Window frames are made from so many different types of materials nowadays that it is hard to know which material is the best. Many people automatically go with vinyl windows because of the price, and how popular they are right now with some window replacement companies. Here at Renewal by Andersen, we prefer window frames made with Fibrex because of how well the material stands up to the elements and help the environment.
Here is a little information on how the two different materials stack up against each other.
The Materials the Window Frames are Made Of
Fibrex window frames are made from a combination of recycled wood fibers and thermoplastic polymer. Vinyl window frames are made from a chemical process that combines water, salt and either natural gas or oil.
Environmental and Human Impact of Each Window Frame
Fibrex:
- The insulating properties of Fibrex keep the insides of homes more comfortable with less energy being used to continually heat and cool. With less energy being needed to regulate the temperature inside a home, fewer of our natural resources are being used to create energy for that home.
- There are no wood preservatives treatments or painting required for a Fibrex frame, so Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions are reduced. These emissions are harmful to both humans and plants when the concentrations are high enough.
- Fibrex is made from recycled material. Fibrex is a blend of 40% wood fiber and 60% thermoplastic polymer. The wood fiber is reclaimed material from the Andersen manufacturing process and even part of the thermoplastic polymer is reclaimed. In addition to other materials being recycled to make Fibrex, even pre-consumer Fibrex is recycled to make new Fibrex.
Vinyl:
- “…manufacturing vinyl it may cause the following: Cancer, Endometriosis, Neurological damage, Immune System damage, Respiratory problems, Liver and Kidney failure and birth defects.” (University of California, Davis)
- “When PVC burns it lets off toxic gases such as hydrogen chloride long before it ignites. Then as it burns it continues to leave behind toxic dioxin waste.” (University of California, Davis)
- “They’re recyclable. Vinyl, like other thermoplastics, can easily be melted and remolded into new products without losing its chemical characteristics. According to the American Architectural Manufacturing Association, vinyl production is more than 99% efficient, and, in 1997, more than a half-million tons of the plastic were recovered and recycled into other useful products.” (National Association of Certified Home Inspectors)
How the Window Frames Hold Up
Both vinyl and Fibrex window frames hold up well to wet weather. Neither one of them mold, rot, decay, or need painting.
However, the vinyl window frames do not withstand heat as well as Fibrex window frames do. In the heat the vinyl gets soft and pliable, and can warp. The materials that make up Fibrex do not do this and can withstand the heat just as well as the other outdoor elements.
Renewal by Andersen team members are here to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to contact us or schedule an in-home estimate today.
