Vinyl Windows versus Aluminum Windows

Vinyl Windows versus Aluminum Windows

   As Energy Cost continually soar, it is becoming more important to the consumer to have a more energy efficient home. We at David Weekley continually strive to remain at the very top of the pinnacle in having an energy efficient home as well as a green and healthy home! Again our competitors are always “green washing” diluting what we do. We have heard why some builders do not do vinyl windows…I am sure that the real reason cannot be that they are cheaper in every sense of the word. Here is our defense to those who beat down the vinyl windows.

1.                  They need to be replaced more often.   The vinyl window industry is only a little over 20 years old and most of the data is on the earlier versions. In the last 5 years much stricter standards and more research and improvement have been put into the product you see today. There are now voluntary window construction specifications and the certification program is very tough. Windows are periodically and randomly tested to maintain certification status.

2.                  They can crack; lose some rigidity or yellow over time.  This really happens in Northern climates that are cold over prolonged period of time like Alaska or Canada. It really is a non-issue here in Texas. The vinyl at 160 degree tends to be more flexible. To take that out of the equation the Fully Welded construction is used to take into account the natural chemistry of vinyl. Please pay attention to how we install “anchor” the windows with our nailing patterns. Those windows are there to stay. Using UV stabilizers is part of the manufacturing process to keep yellowing to a minimum.

3.                  Alternatives? Wood windows could be used with vinyl coatings but that would increase the cost by at least $10,000 for a minimal performance gain. Another alternative could be fiberglass or composite windows for an $8,000 increase again here the cost benefit would not be worth it.

We cannot use metal frames and still maintain our Builder Challenge, EFL Platinum and Energy Star Certified.

Vin