Quality Differences in Replacement Windows. What to look for in vinyl replacement windows
Titanium Dioxide protects the vinyl from ultraviolet rays of the sun. It is used in better paints to prevent fading.
Impact Modifiers prevent cracking from impact when it is cold.
Calcium Stearate prevents warping and gives the vinyl a smooth finish making it easy to clean and prevents warping under intense heat
Waxes fill in voids and make the vinyl smooth and easy to clean. Imbedded waxes in the material make it possible. Remember seeing vinyl that they used to make that would get dirty. This prevents discoloring.
Fusion Welded Seams give strength to the window as opposed to mechanically fastened seams.
Telescopic Overlap Butt Construction (frame and sash) covers the joints and makes it more energy efficient
Sash Construction Should be multi chambered for strength and insulation derived from the dead air space
Aluminum reinforced sash for strength and easy operation. It won’t twist.
Polystyrene Filled Sash is an energy efficient insulation feature similar to a refrigerator door, which is the most energy efficient door in your house.
Optical Float Glass prevents distortion and is the same glass used in eyeglasses.
Non-conductive Spacer System consists of aluminum spacer bar separator. This forms a 5/8-inch dead air space between the glass.
Gray Graphite Sealant is used so the glass does not touch the aluminum. The sealant that is put between spacer bar and the glass to prevent conduction, otherwise heat or cold would transfer from the outside to the inside glass
Dual Durometer glazing (glass set in butylene rubber) the piece of vinyl on the outer edge of the glass that seals the glass. Cheaper windows use putty and rubber gaskets.
Double Strength Glass resists breakage and insulates better. The industry standard is 1/16-inch thick glass. 1/8-inch glass is the better choice.
5/8-inch Air Space slows down conduction. Cheaper windows have a 3/8-inch or ½-inch air space.
State of the Art Low E Glass The low E coating on the glass prevents UV rays of the sun fading your furniture and also slows down thermal conduction.
Argon Gas is injected between the layers of glass in premium windows, which slows down conduction. Argon gas is heavier than air.
The biggest part of a window is the glass. What you want to do is to reduce conductivity. Anything you can do to reduce thermal conductivity is a positive
Night Latches allow for ventilation and child and pet protection.
Stainless Wrap around Cam Locking System for security as compared to many cheaper constructed windows, which can be opened with a putty knife.
Interlocking Sashes for security prevents penetration from the outside. Nothing can get in from the outside when locked.
Full Lift Bar for easy operation from any angle
Stainless Steel Spiral Force Balancing System guarantees smooth sash operation, is self-lubricating and will not rust.
T-Slot Jam Follower causes the window to stay in line when operated with no twisting. It prevents “blow-outs” under high wind conditions.
Fin Seal and Bulb Seal Gasket prevents air infiltration
Sloping Sill allows water run off. Is mult-step and won’t twist.