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Super Windows: The History of Vinyl Windows and How They Benefit Your Home

December 16, 2016 0

One of the biggest decisions you can make during the window replacement process is which material to use. Here at Brock Doors and Windows, we offer high-quality vinyl replacement windows. Many window contractors don’t take the time to explain WHY they offer the products they do, but we are proud to say we aren’t like the rest. We believe that homeowners like you deserve to be informed about the facts of window replacement. Knowledge empowers you to make the best choices for your home. So, why vinyl? Let’s take a look at why vinyl has become one of the top materials for your Toronto window replacement today.

Vinyl is a synthetic material made up of polymer and other chemicals. The great thing about vinyl is that different chemicals can be mixed with the polymer to create vinyl for different uses, including building and construction materials, medical equipment, and even toys. The list goes on and on.

The story of how vinyl began is far from boring. In Germany after WWII, window materials such as steel and wood were extremely scarce. Because they lacked natural resources, the Germans turned to man-made materials like vinyl and began using vinyl for building windows. Although vinyl was affordable and easily made, the early vinyl windows had significant drawbacks. For one thing, they were too small and bulky, and only available in white and off-white. Another big problem with early vinyl windows is that they warped easily when exposed to heat from the sun. These flaws prevented vinyl windows from taking off as a product. At first, that is.

Years later, an American vinyl manufacturer called BF Goodrich started producing vinyl windows on a mass level. Instead of limiting vinyl windows to small and bulky sizes, the vinyl windows were made in the same style and size as those of wood and aluminum.  The vinyl formula itself had been improved as well, making the new vinyl windows resistant to heat, insects, rot, rust and many other issues.  The new vinyl windows were much more appealing to Americans than the first models had been. With low cost, durability and sleek new designs vinyl windows began to be more common on the market.

Even though vinyl windows had greatly improved, it was still about 20 years before they really caught on as the most popular material for window replacement. Being a form of plastic, vinyl windows had a reputation with many people as being a cheap or poor-quality material to be used for windows. However, by the 1990’s, vinyl windows had undergone some major improvements, and sales increased by a whopping 125%. Vinyl was no longer limited to pale colors. In fact, vinyl windows became available in a large variety of colors, textures, and styles to match any home. Suddenly everyone wanted vinyl windows, making them the most popular material on the window replacement market, surpassing even wood.

Despite how far vinyl has come, many people today still think of vinyl as a low-end material. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Vinyl windows are incredibly durable, and can last up to 30 years. Best of all, vinyl windows from Brock Doors and Windows won’t require maintenance of any kind, just an occasional wipe-down with your favorite household cleaner. Call us today for your free consultation!

Brock Doors and Windows Inc
278 Orenda Road Brampton, ON, L6T 4X6
(905) 791-2850
2131 McCowan Rd Scarborough, ON, M1S 3Y6
(416) 293-9777

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