Homeowners opt for vinyl home replacement windows for many reasons: to save energy, to improve their home’s appearance, and to add value to their home. How can a home owner know that a vinyl home replacement window will perform as promised?
One way to tell a quality vinyl home replacement window is to look for the AAMA label. You’ll find these labels on the inside edge of the window frame — they’re gold, and state that the window has been rated in accordance with ANSI/AAMA/NWDA 101/ls. 2-97 and NFRC 100.
That’s an awful lot of alphabet soup — let’s take a minute to look at what it means.
The AAMA is the American Architectural Manufacturer’s Association. They’re a standard-setting organization that most window and door manufacturers belong to. The organization includes the largest companies in the nation, and the smallest.
When a window carries the AAMA sticker, it means that that window has met the voluntary performance standards for aluminum, vinyl and wood-framed windows and glass doors.
These standards are tough! Vinyl home replacement windows that carry the AAMA sticker must meet standards for air leakage and water penetration — critical to saving energy. Structural strength is tested, including the strength of the materials used in the constructing the frame, sash, and structural members of the window. There’s even a test to see how your home replacement windows will stand up to a bad guy determined to break into your home.
That’s not all.
Window components such as weatherstripping, sealants, glazing types and hardware also come under close scrutiny. They too have to meet the standard, or the vinyl home replacement window doesn’t get the AAMA sticker.
These tests are performed by independent laboratories, to ensure that homeowners can trust the objectivity of the ratings.
Life in the lab is one thing, but what about life in the real world? Do vinyl home replacement windows perform well in everyday situations? How do vinyl windows perform when installed on a house on Main Street USA?
Experience and research tells us that vinyl windows can stand up to some incredibly tough conditions. Whether it’s the bone-chilling winters throughout Canada and Alaska or the sweltering sun in Arizona and Nevada, vinyl window performance can’t be beat. Consistently, vinyl windows have delivered as promised — keeping homes comfortable and energy efficent — and looking good while doing it!
Vinyl window performance is critical. Deciding to replace some or all of your home’s windows with vinyl replacement windows is a big decision and a major investment. You want to be satisfied with the home replacement windows that you purchase. That’s why it’s imperative to do your research.
Some of the research, especially the scientific, objective research, has been done for you. Looking for the AAMA sticker lets you know that the windows you’re considering meet stringent performance standards. Reputable window manufacturers such as Harvey, Pella, and Andersen pride themselves on meeting (and sometimes surpassing!) the AAMA standards. They want the very best for their products — just like you want the very best for your home.
I’d have to pass on with you here. Which is not something I typically do! I enjoy reading a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to speak my mind!