Rating vinyl windows

Ask questions that only the experts can answer! Visit the Vinyl Windows board today. Then "Search" the board and ask a window professional! Andersen windows vs Anlin windows or perhaps Okna This inherent flexibility makes installing vinyl windows much simpler and faster as compared to windows comprised of other materials. Vinyl Windows Reviews — Cons. Vinyl Windows Cons: Vinyl windows can not be painted Over time, the vinyl in vinyl windows might start to discolor due to excessive sun exposure.

There is much debate as to just how eco-friendly vinyl windows are. Vinyl Windows Reviews — Brands. We are proud to serve customers Nationwide! Fortunately lots of information is at your disposal for an informed choice. Vinyl windows may not be the right choice for all old houses, specifically when maintaining historical integrity of an old house, so be sure to look into all of your options when researching replacement windows.

About the Author Suzanne Clemenz designed her passive solar home and interacted with the contractors every day of the 6-month project. She started drawing floor plans and making models in the early '70s after purchasing several building lots.

Recently she expanded and remodelled her newly-purchased home, working with contractors on the floorplan, electrical changes, painting, installation of wood laminate flooring, flood prevention walls and stonework, major drainage issues, an irrigation system and a landscaping.

Researching and keeping up on issues and products related to home design and maintenance is an ongoing avocation.

Inside Old House Web Recent Articles Recent Blog Posts Old house insulation: common problems and solutions Energy efficient and authentic: home windows for old house styles Old house winterizing: Be ready when the temperature drops Queen Anne homes: an American original Old house additions: how to add on a sunroom The top old house expos in the U.

Remove the window trim to make sure there are no cracks or crevasses for noise to penetrate around the frame will have positive results. If there are, fill them with sound absorbing material.

Additionally, make sure partition walls are insulated to absorb sound. Another way is to add a storm panel that fits tightly into the window frame and is well sealed to prevent noise penetration. Building a window plug to temporarily or permanently block the window and decrease sound movement is another possibility. For other suggestions, check out my post about how to soundproof a window. The STC Rating for Windows identifies how different glass types and thicknesses, plus the airspace between glazing in a window, and the frame material can decrease sound transmission.

The best windows to block sound are dissimilar laminated panes with a wide air gap between the glass plates. They are also known as acoustic windows. I hope you found this article informative and useful. If you know someone who might be interested in the topic, pass it on.

Your comments and suggestions are appreciated. I work with noise all day, so I enjoy any peace and quiet I can find. I began looking at ways to improve the sound quality of my home and to make a soundproof office for myself. I created this blog to share what I learned and to make it easier for you to improve your quiet space too. I have a busy road behind my 23 year old original window house. I plan on installing myself but would like your advice on how to go about ordering them.

From where and what brand? I see many comments on different sites saying stay away from big box stores. So where do I start? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Quite often the problem with big box stores is the staff. Tend to be order takers. I see that you have a Pella outlet in Raleigh. As an old Pella window installer, they would be my first choice.

Their DGP glass system should allow you to get the interior panel made of laminated glass. You could also try the Anderson window outlet. With that and the wall thickness you should be able to get an accurate quote, and it should fit when you get it.

They have the dissimilar glass with one pane laminated. The brochure from the window manufacturer says proper insulation around the window is important. They can provide polyfoam wrap with their windows.

The contractor is asking me to approve a quote from the distributor that includes hilti foam, not polyfoam wrap. Apparently hilti is an expanding spray. What do you think about this? If I need to get my own polyfoam wrap, what would you recommend?

Thank you! I really appreciate your website. I have installed hundreds, if not thousands of windows and doors and used hundreds of cans of Hilti foam.

Low Expansion Hilti foam is an excellent insulator and gap sealer, but not very good at soundproofing. The batts should be cut or pulled apart to fit and not packed tight.