You have decided on vinyl as the material of choice for your new replacement windows. Unfortunately, not all vinyl windows are created equal. There are many components and processes that can be used to make a vinyl replacement window. This guide points out three specific features to consider when shopping for vinyl replacement windows.

The frame
The main frame of a window can be considered the most important part of the window design because it provides the structural integrity of the window. All houses experience constant changes and movements during their lifetime. To combat these movements, look for windows with fully welded frames. Windows that are mechanically fastened, chemically glued, or not fully welded are structurally weaker and can bend or crack during temperature changes and movement.

Find out about the quality of vinyl used in window profiles below. Ask your contractor if there is a significant percentage of “regrind” or recycled vinyl in the frame. Windows that use a significant amount of shredded material are weaker because chemicals are added to increase the strength of the recycled vinyl.

Lastly, does the vinyl replacement window have a proper drainage system? A drainage system channels water away from the window and your home, reducing water infiltration.

Insulating glass systems
Glass makes up nearly 80% of a window and dictates a window’s thermal performance. Look for windows with double or triple glazed glass packages with Low-E coatings filled with Argon or Krypton gas. Low-E glass contains microscopic coatings that act as a filter. In summer, Low-E glass allows a large amount of visible light to pass through while blocking infrared solar energy, keeping rooms cooler. In winter, glass helps keep rooms warmer by reflecting heat back into the home while letting in the sun’s warm rays. The results are simple…lower energy costs! Plus, Low-E glass blocks harmful UV rays, helping to reduce fading on carpets and furnishings in your home. Insulating gases, such as Argon or Krypton, can be added to the air gaps in glass units. Both gases are denser than air and prevent the formation of convection currents, reducing heat transfer between the interior and exterior of your home. This improves the comfort of your home while lowering your heating and air conditioning bills.

balance system

If you buy the most popular style on the market, double sash vinyl replacement windows, the type of balance system used is the primary factor in how easy the window frames are to operate. A balance system applies tension to the blade holding it in the desired position and allows the blade to easily move up and down. The three main types of balance systems that are available include the constant force balance, the spiral balance, and the lock and tackle balance.

Constant force balance works by utilizing a coiled steel spring to counteract the weight of a window frame. The number of coils used in the constant force balance system is determined by the weight of the sheet, requiring single, double, or even triple coils. As the number of coils increases, they limit the travel and exit of the window.

And just like a tape measure with dirt on the spool sticks and is difficult to put back in the box, the spool at a constant force balance will stick when dirt and debris get into the spool. This causes difficulty in the operation of the window.

The spiral balance is based on the tension applied to a spiral rod inside a balance tube. Tension is applied by turning the coiled rod that extends from the bottom of the tube in a counterclockwise direction. As more revolutions are applied, more tension is applied to the spring, allowing it to counteract the weight of the blade. As the weight of the blade increases, more turns are required on the flywheel, which increases the pressure on the internal spring. This pressure can make the window sash difficult to raise and lower, weaken the balance, and eventually lead to balance failure, causing the upper sashes to fall and the lower sashes to not stay up.

Block and Tackle balance systems are more advanced in design and technology than in years past. Today, Block and Tackle scales are considered a checkweighing system. The system works by using a series of pulleys to convert the minimum stretch of a coil spring into the required amount of leaf travel.

Block and Tackle balance systems use compound cords to connect the coil spring to the balance shoe. This compound blend is used in ropes for mountain climbing and other high tension applications. Plus, Block and Tackle balance systems never need lubrication or adjustment to ensure proper function.

This weight control system is designed to counteract the exact weight of each sheet. On average, the block and tackle scale has 40% less operating force than the spiral scale.

So when you shop around for vinyl replacement windows, look for a window system that has fully welded frames and sashes, high-performance insulating glass packages, and a block and tackle weight control system. When these three features are combined, you can be sure you are purchasing a window system that will provide years of strength, comfort, energy savings and ease of operation.