PART 1: THE MANY BENEFITS OF VINYL

Over the years, technological advances have been made, improving vinyl as a window frame material. This has resulted in many benefits that homeowners looking for window replacements can enjoy, especially those interested in replacing their wood windows. Vinyl is an ideal alternative to wood because:

IT COMES IN MANY COLORS AND DESIGNS

Because vinyl is easily molded into different shapes, just about any design of window can be made to order with the material. Additionally, it is available in a very wide range of colors and textures -- some even mimicking the look and feel of wood -- giving you replacement windows exactly how you want them.

IT OFFERS VALUE FOR MONEY

One of vinyl’s best selling points is that it is affordable. But more than just offering low upfront costs, the window material provides excellent value for money given how it performs and the price tag it carries.

IT REQUIRES LITTLE MAINTENANCE

Unlike wood, vinyl doesn’t need a lot of upkeep to keep performing well. It is resistant to scratches so it will never need touch-ups. Pigments are also integrated into the material during the manufacturing process so you’ll never have to scrape, stain or pain a vinyl window.

PART 1: THE MANY BENEFITS OF VINYL

IT IS ENERGY-EFFICIENT

With a low U-factor rating, vinyl provides great thermal insulation, helping ensure that indoor heat stays in and outdoor heat stays out. This aids in stabilizing indoor temperature, keeping your HVAC system from working overtime and helping you cut back on your electricity bill every month.

IT IS DURABLE

In addition to being resistant to fire, impact, moisture, and most common household chemicals, vinyl also stands up well against the elements, exposure to ultraviolet light, and the effects of extremes of temperature, rain, wind, snow and ice. Vinyl windows can be expected to last a long time, with many still perfectly serviceable even after 25 years of use.

IT IS ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

Despite being a plastic, vinyl is recyclable. This helps reduce trash in landfills from replacing windows, making it a green choice.

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Vinyl windows have a lot to offer. Do these correspond with what you should be looking for in a replacement window? Head on over to Part 2 of this ebook to learn more.

PART 2: WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A REPLACEMENT WINDOW

Replacing windows is a major investment so it’s important to ensure that you get the right replacements. Don’t let having a lot of options overwhelm you. To make it easier for you to zero in on the right replacement window, here are some things for you to consider:

Price is not always indicative of performance

Price is determined by several factors but you can generally expect that an expensive window replacement will offer you top-notch quality. However, don’t just merely look at the price tag to assess quality. Instead, check actual performance ratings. Different homes have different needs so ratings will help narrow down your choices into replacement windows that will suit your property perfectly.

It has to match your home’s architectural style

Many window types work well with a range of architectural styles but there are those that are particularly suited for a certain home style. For instance, minimalist sliding windows work best with more modern homes, while double hungs, with their timeless design, are excellent with more traditional home styles like American Farmhouse or Cape Cod. Going over libraries will help you visualize what a certain window type will look like on your home.

PART 2: WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A REPLACEMENT WINDOW

Know what you’re buying your windows for

Consider the rooms you’re buying windows for: do you need windows for ventilation, for lighting, or to help enhance the view? How squarely does the sun’s light enter through the window? The window’s purpose, and that of the room, will guide your choice of window.

Take advantage of customization options

Given the focus on quality that reputable manufacturers have, even their stock windows can be expected to perform well. However, they understand too that different homes have different needs so they have made customization options available to you. Even just choosing a different glass option can make the difference between a good and great replacement window. Don’t forget that windows let you harness both form and function so there will be options available as well to let you customize your replacement window’s appearance.

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Interested in getting a vinyl window? Check out Part 3 of this blog series for a quick guide on how to care for it.

PART 3: CARING FOR VINYL WINDOWS

One of the things vinyl windows are known for is how easy they are to clean and keep maintained. For many people this is the biggest reason to choose vinyl over wood and other window frame materials because you can’t put a price on convenience. No scraping. No staining. No painting. As long as you keep them clean and schedule regular checks, vinyl windows will pretty much be in good enough of a condition to last you for years.

How to Clean Vinyl Windows

For the most part, the occasional bout of heavy rainfall will keep vinyl windows clean. If you’ve run into a dry spell, however, or the regular rainfall in your area just isn’t enough to do the trick, you’ll have to break out your garden hose, a soft cloth or brush, and a cleaning solution. Some mild soap and water will do but feel free to use commercial cleaners if you want. Just make sure you follow usage instructions as stated.

Quick Cleaning Tips

- Don’t use anything abrasive or harshly formulated with alcohol or ammonia.

- If you’re looking at some mold and mildew, brew up a 30-70 mix of vinegar and water, spray on affected area, let sit for a few minutes, and rinse.

- Don’t clean your windows when it’s hot out. The heat will dry out your cleaning solution quickly, causing streaks. If you can’t avoid cleaning your windows when the weather is hot, make sure you rinse off your windows thoroughly and quickly to avoid streaks.

PART 3: CARING FOR VINYL WINDOWS

Easy Maintenance Tricks

- Keep moving parts lubricated to prevent a vinyl window from sticking.

- It is best to lubricate parts after cleaning the window, getting rid of debris that can cause friction and impede operation.

Outside of these things, all you’ll really need is to schedule a regular inspection for vinyl windows, especially after severe weather hits your area. A routine check will let you catch problems before they worsen, making for a quicker, more affordable fix. Want to learn more about making the most out of vinyl windows? Don’t hesitate to give your local window contractor a call.

Kroll Construction

29017 Ford Rd,Garden City, MI 48135

(888) 338-6340

KrollWindow.com