Vinyl windows are all the rage, but what exactly makes them so special? Let’s review a few items of interest before you install vinyl windows from the best vinyl window brands in your Sonoma, CA home:

For starters, vinyl is either new or recycled. Both types are virtually maintenance-free. But the make-up of the vinyl is not as important as the thickness. Vinyl thickness is a good gauge of quality. If cross-sections of the competing windows are available, take a look at the frames and whenever possible, measure the thickness. Thicker and heavier is almost always better, but realize that it may cost a little more too.

Read also: Best Vinyl Window Choice

Every Corner Tells a Story

The corners of vinyl windows can tell a huge story. Many vinyl windows Long Beach, CAmanufacturers use a technology called fusion-welding, which basically fuses the corners together to form a nearly unbreakable and impenetrable joint. Other vinyl manufacturers have corners that are screwed together or chemically welded, which could leak over time.

The NFRC and You

According to the National Federation Rating Council (a non-profit organization created by the window, door and skylight industry whose primary goal is to provide accurate information to measure and compare the energy performance of window & door products) there are established minimum performance standards for windows.

A typical NFRC label allows you to easily compare the performance levels of competing windows. An NFRC label contains 4 categories and corresponding test values.

U-Factor: This is also known as the U-Value. The U-Value measures how well a window or door prevents heat from escaping. Remember: Lower is better when comparing U-Values.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): SHGC measures how well a window or door blocks heat caused by sunlight. SHGC is expressed as a value between 0 and 1. Remember: Lower is better when comparing SHGC.

Visible Light Transmittance (VT): The VT measures how much light comes through a window or door. VT is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The higher the VT, the more light is being transmitted.

Condensation Resistance (CR): CR measures the ability of a window or door to resist the formation of condensation on the interior surface of the product. CR is expressed as a number between 0 and 100. Remember: the higher the CR rating, the better.

Read also: Important of Vinyl Windows

Always check the NFRC sticker. It will tell you the glass make-up of the product you’re assessing. If you’re not sure, ask. If energy-efficiency is your top priority, look for products that carry the Energy Star label.

Meanwhile, YOU are our top priority. We will create the best Orange County vinyl windows solution for your home. California Window and Solar is conveniently located at 2915 Red Hill Ave Ste B104 Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Our showroom hours are Monday-Friday 9-5 and Saturdays from 9-3. Better yet, why not schedule a free in-home estimate! Outside of Costa Mesa, call us toll-free at 1-949-284-7483 or locally just dial (949) 284-7483. It’s that simple! Stop by, give a call or shoot us an email!

California Window and Solar. Doing great things for homes for over 55 years.