Month: January 2023

Vinyl is the most popular material for window frames. From the outside, many of these look the same, but not all make the cut in regard to quality. Cheaper plastic vinyl often lacks durability and efficiency. However, there’s an abundance of high-quality vinyl products. The points below explain what to look for in vinyl replacement windows that meet high-quality standards.

Quality of Materials

Polyvinyl chloride (or PVC) by itself is a decent material. But it isn’t super strong. Therefore, it’s important to research the ingredients added by the manufacturer. Additives like organic tin and titanium dioxide strengthen the frame and can prevent it from yellowing with exposure to UV light. Some additives can make the vinyl more insulating as well.

Welded Corners

A visual look will show you how well the window is constructed. If the frames are held together by screws and brackets, air can leak. On the other hand, welding both improves strength and makes the frame weathertight. It prevents heat loss and drafts. 

Look for evidence the frame has been heat-welded at the corners. A warning sign is if caulk has been applied to mask the crease at the window sill. Corners should be fusion welded and the top sash should slide into the mainframe while the bottom sash should tuck into the sill (both are concealed under the weld).

Thicker Frame

The contractor should have a cross-section of a sample window on display. It provides a look at the thickness of the material used. Generally, the thicker it is, the stronger the frame (and better insulating it is). The frame can also hold more weight, meaning larger windows are more durable.

Vinyl Frames with Multiple Chambers

When viewing a cross-section of a vinyl replacement window, there should be several chambers of different sizes. Varying sizes add support and strength while improving energy efficiency. The more chambers in the vinyl window frame, the higher the quality of the product.

High Energy Efficiency Ratings

High-quality vinyl replacement windows are more energy efficient, meaning they retain heat or keep out the cold. This means your home is not only more comfortable but more energy efficient. Lower U-factor, Air Leakage, and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient numbers mean the unit is more efficient; a window’s DP rating indicates how structurally sound it is (the higher the better). 

Also, look for vinyl windows with low-emissivity (Low-E) glass panes filled with argon gas. These are efficient in winter and summer. Energy Star and National Fenestration Rating Council labels are important to look for as well.

The Window Matches Your Home

Window manufacturers that take quality seriously also prioritize customer service. The color options for vinyl are usually somewhat limited, but the manufacturer should offer enough variety that the window complements the exterior and interior style of your home. A wide range of window styles should be available, as almost every type of window comes in vinyl.

Contact Window World of SoCal

We offer high-quality, energy-efficient vinyl replacement windows that can increase the value of your home. Our products include sliding, casement, awning, double-hung, bay and bow, and garden windows with high-quality vinyl frames. Start with a free in-home estimate, while we offer a lifetime limited warranty on residential installations and flexible financing options. To learn more, contact us online or call 805-323-9174.

Your home is your sanctuary. The last thing you want is to hear traffic, barking dogs, lawnmowers, construction equipment, and other sources of noise pollution when spending time with family, trying to relax, or focusing on important tasks. Fortunately, soundproof windows can reduce noise levels by 90% or more.

How Do Soundproof Windows Work?

They are designed to minimize the transmission of sound from outside. While these windows don’t block sound completely, they use specialized materials and air to absorb, reflect, or reduce sound waves that travel through them. A window’s Sound Transmission Class (STC) measures its noise reduction capability. An STC rating of 27 may classify a basic window, but a soundproof unit can have an STC rating well into the 50s.

What Contributes to Sound Reduction?

Sound-blocking windows are effective because they have many innovative features. These attributes, which work in combination to allow them to block noise, include:

Multiple Glass Panes

Compared to single-pane windows, double-pane and triple-pane windows are much more effective at slowing noise transmission (although standard double-pane windows feature two pieces of glass that vibrate together on the same frame, so aren’t effective noise reducers). Soundwaves can easily pass through one layer of glass. But additional panes of glass (with the features discussed below) provide sound dampening and dissipation; they act as insulators to diminish the intensity of sound waves.

Varying Thicknesses of Glass

Two thin panes of glass of the same thickness won’t insulate well against sound. The multiple panes in a soundproof window have varying levels of thickness. This helps dampen sounds at different frequencies and prevent some sound frequencies from harmonizing with the glass and passing right through.

Layers of Air

In between each pane of glass is an air spacer. It is based on the principle that sound moves more slowly through the air than it does through solid materials. Engineers have created more space between window panes to increase air volume. Therefore, sound waves dissipate more effectively as they move through the panes.

Soundproof Windows Are Well Insulated

The most effective noise-reducing windows have insulated frames, compression weatherstripping, and waterproof caulking. Without an airtight seal, even the most reliable sound-reducing materials won’t perform to their full potential. That’s where an experienced window professional can help, as they provide the materials, sealing, and insulation to effectively dissipate outdoor sounds.

What Other Benefits Do Soundproof Windows Provide?

Less outside sound means there are fewer distractions. This can lead to higher productivity and improved memory for people in homes, offices, schools, and other environments. Overall, health and well-being can be improved as well, as the materials used help keep out dust, pollen, and microbes as well as block ultraviolet light that can increase the risk of skin cancer and damage furniture and art. The windows’ insulating properties help reduce heating and cooling demand, so may contribute to reduced energy costs.

Realize the Benefits of Soundproof Windows by Contacting a Local Installer

Window World of Orange County specializes in installing soundproof and other types of windows. Our experienced contractors install sliding, casement/awning, double-hung, bay/bow, garden, and other window products in homes throughout the region. A labor guarantee is included with each installation. We also offer financing options to make installation more affordable with monthly payments. To learn more, call 714-364-0761 today.

At Window World of SoCal, we engineer and install all types of windows in custom and standard sizes. These include the most popular one for residential use—the 6 by 4 window. A closer look at this standardized product will help highlight its significance.

What Is a 6 by 4 Window?

It is aptly named because it’s six feet high and four feet wide. Also known as a 6 x 4, the window unit is 72 inches high and 48 inches wide, although the glass size is slightly less. It is ¼ to ½ inch smaller than the frame, so the glass dimensions will be around 71.75 x 47.75 inches or 71.5 x 47.5 inches.

 

A 6 by 4 window is just one type of standardized window size. Double or single-hung windows, for example, come in 2 x 3 feet, 2 feet 8 inch x 4 feet, and 2 feet 8 inch x 5 feet 2-inch sizes. Sliding and picture windows also come in 6 x 4 units as well as 3 x 2, 5 x 3, and others. Standard-sized windows are designed to fit commonly sized openings in new homes.

How Do I Know the Size of the Window?

You don’t need to walk around with a tape measure to size new windows. Manufacturers use four-digit notations to identify product sizes. The first two numbers in the sequence identify the unit’s width, while the last two numbers identify its height. For example, a 2030 window is 2 feet, 0 inches wide by 3 feet, 0 inches high. A 4060 window is 4 feet wide by 6 feet high.

What Are the Benefits of a 6 by 4 Window?

Windows can be ordered in custom sizes, but these take longer to design, make, and deliver. However, a standard-sized window is already in stock. Therefore, it’s much easier to order. Once you make your purchase, the product is shipped to you. It is also generally less expensive.

Other benefits of a 6 by 4 window include:

• Insulated glass improves energy efficiency.
• Narrow frames afford a better view outside.
• Steel-reinforced frames and sashes boost security.
• Many design and style options are available.
• Weatherstripping and interlocking sashes make it airtight.
• A vinyl finish makes maintenance easy.
• Pre-punched nail fins simplify installation.

Standard-sized windows can be designed with double-pane, Low-E glass. It not only improves efficiency. The glass can also block noise from outside as the panes are separated by argon gas or a vacuum. Heat insulation properties keep your home more comfortable no matter what the weather conditions are outside.

 

Despite their standardized design, 6 by 4 windows can be fitted with optional accessories. These include window blinds for improved thermal regulation in summer and winter. Window shades allow you to control the amount of light entering a room as well as ventilation. With window curtains, you can complement your interior design, protect your furniture, and block light to regulate heat.

What Does a 6 by 4 Window Cost?

A 6 x 4 window costs more than smaller standard-size windows. The price depends on the brand, type of window, and what the window frame is made of. Wooden frames are more expensive than, for example, vinyl or aluminum. Different window glasses have different properties; the price of each can vary, so what you spend can be impacted by whether you choose double-pane, Low-E, tinted, or vacuum/argon gas-filled windows. Labor rates in your area also have a big impact on window installation costs.

Contact Window World of SoCal

We offer many types of windows with features such as insulated glass, warm-edge spacers, Low-E coatings, and other energy-efficient options. Windows are custom-made for each customer’s needs. Advanced design and development tools speed up the process. No matter what type or size of window you need, contact us to get a free quote, or call 805-323-9174 to speak with a friendly representative.