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Turning Your Home Into A Green Machine with Vinyl Windows
Written by Darin Wilson - General Manager Subruban Construction
Vinyl Windows are made of plentiful natural resources
The leading component in the production of vinyl is common salt, an abundant and inert natural resource. More than half
of vinyl resin is derived from salt, and natural gas or petroleum makes up the balence. Worldwide, vinyl protection accounts
for less than 0.3 percent of all annual oil and gas consumption and about 10 percent of annual salt consumption.
Vinyl are inherently fire retardant, meeting stringent fire requirements!
Vinyl products, which are based on a naturally fire retardant polymer, have excellent fire performance qualitites. Vinyl is
self-extingsuishing when a flame source is removed.
In addition, vinyl windows are able to meet building codes for ingnitability, flammability, heat release, burning rate, flame
spread and smoke density, according to John A. Sharry, former fire chief and past chairman of the National Fire Protection Association
Committee on Fire Fighter Occupational Safety and Health. Certain vinyl formulations are able to meet the stringent National Electrical
Code of the National Fire Protection Association for insulating electrical and data cables.
Most fire scientists recognize that the largest hazards in a fire are heat and carbon monoxide, an odorless asphyxiant gas produced
in abundance by all organic materials, natural and synthetic. The contribution of the combustion products from vinyl windows to the overall
toxic threat of fires containing many types of combustibles is significant.
Vinyl Windows Are Designed To Conserve Energy!
Vinyl window frames and sash corners are fusion welded for maximum strenght and protection against air and water infiltration. Tests using
the common measure of insulationg ability, the U-factor, have shown that vinyl windows regularly outperform competitive products becuase of the
excellent thermal performance of the frame, warm air stays inside during the winter and cool air stays inside during the summer. Energy is conserved
and money is saved when the furnace and air conditioner don't have to work so hard to maintain the desired temperature
Vinyl Windows Have A Winning Combination: High Durability, Low Maintenance!
Vinyl windows are impervious to rot, rust, corrosion, blistering, flaking and infestation by termites or other insects. Vinyl resists attacks
by fungus and mildew, and scratching a vinyl window will not require any touch-up. Even better, a heavy rain or simply washing with water and a
mild soap is all it takes to keep vinyl windows clean.
$125-$340
Annual savings on energy bills by replacing single pane windows with ENERGY STAR® vinyl windows
Savings estimates based on regional population-weighted regional average annual energy use for a 2,000 square foot, single story, detached house
with 15% glazing, gas heat and electric air conditioning. Estimates calculated using RESFEN 3.1 with default operational assumptions and window library.
Estimates use state average utility rates (EIA, August 2004). Actual savings will vary by climate region and home characteristics.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR® for Windows, Doors and Skylights
It's A Simple Goal In Modern-Day Home Life.....
Keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter,while keeping energy costs low. The excellent thermal properties of vinyl windows make that goal
attainable. The specially designed insulating airspace’s in vinyl window frames – combined with their low conductivity – make them a formidable barrier
to heat transfer. It’s easy to understand; “DEAD AIR INSULATES.”
U-Factor* Ranges For Various Frame materials
Frame Material U-Factor
Aluminum (no thermal break) 1.7 - 2.4
Aluminum (with thermal break) 0.6 - 1.3
Aluminum-clad wood/reinforced vinylwood and vinyl 0.4 - 0.6
Wood and Vinyl 0.3 - 0.5
Insulated Vinyl/ Insulated Fiberglass 0.2 - 0.4
Vinyl (Dead Air Insulated) 0.19 - 0.32
The lower the U-Factor the better the energy conservation!
Vinyl windows are so durable that the vast majority of them installed over the past 25 years are still in use!
Vinyl windows are so durable that the vast majority of them installed over the past 25 years are still in use! Over the last 25 years, residential vinyl
windows have shown an impressive growth history in North America. In the United States alone, more than 25 million residential vinyl window units were installed
in 2002, 46 percent of all residential windows sold. This growth is the result of vinyl windows’ ability to provide consumers with both environmental and economic
benefits – energy efficiency, low maintenance and exceptional durability.
When installed correctly and maintained properly, vinyl window products will deliver long and reliable
service and energy savings!
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