Why Fiberglass Windows?
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Historically, windows and doors have been the poorest energy performers in a building, accounting for 25-50% of the building energy (heating and cooling) loss. Today’s energy-efficient, hi-tech window can be an “energy supplier” instead of an “energy loser.”
In the past, window standards writing organizations were directed by the interests of window manufacturers. Consumers, utility companies and government agencies have promoted changes to what should be expected from a good window.
Product performance will improve through tighter window standards, currently being considered for the next AAMA and CSA printing, which will include:
• Tighter air leakage
• Air leakage measured at cycled temperature and pressure to simulate product performance closer to the
site installation vs. laboratory conditions
site installation vs. laboratory conditions
• Air leakage will be measured for both air-infiltration and air-exfiltration
Fiberglass windows meet all of these criteria
Fiberglass is the most energy-efficient window framing material, followed by PVC, wood and aluminum.
• Window energy loss by air leakage and conduction in hot climates is an invisible problem. In cold climates, if a window condensates, under an acceptable healthy relative humidity, it is a symptom of excessive energy loss or excessive humidity.
• Fiberglass window frames offer excellent resistance to condensation.
.: STRENGTH
• A window system is only effective when all components are working together. The basic feature of a window that supports the performance of all the components is the physical properties of a window’s framing material.
• Fiberglass does not out-gas, therefore its physical properties do not deteriorate regardless of time or temperature—up to 350º F—which is well beyond any climatic conditions. Fiberglass stays rigid and stable throughout any climatic environment without loss of physical properties.
• Fiberglass windows hold their form and shape under severe mechanical and environmental stress. The strength of the material has a major effect on the performance of the window. Strong window frames:
• Maintain their shape in a square plane and insure a proper fit into the opening without sagging or
deforming, thereby ensuring the smooth operation of sash
• Will minimize deflection, which can reduce the resistance to air and water leakage
• Allow the manufacturer to produce larger openings with slender frame site lines and greater glazed area
for maximum entry of light and view through the window
• Fiberglass frame profiles have the same low coefficient of thermal expansion as glass. As a result, both glass and frames expand and contract as a single material.
.: DURABILITY
• Fiberglass will not fade, blister, rot, warp, expand, contract, rust or corrode, twist, dent, bow or distort—ALL of which deteriorate the appearance and operation of a window and shortens its life expectancy.
• The life expectancy of a fiberglass window exceeds all other traditional materials.
• Vinyl..................15 years
• Aluminum............20 years
• Wood................25 years
• Fiberglass...........40 years
• Because of these characteristics of fiberglass, all-weather stripping and glass seals stay in their original or new condition longer than with any other window, therefore maintaining performance longer. If a window is flexible, expands and contracts, or swells with moisture, then the performance of all seals and weather-stripping are affected, thus having a negative impact on the window’s performance.
.: ACOUSTICS
• Due to its tight tolerances and consistent low air leakage characteristics, fiberglass offers improved Sound Transmission Classification (STC) over traditional window materials, thus reducing unwanted noise.
• Fiberglass windows will retain their appearance and look like new for many years, without the normal maintenance required of other materials.
• Fiberglass provides a great base for painted finish without requiring pre-treatment in order to obtain adhesion. This allows a homeowner the flexibility to change the color of the windows as a “do-it-yourself” project using a range of good quality paints without the need of a primer. This is not recommended for either PVC or aluminum.
.: ENVIRONMENT
• Fiberglass windows were selected as the material of choice by “Healthy House” in Toronto Canada, a project to design and promote the reduction of emissions of chemicals and vapor that cause indoor pollution in home construction. Fiberglass was selected as the most environmentally friendly material under criteria that vinyl and wood could not meet.
• Fiberglass, being a thermoset resin, does not out-gas or release dioxins during manufacturing or after installation. Thermoplastic resin (PVC or vinyl) products do.
• Fiberglass has the lowest environmental impact of any framing material.
.: SAFETY
• Flammability of consumer products is subject to the scrutiny of various government organizations, especially building products like PVC (polyvinyl chloride). PVC is an organic material and is combustible. All organic materials (wood, cotton, paper, wool, etc.) will give off carbon monoxide when burned. Carbon monoxide is lethal. But more important, PVC, when burned, also produces hydrogen chloride, which is twice as toxic as carbon monoxide.
.: COMFORT
• The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is the American procedure for measuring and rating energy efficiency of windows. NFRC defines fiberglass as the most energy efficient material, superior to wood, vinyl and aluminum. The NFRC procedure takes into consideration air leakage, conduction and radiation, all of which affect the energy lost through the window and, consequently, occupant comfort.
.: ECONOMICS
• Fiberglass windows minimize energy loss through the window that occurs by both conduction and air leakage. They will retain the heat in the winter and keep the heat out in the summer at a lower operating cost to the consumer.
• The choice of fiberglass windows and doors is a sound investment in personal satisfaction, comfort and proven payback analysis. Dividing the energy savings per year into the incremental cost of the windows shows fiberglass windows provide the shortest payback period.
• When one includes the operating life cycle costs of heating, air conditioning, maintenance, durability and life expectancy, there is no doubt that fiberglass windows are the least expensive windows that one can buy.
