Vinyl Window Frames
Plastic, vinyl, PVC, and uPVC are all used almost interchangeably by most of us. Vinyl window frames are plastic. That’s right- plastic. But not all plastics are created equal. Think of the things you know as vinyl, like the stuff that looks and feels pretty much like leather, vinyl porch furniture that is flimsy and gets killed with the Florida sun, and even vinyl flooring. Plastics are everywhere- and we think of all these as completely different products, but they are all some kind of plastic, items with astoundingly different qualities. Your car probably has plastic bumpers. The plastic used there certainly is different than the plastic in the bottle of water you buy. In the 1800’s when vinyl chloride […]
Replacement Window Styles
There are really only a few replacement window styles to choose from. Single Hung Replacement Window Most Vinyl Single Hung windows are manufactured to allow the bottom sash to be raised and then tilted in for cleaning, eliminating the need to remove the screen. Note that the screen on the bottom half darkens and slightly obscures vision. Double hung windows usually can be ordered with either full screens or half screens. If you plan to open both the top and bottom sashes at the same time you will need full screens. Double Hung Replacement Window This is a replacement window style that most people choose. Note the full screen on this Double Hung. These offer motion of the top and […]
Replacement Window Limited Warranties
The first place I worked as a replacement window salesman was a window manufacturing company. It really spoiled me. They offered a Lifetime Warranty that covered most everything that could happen to their window. First, it was a heavy aluminum framed window so not much could happen there beyond paint chipping. Second, it was only single pane glass, so there was no fear of seal failure. I was able to offer everyone I sold windows to a Lifetime Warranty that made them feel protected. It was great. Years later I opened my own company as a distributor for many manufacturers. We told customers that we could give them choices. I had single pane aluminum from two or three different manufacturers. […]
Replacing Windows
Replacing windows in the Tampa Bay area has certainly gotten more difficult. Many people who are good with tools and understand construction consider replacing their own windows themselves. If you are one of these brave folks, this is for you. Sizing When Replacing Windows If you are replacing windows in the typical Florida home you will either have a block constructed home or a wood framed. Chances are standard size windows were used when the home was first build. Florida standard window sizes have remained consistent for years, so you will have an easy time matching the original size with new windows. 53 1/8” x 50 5/8” is a standard size window here in the Tampa Bay region. If your […]
Impact Windows
Over the last 20 years, while I was offering windows to Tampa Bay area residents, I have seen huge changes in window requirements. The legislated mandate that windows in much of the state be impact rated, to me, is far overblown. I do have mixed feelings when it comes to impact windows. They are expensive, though some manufacturers have found ways to cut corners with cheaper components for their impact windows to bring down prices. I know of one impact window manufacturer that is now using low grade laminate glass that tends to distort the world outside, but it did bring down the cost of their impact windows. Impact windows are heavy. We installed double hung impact windows for a […]
Best Windows for Energy Saving
To pick the best windows for energy saving you have to consider your local climate. In Maine your windows will drop your energy cost if they allow the sun’s light to heat up your home and help trap that heat inside. Air conditioning isn’t your energy problem. In Florida it’s quite the opposite. You might have a few days each year when you enjoy feeling the heat of the sun taking the chill off the wintery morning, but the best windows for energy saving here need to stop heat flow. They need to keep heat out in the warm months and hold heat in on those days when temperatures drop. When you put your hand on your aluminum framed windows […]
