You may think that vinyl windows come from only one material – polyvinyl chloride (PVC). That’s true, but not all vinyl used in manufacturing windows is the same. The ecoSystem 365 window system, for instance, is different from windows from other competitors in terms of composition. In the last installment of our product spotlight, we take a look at the variations of manufactured vinyl in windows.
Types of Manufactured Vinyl Used in Windows
At first glance, vinyl windows look identical regardless of the brand. Even so, the type of window produced varies immensely in terms of quality and durability.
- Virgin vinyl – This refers to vinyl windows that are “made from scratch” or manufactured using first-generation vinyl resin. They may come at a higher cost, but they are the stronger, more pliable and longer lasting that other in the market.
- Reground or recycled vinyl – This refers to vinyl windows that utilize recycled vinyl. They may be cheaper, but their quality is not what you expect. For one, they have a much weaker frame, which means they are likely to warp, discolor and fade faster when exposed to the elements.
- Combination vinyl – These vinyl windows combine virgin and recycled vinyl. In the market, they are sometimes referred to as 100% virgin vinyl despite the addition of recycled materials. The quality of combination vinyl windows depends on the ratio of virgin to recycled vinyl.
Our ecoSmart360 Windows
Local home remodeling contractor, STL Design and Build, offers ecoSmart 365 windows. They have fusion-welded sashes and frames made from virgin vinyl. The largest competitor, meanwhile, offers windows made of engineered wood with sawdust.
With features like the SmartCore foam insulation, ecoCore reinforcement, triple-pane glass with krypton gas fill and efficient non-metallic spacer, our vinyl windows are the perfect window system to meet the high demands of our unpredictable weather. Expect significant savings in energy bills as well if you invest. They’re also backed by some of the comprehensive warranties in the industry.
The STL in our company stands for “Sky’s The Limit,” which is our daily reminder that we want to deliver STL service and STL quality. Whether you need help with your deck design or look to improve your home with new windows, expect nothing but top-notch products and workmanship. Call us today at (314) 736-5800, or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.