Why Buy Vinyl Windows & Patio Doors?
Best Option for Albuquerque’s Climate
Vinyl windows and glass patio doors have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their numerous advantages over traditional window materials such as wood or aluminum. Vinyl windows and doors are a great choice for homeowners who want energy-efficient, low-maintenance, affordable, and customizable windows and doors that can enhance their home’s aesthetic and value.
Vinyl Window & Doors Benefits
Here are some reasons why vinyl windows and patio doors are a great choice:
Energy Efficient
Vinyl windows and doors are excellent insulators and can help reduce energy costs by keeping heat inside during the winter and outside during the summer.
Low Maintenance
Unlike wood windows and doors that need to be sanded, painted, and stained regularly, vinyl windows and doors are virtually maintenance-free. They do not rot, corrode, or fade over time, making them a durable and long-lasting option.
Affordable
Vinyl windows and doors are one of the most affordable window materials on the market. They are often less expensive than wood or aluminum windows and can offer comparable energy efficiency and durability.
Variety
Vinyl windows and doors are available in a wide range of styles, colors, and sizes, making them easy to customize to fit any home’s aesthetic and design needs.
About Energy-Star Window Ratings
U-Factor ( ↓ 0.30)
U-factor is a measure of the rate of heat transfer through the window assembly, including the frame and glazing. The lower the U-factor, the more energy-efficient the window is, as it will transfer less heat from the interior of the building to the exterior. For our area in the Albuquerque region, U-Factor needs to be below 0.30 to qualify as Energy Star Rated.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, SHGC ( ↓ 0.30)
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient measures the heat gain from the sun entering your home. It indicates how well a window can block heat from the sun. A lower SHGC means that the window will transmit less solar heat, while a higher SHGC means that more solar heat will be transmitted through the window. For our area in the Albuquerque region, SHGC needs to be below 0.30 to qualify as Energy Star Rated.
Visible Transmittance (VT)
Visible Transmittance is a measure of how much natural/visible light is transmitted through a window or other glazing material without transmitting heat. A high VT allows more natural light into a building, which can help reduce the need for artificial lighting and improve indoor comfort. However, the VT of a window can also affect privacy and glare and may need to be balanced with other factors such as solar heat gain and energy efficiency.
Air Leakage
Air leakage refers to the amount of air that can pass through a window, which can contribute to energy loss and drafts in a building. To meet Energy Star requirements, windows must have a maximum allowable air leakage rate, which varies depending on the window type and size. The allowable air leakage rate is determined by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), which tests windows to determine their energy performance.