Over the last several years, improvements in the quality of the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material that is used for windows have made them nearly as good as wood for insulation. Aluminum frames, on the other hand, are poor insulators, so replacing them with vinyl can produce a great savings on energy costs. Besides the matter of insulation, another primary reason for window replacement is to restore an attractive appearance to the home.

Double hung windows are those which have two sashes, each in a separate track, which can be slid up or down as desired. In a single hung window, in contrast, only the bottom sash moves up or down. Double hung windows are appropriate to many different styles of home and interior design.

Frames may be screwed or welded at the corners. Welded frames are stronger and more resistant to air leaks. For this reason, the welded frames are most often seen, especially in higher end windows. The material used for weather stripping is the other main variable in energy efficiency. Foam is best. Windows with multiple panes, creating a dead air space, have even more insulating ability.

In contrast to the earliest versions of vinyl windows, the modern frames are much more resistant to the damaging effects of UV light and expansion and contraction in response to environmental conditions. To make them less susceptible to deformation from long periods in the hot sun, high quality vinyl windows are constructed with extra chambers internally that serve to reduce the impact of heat. The top of the line models can have as many as 15 chambers.

All the features that can be found in wood and aluminum windows can be found in windows with vinyl frames. High-quality glazing produces glass panes with insulating and low emission characteristics. The PVC is infused with color, so painting is unnecessary, and it has been treated to be highly resistant to fading. White and almond are the most common colors. They are also found with a woodgrain texture. Dark colors are less common because they absorb heat, reducing the insulating ability of the window.

The installation of double-hung vinyl windows is simple and can be tackled by most homeowners. All that’s needed is some basic tools, including a circular saw. Cleaning and maintenance of vinyl windows is easy, too. Many have a tilt-in sash which enables easy cleaning of the exterior glass surface. Vinyl frames don’t require oiling, painting, or weatherproofing as wood does, and they don’t dent or corrode as aluminum can.

Windows are typically custom built, so accurate measurements are critical. Each window should be measured separately, even if they look the same size. Minor variations can be significant enough to result in a window that is loose, or too large to fit in the opening.

For replacement of old leaky windows, double hung vinyl windows are a top choice. They are highly insulating, which translates to reduced energy costs. They are durable, easy to care for, and attractive, enhancing any home.

Are you looking for more information regarding double hung vinyl windows? Visit http://www.vinylwindowtoday.com/ today!

Are you looking for more information regarding double hung vinyl windows? Visit http://www.vinylwindowtoday.com/ today!

Author Bio: Are you looking for more information regarding double hung vinyl windows? Visit http://www.vinylwindowtoday.com/ today!

Category: Home Management
Keywords: double hung vinyl windows