Vinyl may be the most popular window framing material, but not all products are a cut from the same cloth–or polymer. To make your purchase pay off, learn how to distinguish high-quality vinyl windows from low-quality ones.
As the region’s premier source of replacement windows, All States Home Improvement wants to share tips on telling good and bad vinyl units apart:
Look for the Labels
First off, check the ENERGY STAR® and National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) labels. The former tells you whether the product is designed to meet your local climate’s energy efficiency criteria. On the other hand, the latter sheds light on energy performance ratings. Buying products with a healthy mix of U-Factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, Visible Transmittance, Air Leakage, and Condensation Resistance ratings pays dividends over time.
Our company is fully certified by all the window manufacturers we represent. All the products we carry bear the ENERGY STAR seal and have excellent NFRC ratings. We demystify what each metric means and help you make informed decisions.
Put a Premium on Welded Corners
High-quality vinyl windows have welded corners. Most the frames of inferior products are usually just screwed together, increasing the chances of eventual air leakage. Welding renders units unbreakable and uncompromisingly weathertight, which helps prevent unwanted drafts and heat loss. Our Soft-Lite products have welded sashes and frames, making them far from effective in minimizing air infiltration.
Scrutinize the Warranty
Premium windows come with powerful warranties. Otherwise, manufacturers wouldn’t have confidence in backing them up against defects over a long period. As a credentialed contractor, we give you access to stellar window warranties in the industry. All the manufacturers we represent believe in the quality of service we bring to the table. In turn, they let us give customers the strongest guarantees they offer.
At All States Home Improvement, you’ll find nothing but high-quality vinyl replacement windows. Call our Wichita, KS, office at (316) 444-1220 right now for your free, in-home consultation. We’ll be glad to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation at your convenience.
