When choosing replacement windows for your Indianapolis home, you’re likely to notice a lot of vinyl windows on the market. Vinyl windows are inexpensive, and they’re marketed as a low-maintenance alternative to older wooden windows. However, vinyl windows are not all that they’re cracked up to be, and there is a better option: Fibrex®. Here are a few things you need to know as you compare Fibrex versus vinyl windows for your Indianapolis home.
1. Fibrex windows are less susceptible to leaks.
You get what you pay for. This adage is definitely true when it comes to vinyl windows. Although they are cheap and may look nice at first, vinyl has some true durability issues, especially in climates like that of Indianapolis where the temperature and humidity levels are always changing. After a year or two, sometimes even less, the vinyl warps and begins pulling away from the glass window. This results in air leaks, which may cause condensation to appear between the glass panes. Leaky windows no longer provide the level of efficiency they claimed to offer when new. Fibrex is much more durable than vinyl; it resists warping and cracking so that leaks and condensation don’t become issues.
2. Fibrex windows look like real wood windows.
Vinyl is plastic, and it looks like plastic. While some like this smooth, sleek look, perhaps in a more modern home, it looks out of place in more traditional Indianapolis homes. Fibrex, on the other hand, is made from real wood fibers and looks very much like real wood. This gives your windows a more traditional look. Of course, you can still choose a sleek, white finish if you prefer.
3. Fibrex windows are made from more sustainable materials.
It’s no secret that plastics aren’t great for the planet. Fibrex, on the other hand, is made from the wood fibers leftover from other manufacturing processes. By making Fibrex windows from these wood fibers, they are prevented from being sent to the landfill. Plus, since Fibrex replacement windows are better insulators than vinyl windows, they result in even lower energy bills: another bonus for the environment.
4. Fibrex windows come with an excellent warranty.
Vinyl windows may be warrantied for a few years, and that’s because they typically only last a few years. Renewal by Andersen offers a 20-year warranty on Fibrex sashes and frames and glass, plus a 10-year warranty on window components, hardware and installation. If a company is willing to offer such an awesome product on a material, you can bet that it’s dependable. This long warranty period gives you peace of mind when you purchase Fibrex windows.
5. Fibrex windows require just as little maintenance as vinyl windows.
One of the main reasons people opt for vinyl windows is because they’re low-maintenance. You don’t have to sand, strip, or paint them like you do wood windows. They’re easy to wipe clean. However, Fibrex is just as low-maintenance as vinyl. The only thing you have to do is wipe it clean — there’s no painting or staining required!Before you spring for vinyl windows, make sure you thoroughly look into the better alternative: Fibrex windows. Fibrex offers many of the same benefits as vinyl, plus a whole lot more. Contact Renewal by Andersen to schedule a free, in-home consultation. We can tell you even more about the benefits of Fibrex versus vinyl for your Indianapolis home.
