Vinyl Windows Help Frame Our World

As homeowners hang on longer to older houses in a housing downturn, many are choosing to replace old, leaky windows. Vinyl plastic windows have become a go-to choice for replacement windows due primarily to affordability and ease of installation and maintenance.

But innovations in energy-efficiency and other features make them even more attractive to homeowners, in both new and existing homes. As the economy rebounds, industry experts expect the use of vinyl windows for both new and replacement windows — already 60 percent of conventional residential windows — will continue to grow.

Here’s why:

While most vinyl windows traditionally have been white or off-white, manufacturers today offer all sorts of colors to match siding or create architectural accents and interest. Innovations allow companies to add color to windows during the last stage of manufacturing — some even add an additional color coating that reflects the sun’s heat.
New finishes and other design options are available, both inside and out, that allow homeowners to customize the look and feel of their windows. For example, interior frames can resemble the look of wood grain, hardware is available in numerous metallic finishes (not only white) and “lite” grids can be installed between panes to simulate the look of traditional exterior wood grids that typically require regular maintenance and painting.
As building codes call for improved energy efficiency, vinyl window manufacturers have responded with thicker gauge frames to accommodate the additional glass, coatings and gasses, all of which helps reduce the transfer of hot or cold air. To further improve insulation properties of vinyl windows, some manufacturers add plastic foam insulation to the frames.
Many vinyl windows qualify for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star® program and for federal tax credits as energy efficient replacement windows. Some vinyl windows also qualify under certain certification programs that recognize energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.
While vinyl already is considered easy to cut and mold to existing homes, window makers are moving towards even easier replacement systems that snap exterior casings into place without the traditional need for carpentry.
The performance of vinyl windows has improved over the years, and they generally are considered resistant to stains, mold, scratches, dents, noise transfer and fading under ultraviolet sunlight, making them longer lasting and more care free than ever.

These and other benefits have helped make vinyl windows — alongside carpeting, insulation, plumbing, siding many other innovative plastic products — an essential component of modern homes.

Find more information about how vinyl is used in building & construction, sports equipment and even fashion on plasticsmakeitpossible.com