One of the reasons gliding windows have become less popular over the years is due to warping issues. This can be caused by dirt in the tracks, stopping the sliders from moving smoothly. In other cases, it’s caused by slight changes in size and shape of the frame. This happens frequently in older sliding windows but they can occur in other styles as well.
Vinyl sliding windows are particularly vulnerable to warping problems, which tend to surface after a few years of use. Let our window experts at Renewal by Andersen® of Seattle explain what causes vinyl warping and offer tips on how to avoid this problem.
Thermal Expansion
Materials expand when heated and contract when cooled. This is true for window replacement units as much as it is for almost any other materials. The rate at which materials change size according to temperature depends on the type of material. While vinyl offers plenty of benefits in terms of durability and versatility, it also has a high thermal expansion coefficient. This means temperature affects the size of vinyl considerably more than alternative materials.
A New Material
Renewal by Andersen has long recognized the advantages and disadvantages of vinyl. Over the years, we developed a material that answers many of its shortcomings. Fibrex® is a composite polymer that shares almost all of the strengths of vinyl but none of its weaknesses. This exclusive material is highly resistant to thermal expansion, making it largely immune to warping issues.
Professional Window Installation
Whether you’re installing Fibrex double-hung windows, picture windows or gliding windows, you can maximize the benefits by hiring certified contractors to handle the installation. This way you can rest assured that you’re getting the most out of your window replacement.
Explore more durable window replacement products with the help of our window professionals at Renewal by Andersen of Seattle. Give us a call at (206) 777-0954 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation and request a free estimate today. We serve customers in Bellevue, as well as other nearby communities.