When you are looking for new windows for your home in Boise, ID, you may already know you want vinyl for the material. Vinyl is the most popular window material on the market today for a number of reasons. Just because you have made that decision does not mean you are done making choices. Vinyl windows are great, but not all vinyl windows are created equally. So how do you tell quality vinyl windows apart from those that are lacking? Use these tips to help.
Tip#1: Not all vinyl is the same
Vinyl is either newly made or recycled. Both are maintenance free, but they can be different in their thickness. Both types of vinyl can be thick so it doesn’t really matter if they are new or recycled. The thickness is the key. Check out a number of frames from the manufacturer you are considering and measure their thickness. The thicker and heavier the vinyl, the better. Keep in mind, thicker vinyl may cost more.
Tip#2: Check the corners
Looking at the corners of the vinyl windows can tell you a lot. Some manufacturers use fusion-welding technology on the corners, which fuses the corners together to form an unbreakable joint. Other companies screen together corners or weld them together with chemicals and those corners can leak over time. Choose the fusion-welding corners if at all possible.
Tip#3: Study the labels
It’s simple to compare the energy efficiency of vinyl windows just by looking at their labels. Once you get used to the ratings, you will start to see the differences and you will be able to judge which windows are better in terms of energy efficiency. You will want to know values that are good for U-Factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, Visible Light Transmittance, and Condensation Resistance, among other possible others.
Tip#4: Go with the Star
If you want energy efficiency, always get vinyl windows that have an Energy Star label. Energy Star is a program that the government backs in order to help consumers get superior energy efficiency in their products. There are two categories that help windows meet the Energy Star requirements: U-Value and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. Windows are also divided based on climate zones. The requirements are different in Idaho than they are in New York.
Tip#5: Don’t let the price dictate the purchase
Your budget is important when it comes to making any improvements to your home, but you shouldn’t let the bottom line be your only concern. If you want to get quality windows, you need to keep in mind that they often cost more. They are worth the investment, however. They will save you more on utilities, raise the value of your home, and last for decades.
Finding the right, high-quality vinyl windows in Boise, ID can take some time and effort, but your home is worth it. Call View Point, Inc. at 208-854-1877 for help with the process! You can also stop by our showroom at 6715 W State St, Boise, ID 83714.