Premium Vinyl Windows
But, how did Vinyl Windows come to be?
Vinyl Windows arrived on the scene in the United States in the mid 1960s. The popularity of this type of window grew exponentially during the energy crisis of the 1970s. Homeowners were looking for an energy efficient and inexpensive solution to replace the old, outdated windows currently in their home. Up until this time wood and metal windows had dominated the market.
Vinyl windows took off like a rocket because of the affordability and many benefits offered by this material. The fact that these windows offered longevity, low maintenance costs, and energy savings only fueled their flight towards the top of the market. With the popularity growing, vinyl windows continued to improve in quality and customization over the next 50 years.
As of 2016 Vinyl Windows commanded about 60% of total market share, making them the most popular option selected for windows in the United States. The ability to customize colors, glass, size, shape, and style contributed to this overthrow of metal and wood options. However, the biggest factor is the affordability offered by Vinyl. The cost is much less than either metal or wood windows, and since the quality is as high or higher than the competitors, this option is a no-brainer for cost conscious consumers who want a product that is going to last for decades.
What’s the true cost benefit?
The initial savings of Vinyl Windows over other options is the first noticed cost benefit. Vinyl windows are 70% to 80% the cost of wood windows. Compared to metal windows Vinyl is going to cost about 65% to 75% of metal windows. Compared with either option Vinyl leads in affordability with the percentage difference meaning thousands of dollars saved on medium to large projects. Additionally, Vinyl Windows can last 30 to 40 years, reducing the need for continued replacement due to rotting of wood, or rusting of metal parts.
Lower maintenance costs are going to add up as well. Wood windows are typically painted. The paint, over time and because of exposure to weather is going to chip and flake. This means that as a homeowner you will need to clean, sand and repaint the windows periodically. Or, pay someone to do it for you. If this maintenance is not done properly it can result in wood windows rotting away. Vinyl is not subject to either of these detriments. Vinyl withstands the weather on its own without any additional coating such as paint. And since it is a synthetic material it is not subject to rotting away.
Energy efficiency is another place where Vinyl leads the pack. Metal windows will conduct temperatures, to the point that you can touch the frame surface of a metal window inside your house and tell whether it’s hot or cold outside. This means that it’s transferring that to the interior of the home resulting in higher heating or cooling bills. Vinyl does not conduct heat in this way. Additionally vinyl windows can have a foam core which adds an insulating effect in addition to not conducting heat/cool. Over their life Vinyl Windows will recoup 73.3% of their cost just in energy savings, which is higher than either of the competitors.
Vinyl Windows are recyclable. And since they aren’t made of a natural material they have a minimal impact on the environment. No trees were cut down, nor holes dug to obtain necessary materials to manufacture the vinyl.
More choices than a ‘pick your adventure’ novel…
Customization is the name of the game. Up until 20 years ago Vinyl Windows only came in white. That was your only choice. But with advancements in the manufacturing process, as well as other methods like laminates, capstocking, hot stamping, and aluminum cladding Vinyl windows can come in a multitude of colors. This allows you to match the vinyl window to the interior or exterior of your home if you choose.
Because Vinyl Windows are synthetic and molded in production they can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. If you want customized windows, so your house looks better than Bob next door, Vinyl has you covered. Add the ability to add muntins (commonly referred to as grids) in many different configurations, and the option to obscure or tint any of your glass panes, and your choices are virtually limitless. Basically, if you can dream it, Vinyl Windows probably have you covered.
So what makes American Window & Door the bees knees?
The first distinction that needs to be made here, is that we are not a window sales company. I’ll say that again, WE ARE NOT A WINDOW SALES COMPANY!
We are an Installation company, who happens to sell windows. I know you’re wondering why that matters. Many companies out there (we won’t name them), are window sales companies that higher others to install. This means their focus is on selling the windows and the installation is a secondary priority.
Being an installation company, we prioritize the perfect install with a reliable window product. Our goal with every window is a Perfect Installation. We’ve installed thousands of windows, and there are very few types of windows or situations that we haven’t encountered. That means all of our expertise is being used to ensure that your installation meets our rigorous standards. But guess what, we also happen to sell windows. And our windows are not shabby by any means.
Our windows are made of virgin vinyl. This reduces the propensity to discolor over time. Our glass is 7/8” thick compared to many other options that use 5/8”, and it is NEAT glass, Super spiffy! But that also means that the panes have a special coating on the outside that results in less cleaning, better visibility during rain, and faster drying time once the storm is over. Our frames have a foam core which reduces outside noise transfer and gives that added insulation factor we talked about earlier. Additionally, they have multiple empty chamber technology that assists in lowering energy transfer, add Low E and argon and you have an Energy Star Certified window.
