What are vinyl windows and are they a good choice for South Jersey homes?

Short Answer

Vinyl windows are window frames made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a durable, low-maintenance material that does not rot, corrode, or require painting. Vinyl windows are energy-efficient, affordable, and widely used in South Jersey. They are available in various styles and performance levels. The right choice depends on the home's needs, budget, and performance requirements.

Detailed Explanation

Vinyl windows are the most popular window type in residential construction due to their combination of affordability, low maintenance, and energy performance. The PVC frame material does not absorb moisture, so it won't rot, warp, or corrode like wood or some metal frames. Vinyl windows don't require painting — the color is integral to the material. They offer good thermal performance because vinyl is a poor conductor of heat, which means less heat transfer through the frame compared to aluminum. Vinyl windows are available in a range of styles — double-hung, casement, sliding, picture, and more — and performance levels, from basic builder-grade to premium high-efficiency units with features like low-E glass, argon gas fills, and warm-edge spacers. For South Jersey homes, vinyl windows are a practical choice for most applications. The key is selecting a product with the right performance metrics (U-factor and SHGC for our climate zone) and ensuring proper installation with correct flashing and integration with the wall assembly. Veterans Roofing installs vinyl windows as part of exterior renovation projects, and proper installation is critical — even the best vinyl window will leak if the flashing and integration with the weather-resistive barrier are not done correctly.

Questions to Ask Your Contractor

• ?What U-factor and SHGC ratings should I look for?
• ?Is this vinyl window ENERGY STAR qualified for my climate zone?
• ?How will the window be flashed and integrated with my wall assembly?