Vinyl Replacement Windows, Doors, USA, PVC, Aluminium

Ask an Expert - USA Miscellaneous

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Ref:03
Question submitted by Rich

I'm doing a bathroom makeover. Plan to install a bay window with side opening windows. Concerned about moisture effects on window frame. Would like anderson brand, but i'm told that inside components are wood. I'm being told not to worry about moisture. Should I steer away from Anderson and use all vinyl.
 

This Question answered by Brendan Bermingham. (Brendan sells Anderson Windows in the UK - so we are not suggesting he can be impartial. Hopefully it will be some use in any case.) I am very familiar with the Anderson product. Andersen windows and doors are solid wood with a Permashield exterior coating, the idea being that you have a non maintenance exterior (available in white or two shades of brown). The inside can be varnished or stained to suit your requirements or for a very small fee the interior can be pre-finished white in the factory so you never need to paint again. Andersen have been manufacturing windows and doors since 1903, and they are the world's largest window company. Regarding moisture in a bathroom you will of course have to finish and protect the inside wood surface with a suitable product, but after that is done moisture will not be a problem. It sounds to me that you have been talking to a company that only manufactures vinyl windows and rather than talking about the advantages of their product they "knock" everybody else's products. You may be interested to know that spares for Andersen Windows and Doors are available going back to 1960. Andersen in my opinion offer an unrivalled warranty. Brendans website can be found at http://www.thebbgroup.co.uk/

Ref:02
Question submitted by Lidia

I'm trying to purchase vinyl replacement windows, but I am confused about all vinyl windows and vinyl windows with aluminum reinforcements throughout the frame. Both windows have the welded frames. The salesmen for the all vinyl windows claim that aluminum reinforcements are not necessary because their vinyl frames are thick and will not bow or sag. The salesmen also say that the only reason a company would use aluminum reinforcements is because their vinyl thickness is inferior. The salesmen with the aluminum reinforced vinyl windows claim that their windows are superior to an unreinforced vinyl window because the aluminum adds strength and durability to the window. Does the thickness of the vinyl have anything to do with reinforcing or not reinforcing the frame? If the answer is yes, should I pay more for the reinforced framed window? They are more expensive. Which do you suggest?

This question answered by Chris Edwards of Total Remodeling NJ - Aluminum reinforcement is a desirable addition to a replacement window. In most instances, this would be considered an upgrade since by definition a product with more features will offer additional benefit. In the instance of a double hung, it would be advantageous to have the meeting rails reinforced which will add rigidity to the sash in an important area. It will prevent service problems in the long term and provide additional security for any locking mechanism. Reinforcement of additional areas should add integrity to the finished product and the addition of foam in the sash further enhances thermal efficiency. Companies providing reinforcement are no more or less likely to have thicker vinyl. Since vinyl thickness differs by only thousands of an inch, this would not appear to affect performance. Yes - you would expect to pay more for a reinforced window. Chis Edwards web site can be found at http://www.totalremodeling.com/

Ref:01
Question submitted by Bean

I am purchasing all "new" construction windows for my home. One window is required to be a "replacement" type. Where can find a "replacement window" with white on the outside and wood finish on interior ??? I live in NY,NY (question edited).

This Question answered by Tina Dunlop - We contacted our friends at www.improveitNOW.com for some advice on this. Apparently there are several specialty dealers in the NY area that sell White Exterior/Woodgrain Interior PVC Double Hungs. The Woodgrain is a laminant - not actual wood - but looks like woodgrain. To answer your question fully we would need to know what type of window (Double Hung, Slider, Casement) and what color grain would be O.K. ( They are usally a Cherry or Oak color). This would help www.improveitNOW.com suggest a manufacturer in the NY area. You may telephone them on 800-456-1522.