Surprising Reasons For Buying Vinyl Windows From Smaller Manufacturers

                                                                Photo of Don Young Vinyl Windows

With the multitude of vinyl window options for homeowners to choose from it can be challenging to research all of the information and figure out who manufactures the best vinyl windows that right for you.


The critical thing to know about vinyl replacement windows is that they’re not unproven for home window use. Homeowners have been buying replacement vinyl windows for about 50 years, and some vinyl compounds are now capable of lasting decades in Texas homes.

How is vinyl made?

Vinyl is made from two simple building blocks: chlorine from salt, and ethylene from natural gas. Then these two ingredients are further processed through chemistry to made vinyl for windows that are flexible and durable enough to last for years.

When it comes to making vinyl windows impact resistant, there are a few extra steps needed to address this issue adequately for long-term usage.

Polymers tend to become brittle when exposed to UV rays or low temperatures. To overcome this problem with vinyl windows acrylic based modifiers are used in the formulation process to retain impact strength. Lower priced vinyl windows use lower cost impact modifiers like CHLORINATED POLYETHYLENE which is insufficient for vinyl windows expecting to last twenty plus years in Texas.

Several additives are used in today's vinyl windows such as lubricants, heat stabilizers, plasticizers, impact modifiers, fillers, smoke suppressors and UV stabilizers. The amounts and kinds of these ingredients determine the cost of a vinyl window and how it is expected to perform in the harsh Dallas Fort-Worth climate.

Arent all vinyl windows basically the same?

No two vinyl window manufacturers are the same, but that does not mean there aren’t some essential commonalities either. There are small custom windows companies in Dallas that identify as premium made vinyl windows. These small companies that will custom make home windows are superior to the large brand names. Think of these smaller window companies like a microbrewery that care intensely about quality ingredients and service.

There's a trend with smaller window producers of making some of the best vinyl windows possible and focusing on consistent high-quality. The commitment to higher quality windows has some benefits: First quality has a powerful way of building an excellent reputation. Second these smaller companies with limited advertising budgets sell a better product at a better price because the goal with smaller window companies is to be lean and build better windows that get great reviews from their happy customers.

There is a demand for better custom windows, and small manufacturers fill this segment exceptionally well. And homeowners looking for the best locally made custom windows are being rewarded by choosing smaller companies with more efficient, less costly, and better quality windows.

When homeowners shop for new windows to replace the old ones, they look for better more efficient windows options that pack in the most value for their energy dollar,

 Smaller window companies are usually family owned and operated and bring a daily commitment and mindset of making better quality windows, and they are doing this with sweat equity and passion for the custom window craft.

 Many of the more prominent vinyl windows focus on selling the most windows (usually to the more competitive new construction industry), and that always means cost-cutting to get more business. But, this has an ugly side effect, and that is a reduction in overall quality of the window. To sell more windows at a cheaper price, guess what happens? A bunch of things you as a shopper of new windows cant see:

1.  Like thinner vinyl walled windows (up to 20% thinner than a premium vinyl windows).

2.  They use fewer amounts of costly ingredients like Titanium Dioxide and other more expensive compounds.

3.  The standard use of extra thin single strength glass is the apparent way that big companies cut cost. This thin single strength glass is easier cracked or broken during the installation process or small hail storms.

One word of caution to people shopping for new premium vinyl windows is to avoid recycled vinyl. Again the ways of cutting cost on vinyl windows are numerous and troubling for unknowing window shoppers.  Using recycled vinyl negatively affects the durability and longevity of the window.

Smaller companies that are focused on the replacement window business are building better products, and they avoid the good, better, best game. so they only use costlier pure virgin vinyl for every window they custom make, because it's stronger and more durable.

Is all vinyl used in windows the same?

One vinyl name that is popular in the micro custom window business in Deceuninck.

Deceunink formulates and extrudes laboratory-proven, and more importantly real-world proven vinyl compounds to withstand the harsh effects of Texas weather. Their vinyl compounds excel in durability against ultraviolet light, heat, and small hail penetration

Deceuninck vinyl compounds are a proven favorite with these small window producers, and some have been using this compound in Texas for over twenty years now.

The Deceuninck vinyl used by these micro window manufacturers exceed the standards for strength and color retention established by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA).

To go one step further to ensure the performance of vinyl used by these small producers they participate in third-party certification to guarantee that the vinyl used on the vinyl windows delivers as promised.

Premium vinyl windows have a lot of strengths like resistant to rot, insect and microbial damage, never require painting and are easy to clean with ordinary household cleaners, and are thermally efficient at a low price point compared to wood or fiberglass windows.

The difference between premium grade and low-grade, vinyl windows are the ingredients used and in what proportions.
 Premium vinyl windows have more Titanium Dioxide in the base compound, which helps prevent UV breakdown of the vinyl, which means the vinyl frames will remain flexible longer than low-grade vinyl. Having more of this one expensive ingredient "Titanium Dioxide" allows us to provide a high-quality longer lasting vinyl windows.

Using vinyl suppliers that are equipped with pharmaceutical-grade compounding and blending systems provide the highest consistency in vinyl window material. Consistent quality is what differentiates the smaller producers from the big window produces looking to save a few dollars wherever possible.

How do smaller companies make vinyl windows even better?

So, what are the other ways that a smaller manufacturer is making vinyl windows stronger and better?

The smaller companies use vinyl windows that are designed with multi-chambered thicker frames for added strength; similar to how a honey cone uses multiple chambers for strength and added support. The other part of making vinyl windows stronger is what you can't see, and that is added internal aluminum inside the frames where its needed to support heavy glass and to fasten locks to the operating sashes securely.
This added aluminum support ensure there is no sagging, twisting, or functional issues years down the road.

It's worth noting that many vinyl window manufacturers don't use adequate metal supports for add strength because of the added cost. The result of not using proper internal metal supports on a big window is homeowners noticed their vinyl windows beginning to sag, which causes windows not to lock or seal out air properly.

What are the advantages of vinyl windows?

Lower Price Point 

As compared to wood and fiberglass windows vinyl windows are the most cost-effective way to custom make replacement windows for homes.

High Energy Efficiency
Low air infiltration and little thermal transfer due to the non-conductive characteristics of vinyl make it an excellent choice for better energy efficiency.

Less Condensation 
Vinyl windows create, less condensation than wood or aluminum windows.

Maintenance

Vinyl windows require little upkeep and maintenance after they’re installed in your home because they never need to be re-painted, re-stained, and vinyl isn't prone to termite damage

Durability

The ability to heat weld vinyl frames make for stronger frame corners. With premium compounds, vinyl windows can last decades.

Return On Investment

When considering the return on investment, vinyl windows receive a higher resale value as compared to fiberglass or wood replacement windows. Vinyl windows have an ROI of around 72%, in the Dallas Fort-Worth markets making it one of the best remodeling investments in older homes.

The lower price-point, higher energy efficiency, low maintenance, and durability make vinyl replacement windows a great value.

Vinyl replacement windows are available in all the popular styles, including single-hung, double-hung, sliders, picture/fixed, casement,  so, you’re sure to find one for your home window needs.

The use of high quality formulated vinyl compounds cost a little more, but can't be beaten for excellent long-term performance for the life of the product, regardless of geographic location. You can be confident in purchasing premium vinyl windows because they are backed by a limited lifetime warranty against cracking, pitting, corroding and peeling.

Family owned smaller replacement window companies in the Dallas Fort-Worth area are providing homeowners with great vinyl windows at less money that will undoubtedly outlast the windows from the big named competition.

The replacement window professional in Dallas: Don Young Co.