass. You might also consider Low-E coatings and protective finishes to reduce glare and protect your belongings against ultraviolet rays.
Esthetic Design
Last, but certainly not least, consider the style of the windows. You want a product that will go well with your home’s design, both inside and out. Fortunately, vinyl windows come in several colors, shapes, and styles. You are sure to find windows to suit your needs and personal taste.
The best indication of quality is certification from the American Architectural Manufacturers Association. If you have questions about quality vinyl or want to come look at some near San Diego, CA call us at 619-258-0515 or visit us at 11632 Riverside Dr Lakeside, CA 92040.