When shopping for vinyl windows, you need to know that not all products are the same. You want to get the best bang for your buck, especially because new windows are a significant investment. Vinyl is a great window material! It is resilient, energy efficient, and versatile. The windows come in any number of styles so you are sure to find something that matches your taste and your budget. But how do you know you are getting a quality product? Here is what you need to know.

Don’t Rely on Price!
You’ve heard that you get what you pay for, but that isn’t always the case. So many factors contribute to the final price of vinyl windows—and choosing the most expensive option won’t always mean you get the best product! Instead, there are several other things to consider, such as…

1. Ask About the Ingredients
Vinyl is a polymer and each manufacturer has their own set of “special ingredients.” These fillers, plasticizers, and chemicals make up a unique material for each product. That said, there are some “ingredients” you want to look for. These include organic tin and titanium dioxide, which help prevent yellowing, improve strength and heat resistance. As a result, you get a stable, durable, high performance vinyl window.

2. Check the Corners
Modern manufactures piece a frame together in two ways. One is to use screws, brackets, and bonding material. The second is fusion-welding. The second option is much better because the manufacturer cuts the material to size, heats the edges, and welds the corners together to create a seamless finish. The chemical forms a tight bond, even down to the molecules. Instead of separate pieces, the frame is more like one single piece and the joints are unbreakable and impenetrable.

3. Count the Chambers
You will also want to check a cross section of the window frame. There, you will see a set of interlocking chambers. Windows with more chambers have better insulation and a more durable construction. The installers will fill these chambers with insulation. These windows will perform better in the Phoenix, AZ heat.

4. Read the Label
Last, but certainly not least, a great way to compare vinyl windows is by reading the labels. The National Fenestration Ratings Council (NRFC) tests each product and gives it a number rating for certain categories. You want to pay close attention to the U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, and Air Leakage ratings. These will tell you how well the product insulates against the heat. For our climate, lower is better.

The last thing you want is to settle for an inferior vinyl window in Phoenix, AZ. Once installed, quality vinyl windows will have a big impact on energy savings, noise reduction, and the look and feel of your home. When you choose Freelite, you can order premium vinyl windows. Each of our window products meet strict standards for efficiency, aesthetics, performance, and functionality. Still have questions about vinyl windows? Call us at (602) 233-1981 or visit our storefront at 331 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85003.