Have your vinyl windows finally reached the end of their lifespan? Are they unattractive, inefficient, or both? Are they long overdue for an upgrade? It’s time to learn how to compare vinyl replacement windows. Energy-efficient, low-maintenance, durable, and affordable, vinyl is a popular window material for a reason, but the quality of a vinyl window can vary drastically from one product to another. To ensure you’re investing in a respectable window that will hold up over time and provide an excellent performance, it’s important that you know what to look for when shopping for a new vinyl window.
Tips for Choosing Vinyl Replacement Windows
Shopping for replacement windows can be intimidating if you don’t consider yourself an expert, but there are a few simple things you can do to ensure you’re buying a high-quality product:
- Select a trusted manufacturer. If a window manufacturer has many years of experience, a reassuring warranty, and countless satisfied customers, you can feel quite confident that you’re making a respectable choice. However, keep in mind that each product line is different and comes with its own pros and cons. Just because a window is produced by a top-of-the-line manufacturer, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll work well for your home and climate.
- View a cut-away section of the window frame. The salesperson you’re working with will likely be happy to show you this, and it can help you evaluate the frame’s strength. The vinyl should feel sturdy and include plenty of chambers to increase its rigidity. Look at your options side by side to see if there’s a noticeable difference in frame construction.
- Decide on a style. Fortunately, vinyl replacement windows have come a long way in the style department over the years. If you’re not a fan of basic white, try black or another color for some visual interest. If you’ve been dreaming of wood windows, look into wood windows with vinyl-clad exteriors or vinyl windows with laminate finishes. Whether you want a bold window design or something more sleek and streamlined, you can find the perfect vinyl window with a bit of searching.
- Dig into the numbers. There’s no getting around this one. When choosing between a few different window frames, you’ll need to look closely at the numbers, which include the energy ratings (find these on the NFRC label), the Energy Star label (if there is one), any added coatings or gas fills, the warranty length, the overall cost, and more. Sometimes it all comes down to balancing your aesthetic preferences and performance goals with your budget. Be sure to read the NRFC label carefully, as it includes the U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which are both crucial for energy efficiency. An Energy Star logo can also be very helpful, as it includes a zone map that lets you know whether the window meets Energy Star standards for your area of the country.
- Don’t underestimate the warranty. Replacing windows is a major investment in your home, so a solid warranty is crucial. Keep in mind that the window and your installer may each have their own warranty with unique terms. Generally, replacement windows come with 10-year warranties, but some offer 20-year or even “lifetime” warranties. Installation warranties cover a shorter length of time. Be sure to read the fine print carefully so that you understand the exclusions and feel confident in your purchase.
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Are you searching for the perfect vinyl replacement windows for your home? Check out American Window Company. Since 1999, we have offered an extensive collection of high-quality windows, doors, shutters, blinds, and more. We are a small, family-owned business committed to providing excellent quality and on-time installation. In addition, we are properly licensed and insured to protect our employees and provide our customers with peace of mind. Please contact us today for a free estimate or more information about our products and services.