Vinyl windows are one of the most revolutionary breakthroughs in building technology of the last 100 years. Not only do they look great and seal your home up tight but they’re endowed with incredible durability which makes them one of the most attractive home improvement value propositions available. However, in spite of their proven track record some homeowners have doubts about whether these windows can stand up to the unforgiving climate of a place like Toronto. So in this post we’ll take a look at what makes vinyl replacement windows such tough customers and see if we can’t dispel some of those doubts as well.
The Impressive Durability of Vinyl Windows
In an age of dwindling resources vinyl replacement windows have earned a spot in the pantheon of building solutions that have responded positively to the challenge. Not the least among their many attributes is their amazing durability, even when faced with the most extreme environments. To understand how they do it you first need to understand the concept of weatherability.
- What is weatherability? – Weatherability is defined as a material’s ability to retain its integrity in the face of difficult or extreme environmental conditions including, but not limited to, rain, snow, temperature extremes, acid rain and UV light. A highly weatherable product will not display discoloration, disintegration (either external or internal), visible wear and tear or any other type of failure as a result of environmental conditions.
- How is it achieved? – The primary agent that provides a vinyl window its weatherability is Titanium Dioxide or TiO2. TiO2 is a naturally occurring chemical used primarily in pigments. Artists have long appreciated the bright, durable quality of TiO2 and put it to work in oil paints commonly sold as Titanium White. When added during vinyl production this chemical creates windows that hold their white lustre and resist degradation.
Weatherability is one reason vinyl windows are such a good match for the extreme environment of Ontario, another is the state-of-the-art double-pane glass employed to create an insulative barrier between you and the elements.
How They Work
Dual pane windows work by disrupting the window’s ability to conduct heat. The space between the panes of glass provides a buffer zone that prevents cold from penetrating inward and heat from escaping outward. Some double-pane windows employ an inert gas between the panes that aids in the window’s insulative ability. Dual pane windows provide other benefits as well.
- Superior noise reduction – Most people who replace their old, wooden, single-pane windows with today’s double-pane windows are shocked at how much quieter their homes become. That’s because the same buffer zone that breaks up heat conduction also absorbs sound.
- Significantly lower energy bills – Few other changes you can make to your home will provide the bottom line savings that vinyl, double-pane windows will. If you’re replacing leaky old wood framed windows your monthly savings could be dramatic.
- A more comfortable house – Double-pane vinyl windows will transform your home into a model of comfort and efficiency. No more sweaters at the dinner table. No more placing rolled up towels along the bottom of the doors to keep out drafts. Your home will be sealed against the elements and your quality of life will take a substantial step upward.
If you’ve had enough of trying to squeeze one more winter out of your decrepit, single-pane wooden windows call the experts at Toronto Doors and Windows and find out how affordable replacing those old windows with new double-pane, vinyl windows can be. Due to their incredible durability you’ll be making a long-term investment in the well-being of your home and everyone who lives there.