Choosing Between Fibrex and Vinyl Windows in Kentucky

windows look like on your home, but also what they are made of. There are many different choices of window material we could go over with you, but for today we are going to concentrate on only two – Fibrex and vinyl.

Fibrex is a material that is exclusive with Andersen Windows as it a material that we created through years and years of research. Vinyl is one of the more popular window materials at this time and a less expensive alternative to windows made from other materials.What Are Vinyl and Fibrex Made From?Vinyl is made through a process that takes oil or natural gas, and combines it with water and salt. This combination and process creates a product that is weather, mold, mildew, and rust resistant.Fibrex is a material made from recycled wood fibers and a thermoplastic polymer. It was the result of over 90 years of research by Andersen Windows, and is also weather, mold, mildew, and rust resistant.What’s the difference between the two materials?Vinyl is affected by temperatures and Fibrex is not. When the temperature gets too high, or the vinyl is being directly hit with the sun’s rays it gets soft and changes shape. When it changes shape it affects the integrity of the Louisville window.Different Environmental ImpactsVinyl and Fibrex each affect the environment differently. Here are what experts have to say about vinyl:

• “They're recyclable. Vinyl, like other thermoplastics, can easily be melted and remolded into new products without losing its chemical characteristics. According to the American Architectural Manufacturing Association, vinyl production is more than 99% efficient, and, in 1997, more than a half-million tons of the plastic were recovered and recycled into other useful products.” (National Association of Certified Home Inspectors)
• “When PVC burns it lets off toxic gases such as hydrogen chloride long before it ignites. Then as it burns it continues to leave behind toxic dioxin waste.” (University of California, Davis)

• “…manufacturing vinyl it may cause the following: Cancer, Endometriosis, Neurological damage, Immune System damage, Respiratory problems, Liver and Kidney failure and birth defects.” (University of California, Davis)

Here are some facts about Fibrex:

• The insulating properties of Fibrex allow less energy to be used to keep the interior of a home to a comfortable temperature. With less energy being needed to regulate the temperature inside a home, fewer of our natural resources are being used to create energy for that home.
• A Fibrex frame does not use any wood preservatives, so Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions are reduced. At a high enough concentration, these emissions are harmful to both humans and plants.
• Fibrex is made from recycled material. Fibrex is a blend of 40% wood fiber and 60% thermoplastic polymer. The wood fiber is reclaimed material from the Andersen manufacturing process and even part of the thermoplastic polymer is reclaimed. In addition to other materials being recycled to make Fibrex, even pre-consumer Fibrex is recycled to make new Fibrex.

So which one should you choose? That is up to you. As a homeowner all you can do is take the facts and make a decision as to which Louisville windows are best for you and your budget.