Vinyl is an excellent, all-weather material that works in all climates, including areas surrounding Lake Oswego, OR. It holds up against heat, cold, and especially moisture. That said, you could still end up with a sub-par product if you don’t know what to look for. Often a higher price tag means a better product, but not always. Instead, these are the main characteristics you need to watch for:
Quality Material
Vinyl windows are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Not all vinyl is created equal. The quality will vary depending on the manufacturer and the unique “recipe” they use. You will find different combinations of chemicals, fillers, pigments, and plasticizers. You specifically want to look for organic tin and titanium dioxide in the polymer. These additives make the material stronger, more thermal resistant, and help prevent yellowing. Milgard actually produces their own vinyl windows to meet exacting standards.
Thickness
When looking at a cross-section of the vinyl window frame, there are several things to consider. The first is the thickness of the material. For the most part, thicker vinyl usually means a better product. The window will be more stable and can support more weight.
Multiple Chambers
The other thing you want to look for is multiple, interlocking chambers of variable sizes. The chambers inside the frame help improve support and energy efficiency and also prevent deformation caused by excessive heat. If there are more chambers in the frame, you are looking at a higher quality window.
Welded Corners
The corners of the vinyl will also tell you a lot about the quality of your window. Manufactures can assemble vinyl windows in two ways: screws, brackets, and caulking or fusion welding. Caulked seams are not as secure, and can crack and break—even as early as shipment and installation. In contrast, fusion welding is a chemical bond. The manufacturer cuts the vinyl, then heats the material to create a smooth, unbreakable joint.
Good Energy Ratings
Another way to compare vinyl windows is to look at the labels. These are provided by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). They test each product and measure the performance. You want to pay close attention to the U-Factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), and Air Leakage ratings. The lower the values on these three ratings, the more energy efficient your window will be.
Esthetics
Last, but not least, you need a product that will go with the architectural style of your home—otherwise the windows will look out of place no matter how good the quality is. Fortunately, Milgard offers several product lines for vinyl windows. You can choose from a range of styles and colors, and our designers can help you find the right fit.
Remember, price does not dictate quality. If you still have questions about vinyl windows in Lake Oswego, OR please call us at 503-554-5500. At EnergyGuard Windows & Doors we have been providing quality products since 2005. We can walk you through each series of vinyl windows and help you chose the best longest lasting windows for your home and budget. Want to come and see some products firsthand? Visit our showroom at 516 E. 2nd St., Newberg, OR 97132.