There are 19 manufacturers of vinyl windows, and each has multiple reasons why their product is the best. Then how does the consumer sort out the claims and find the Best Vinyl Windows. One expert source for rating the quality and energy efficiency of vinyl windows has identified a manufacturer of the best vinyl windows.
The National Fenestration Rating Council agrees with this claim by examining the energy efficiency and quality of the products. A word of caution is appropriate; the energy bill savings on any vinyl window will take decades to pay for the windows. Saving energy as an environmental commitment is good, but installing vinyl windows for the cost savings is a misguided action.
However, the Best Vinyl Windows should come with a set of metrics to help the consumer decide which window will provide the best energy savings and the most comfort. Starting with the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), this number should be between 0 and 1. A low number indicates that the window is good at blocking the heat from the sun. The Visible Transmittance (VT) tells the consumer the visible light a window allows. This number should be between 0 and 1, and the better number is a lower number.
Vinyl windows have an R-value which indicates the windows ability to block heat flow. A greater R-value indicates the window has effective insulating properties. A low U-factor indicates effective thermal insulation properties. Vinyl windows will raise the comfort level of your home throughout the year.
Look for a vinyl window that has the color fully integrated. This feature means the frames and sash will never require painting which is a money saving feature in the long run. These vinyl windows will resist dirt and pollution. Vinyl windows can survive harsh weather conditions every year for a long time.
Many home-owners like the ease of operating the windows. They are lighter in most instances than the traditional wood windows, and they do not swell when the seasons change. Safety guards can be installed on these windows to prevent children from falling out. WebMD.com reports that over 5,000 children a year fall out of windows, and some children suffer closed head injuries that will affect their lives forever. Click Here for more information.