When you ask many homeowners about windows, the only ones that they can usually tell you about are vinyl windows. The manufacturers of vinyl windows were very good at getting the word out about their less expensive replacement window option and many homeowners did indeed replace their old windows with the new vinyl.Now that vinyl has been on the market for a while though, homeowners are finding out that vinyl may not be everything that they were promised.What are Vinyl Windows Made Out Of?Vinyl windows are made from a process that takes oil (or natural gas) and combines it with water and salt. The material that it creates is resistant to weather, mold, mildew, rust, and doesn’t have to be repainted.However, it is not resistant to temperature changes. It is affected by heat and cold, and gets soft when it is exposed to the heat of the sun. When the material gets soft it warps; which can directly damage the window and affect its energy efficiency.Fibrex Windows: An Alternative to VinylMany homeowners have never heard of Fibrex because it is not something that is available everywhere. Fibrex is a material that was created by Andersen after over 90 years of research into alternative ways to create the best windows possible for our clients.Fibrex is made from a combination of recycled wood fibers and thermoplastic polymer. Just like vinyl, it is also resistant to weather, mold, mildew, rust, and doesn’t have to be repainted. Fibrex is not affected by the heat or cold like vinyl is.How Both Vinyl Windows and Fibrex Windows Affect the EnvironmentVinyl:
Fibrex:
Renewal by Andersen's team members are happy to answer any questions you have about replacement window options. Contact us at the showroom or schedule an in-home consultation today!