Energy efficient and easy to maintain, vinyl is a popular and versatile solution for new home builds and remodels.
Vinyl windows and patio doors have become an increasingly popular alternative in recent years. But knowing what to look for when shopping for them can be difficult. Here are six things to look for during your search, followed by a short list of JELD-WEN products that might just do the trick.
Versatile, affordable, and low maintenance, vinyl windows and patio doors have become an increasingly popular alternative to wood and aluminum windows over the years. Vinyl products are energy efficient, with superior thermal properties that help regulate the home’s temperature year-round.
But knowing what to look for when shopping for vinyl products can be difficult. Here are six things to look for during your search, followed by a short list of JELD-WEN products that might just do the trick.
What to look for in vinyl windows and patio doors
1. Superior vinyl material
It’s important to be selective when choosing vinyl new construction windows or vinyl replacement windows. Look for high-quality vinyl material that contains stabilizers, as these inhibit potential heat degradation. Preferred options add impact modifiers to the compound to prevent cracking while titanium dioxide delivers a brighter, longer-lasting color. You want the color to be consistent throughout the vinyl material. The result? Beautiful vinyl that won’t peel, chip, or crack and doesn’t show scuffs and scratches.
2. State-of-the-art vinyl extrusions
While some vinyl can be rough and ridged, we recommend vinyl that has been extruded smooth to stay brighter longer, with precise dimensions to ensure a tighter seal for reduced air infiltration and no water leakage. Using stainless steel dies and lubricants helps produce a smooth vinyl surface that looks great.
3. Metal reinforcements
To eliminate any potential sagging, metal reinforcements can be installed at the check rail, providing long-term reliable operation and additional security integrity to the lock mechanism. At JELD-WEN, we also offer the option to add metal reinforcements to the stiles and/or the top or bottom rails to ensure a higher performance-grade rating.
4. Fusion welded sash and frames
Your vinyl choice should offer an extremely durable sash and frames. Check to see if the sash or frame corner is fusion welded — literally welded and fused together — to create one seamless component. Manufacturers might also perform weld break tests to ensure the highest quality possible.
JELD-WEN® Brickmould Vinyl patio doors deliver the energy efficiency and ease of vinyl plus the look of traditional wood, including the wider decorative trim and divided lites.
5. Integral nailing fin
If your project is new construction, think about vinyl windows that feature an integral nailing fin. This makes installation easier, improves integrity, and adds frame strength to the head of the window frame, side jambs, and sill.
Finding the right vinyl product for your project
Here at JELD-WEN, we offer durable vinyl patio doors and windows in a wide range of styles, sizes, and color options.
JELD-WEN also offers FiniShield™, an innovative exterior color finish, as an option with most of our vinyl product lines. It’s superior to traditional paint in appearance, quality, and longevity. While paint can crack and weather, FiniShield stands up to harsh conditions, resisting scratches and reflecting the sun’s heat to protect the finish and the vinyl beneath. It also looks consistent across multiple windows, providing a polished appearance with little need for paint touch-ups.
Now that you know some of the details to look for when shopping, here’s a quick cheat sheet of what’s available in the JELD-WEN portfolio for your next project.
Builders™ Vinyl (V-2500™) windows and patio doors
An economical, energy-efficient choice that’s low maintenance by design, V-2500 windows and patio doors are made of high-quality vinyl that resists fading and won’t chip or peel. These models feature a narrow frame and sash profile for a streamlined appearance.
JELD-WEN® Builders Vinyl is available with FiniShield™ exterior color technology, superior to traditional paint in appearance, quality, and longevity
Premium™ Vinyl (V-4500™) windows and patio doors
This line offers affordable, modern style paired with durability and performance, coming in a range of sizes and options that look like real wood. V-4500s feature a wider frame and sash profile, along with Low-E insulating glass that reflects outdoor heat in the summer and retains indoor warmth in the winter.
Premium Atlantic™ Vinyl windows and patio doors
The Premium Atlantic Vinyl windows and patio doors collection is great for coastal climates. Specifically designed for the harsh weather of Florida and the Gulf Coast, these windows and patio doors provide strength, energy efficiency, and multiple design options, as well as the added safety and comfort of optional ImpactGard™ glass.
Designed for the tough climates of Florida and the Gulf Coast,1 JELD-WEN® Premium Atlantic™ Vinyl windows provide strength, energy efficiency, and multiple design options
DF™ Hybrid aluminum-clad vinyl windows
By combining the easy maintenance and high performance of vinyl with the strength of aluminum cladding, our DF Hybrid windows offer innovative style, energy efficiency, and durability for light commercial, new construction projects.
Flat Casing Vinyl windows and patio doors
JELD-WEN® Flat Casing Vinyl windows and patio doors offer the beauty of traditional wood. Not only are they ideal replacement options for American Colonial-style homes, but they can reduce the cost of exterior trim for new homes. This line delivers the energy efficiency and ease of vinyl, simplifying maintenance while retaining their color all the way through.
Brickmould Vinyl windows and patio doors
Our Brickmould Vinyl windows and patio doors deliver the energy efficiency and ease of vinyl with the appearance of traditional wood. High-performance Low-E insulating glass comes standard and helps lower energy use, prevents fading of interior furnishings, and reduces condensation. All frames are assembled using fusion welding technology for added strength and durability.
Learn more about JELD-WEN vinyl windows
1. Availability outside Florida might be limited.
