Not All Vinyl Windows Are The Same
If you are like most people, you are attracted to vinyl windows for their "low maintenance" value as well as energy efficiency. There are, however, distinctions that must be made to ensure that your "low maintenance" is proper maintenance or there could be some undesirable results.
Vinyl windows are the most commonly used windows today. Although many builders are still building with wood windows, replacement windows are using more vinyl than ever. They are easier to maintain than wood windows and do not require seasonal painting or caulking. Still, there is some care that should be taken with them for there are basically two different styles: the more common vinyl window has what is known in the industry as "welded" corners while the second style has mechanically fastened corners.
The welded corners are more reliable. They are cut at the proper angle and seemingly "welded" together to make a tight bond and will not allow thermal-transfer in the corners. The vinyl windows with mechanically fastened corners (identified by the screws and hardware joining them together) will slowly separate and allow not only for thermal-transfer but will, over time, actually allow air and moisture to enter the home.
When inspecting a window which has mechanically fastened corners, be sure to check all four corners for material shrinkage and gaps and caulk, as necessary.
Another window that appears to be a vinyl window is, in fact, a wooden window that is clad or "capped" in plastic or vinyl. Plastic capped windows will, with age, take on a yellow tint.
You can expect to have problems with this type of window. First, the wood that is used under the cladding is usually not of the highest quality, since it is not designed to be seen. Add to that the fact that the wood and the cladding will expand and shrink with temperature changes at different rates. The caulking, which is very important to protect the inferior wood from rot, is always cracking or separating which allows moisture to intrude into the wood - this moisture then being trapped and held into the wood by the surrounding plastic.
When considering the purchase of a home or the maintenance of your own, pay special attention to the type of windows that are present and determine the amount of care they have received in the past to determine the amount of care they will need at the present. When you have your home inspected, be sure your report includes the type and style of window that you have in your home, and plan accordingly.
James H. Bushart, CMI
Comments(0)