Composite Replacement Windows 

What are Composite windows?

Composite windows have numerous advantages. They are low maintenance, resistant to fading, and have high insulation properties and dimensional stability. The window frames are available in several different colors. The information on the system, product or material presented herein is provided for informational purposes only.

Composite windows are showing their strength against their look-alike counterpart, wood. "Composite windows" are starting to be a buzzword in the industry.

Composite windows are the best choice is pretty arrogant to say the least, and totally not true. Comparing the top composites on the market, I have discovered that the Renewal by Andersen's fibrex material is an excellent performer. Renewal by Andersen isn't a fiberglass composite; instead it's a wood sawdust and vinyl composite that is perfectly acceptable but perhaps inferior to fiberglass composites. Regarding impact resistance, vinyl (yes vinyl) is approximately 6 times more impact resistant than vinyl/wood composites. Fiberglass composites are about 10x more impact resistant. As for scratch resistance, fiberglass windows are 6 times better than vinyl and vinyl/wood composites. As for thermal stability (expansion), fiberglass is 7 times better than vinyl and 2-1/2 times better than your wood/vinyl composite.

Fiberglass is better in many ways than fibrex (the wood sawdust/vinyl composite from Andersen), it usually costs a lot less, and depending on the brand, and in many cases, has a lot better warranty.

Composite window frames are an energy-efficient product that is resistant to warping, fading, and denting and are considered an upgrade over vinyl windows.

Composite windows are excellent for ocean front environments because they resist moisture. With these factors in mind, fiberglass  is also ideally suited for windows and doors in any climate, and almost all building types. More durable than aluminum or vinyl, with the thermal efficiency of wood, fiberglass windows are an economically competitive alternative to vinyl window products, though they normally cost more than vinyl. The multiple advantages and benefits of fiberglass make it a versatile choice because of its strength, durability, low maintenance, energy efficiency, and sustainable qualities, as well as its resistance to corrosion, dents, and scratches.

Composite windows are also impervious to rotting and resistant to insects. Cellular composite windows will not sag like vinyl windows which can sag from the weight of the glass.

Fiberglass and other composite windows can be ordered in numerous shapes, and just about any size. Some also offer wood veneer interiors.

Last but certainly not least, is a composite known as Komalit-z. It is my personal favorite. It is a German design, and engineering is certainly what the Germans do best. Of course they have a different philosophy than we do. They won't put anything in their home that doesn't last forever because they pass a house from generation to generation, so it's much cheaper in the long run even if it costs a little more in the beginning. They were also many years ahead of us in terms of thermal efficiency, I believe, because they were many years ahead of us in terms of oil dependency. They always imported oil! Komalit is actually a CPE modified Tempered vinyl where they actually change the molecular structure. From what I can tell (and I'm not a scientist) this makes the molecules bind tighter together which creates a harder, denser material with a surface as smooth as glass. Then the material is tempered (a heat cold process) to remove the elasticity so it does not expand and contract like vinyl. It is then reinforced with Steel in the frames and aluminum in the sashes and equipped with a double strength hi performance glass with warm edge and a full inch between the glass. This is my favorite because it has all the benefits of vinyl (including being cost competitive with it) and none of the short comings. The window people will talk about high performing glass packs in their windows, but never about the strength (or lack thereof) of the material that supports it.

If you've decided that it's time for new windows, you have to select someone to install them. Your best bet is to find an experienced installation company that offers the following standard features: a substantial warranty on labor and materials, including seals, hardware, and screens, fusion-welded corners that are beveled out for a finished look, and non-metal (warm edge) spacers that eliminate condensation problems and increase thermal efficiency. There should be at least 7/8" (a full 1 inch is even better) between the two panes of glass and ideally the glass should be double strength and have an e-coating and either argon or krypton gas between the glass panes.