We know: All About Vinyl Windows

What are vinyl windows?

Window frames made from vinyl instead of wood or aluminum are increasingly popular for use in both new homes and as window replacements. They are easily available and can be custom-ordered because most manufacturers are regional.

Ordering windows to custom fit the window space you already have makes the work and expense of replacing windows much less.

What are the advantages of vinyl windows?

• are generally less expensive than other kinds of windows
• are virtually maintenance-free
• can be custom-made easily
• are energy-efficient
• are available in a wide range of styles, including simulated wood finishes
• do not usually require painting

What are some signs that windows need replacing?

Drafts, excessive condensation, excessive frost, appearance and windows that will not open and close properly.

What about the glass in the windows?

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy recommends these certifications on vinyl windows to help ensure that both the glass and the vinyl are of good quality manufacture:

• Look for the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label; it means the window’s performance is certified.
• Remember, the lower the U-value (a measure of heat flow), the better the insulation. In colder climates, a U-value of 0.35 or below is recommended. These windows have at least double glazing and low-e coating.

Look for the government’s EnergyStar label. These windows are, on average, twice as efficient as windows manufactured a decade ago and can reduce your utility bills by as much as 15%.

Can I install new vinyl windows myself?

Getting the size of the window right and installing it properly are difficult and complicated tasks. Unless you have extensive experience and the right tools, it may be best to hire a contractor.

Some builder web sites recommend you get an installer who is factory-trained and works for the window company. That way, if anything goes wrong, you will probably have more leverage than with a sub-contractor or someone you hire independently.

All about vinyl windows

Virtual file format.

Vinyl is a very simple metadata object that describes a file. When you think of a file, two attributes come to mind: path and contents . These are the main attributes on a Vinyl object. A file does not necessarily represent something on your computer’s file system. You have files on S3, FTP, Dropbox, Box, CloudThingly.io and other services. Vinyl can be used to describe files from all of these sources.

What is a Vinyl Adapter?

While Vinyl provides a clean way to describe a file, we also need a way to access these files. Each file source needs what I call a «Vinyl adapter». A Vinyl adapter simply exposes a src(globs) and a dest(folder) method. Each return a stream. The src stream produces Vinyl objects, and the dest stream consumes Vinyl objects. Vinyl adapters can expose extra methods that might be specific to their input/output medium, such as the symlink method vinyl-fs provides.

The constructor is used to create a new instance of Vinyl . Each instance represents a separate file, directory or symlink.

All internally managed paths ( cwd , base , path , history ) are normalized and have trailing separators removed. See Normalization and concatenation for more information.

Options may be passed upon instantiation to create a file with specific properties.

Options are not mutated by the constructor.

The current working directory of the file.

Used for calculating the relative property. This is typically where a glob starts.

The full path to the file.

Stores the path history. If options.path and options.history are both passed, options.path is appended to options.history . All options.history paths are normalized by the file.path setter.

Default: [] (or [options.path] if options.path is passed)

The result of an fs.stat call. This is how you mark the file as a directory or symbolic link. See isDirectory(), isSymbolic() and fs.Stats for more information.

The contents of the file. If options.contents is a ReadableStream , it is wrapped in a cloneable-readable stream.

Any other option properties will be directly assigned to the new Vinyl object.

Each Vinyl object will have instance methods. Every method will be available but may return differently based on what properties were set upon instantiation or modified since.

Returns true if the file contents are a Buffer , otherwise false .

Returns true if the file contents are a Stream , otherwise false .

Returns true if the file contents are null , otherwise false .

Returns true if the file represents a directory, otherwise false .

A file is considered a directory when:

• file.isNull() is true
• file.stat is an object
• file.stat.isDirectory() returns true

When constructing a Vinyl object, pass in a valid fs.Stats object via options.stat . If you are mocking the fs.Stats object, you may need to stub the isDirectory() method.

Returns true if the file represents a symbolic link, otherwise false .

A file is considered symbolic when:

• file.isNull() is true
• file.stat is an object
• file.stat.isSymbolicLink() returns true

When constructing a Vinyl object, pass in a valid fs.Stats object via options.stat . If you are mocking the fs.Stats object, you may need to stub the isSymbolicLink() method.

Returns a new Vinyl object with all attributes cloned.

By default custom attributes are cloned deeply.

If options or options.deep is false , custom attributes will not be cloned deeply.

If file.contents is a Buffer and options.contents is false , the Buffer reference will be reused instead of copied.

Returns a formatted-string interpretation of the Vinyl object. Automatically called by node’s console.log .

Each Vinyl object will have instance properties. Some may be unavailable based on what properties were set upon instantiation or modified since.

Gets and sets the contents of the file. If set to a ReadableStream , it is wrapped in a cloneable-readable stream.

Throws when set to any value other than a ReadableStream , a Buffer or null .

Gets and sets current working directory. Will always be normalized and have trailing separators removed.

Throws when set to any value other than non-empty strings.

Gets and sets base directory. Used for relative pathing (typically where a glob starts). When null or undefined , it simply proxies the file.cwd property. Will always be normalized and have trailing separators removed.

Throws when set to any value other than non-empty strings or null / undefined .

Gets and sets the absolute pathname string or undefined . Setting to a different value appends the new path to file.history . If set to the same value as the current path, it is ignored. All new values are normalized and have trailing separators removed.

Throws when set to any value other than a string.

Array of file.path values the Vinyl object has had, from file.history[0] (original) through file.history[file.history.length — 1] (current). file.history and its elements should normally be treated as read-only and only altered indirectly by setting file.path .

Gets the result of path.relative(file.base, file.path) .

Throws when set or when file.path is not set.

Gets and sets the dirname of file.path . Will always be normalized and have trailing separators removed.

Throws when file.path is not set.

Gets and sets the basename of file.path .

Throws when file.path is not set.

Gets and sets stem (filename without suffix) of file.path .

Throws when file.path is not set.

Gets and sets extname of file.path .

Throws when file.path is not set.

Gets and sets the path where the file points to if it’s a symbolic link. Will always be normalized and have trailing separators removed.

Throws when set to any value other than a string.

Static method used for checking if an object is a Vinyl file. Use this method instead of instanceof .

Takes an object and returns true if it is a Vinyl file, otherwise returns false .

Note: This method uses an internal flag that some older versions of Vinyl didn’t expose.

Static method used by Vinyl when setting values inside the constructor or when copying properties in file.clone() .

Takes a string property and returns true if the property is not used internally, otherwise returns false .

This method is useful for inheritting from the Vinyl constructor. Read more in Extending Vinyl.

Normalization and concatenation

Since all properties are normalized in their setters, you can just concatenate with / , and normalization takes care of it properly on all platforms.

But never concatenate with \ , since that is a valid filename character on posix system.

When extending Vinyl into your own class with extra features, you need to think about a few things.

When you have your own properties that are managed internally, you need to extend the static isCustomProp method to return false when one of these properties is queried.

This makes properties foo and _foo skipped when passed in options to constructor(options) so they don’t get assigned to the new object and override your custom implementation. They also won’t be copied when cloning. Note: The _foo and foo properties will still exist on the created/cloned object because you are assigning _foo in the constructor and foo is defined on the prototype.

Same goes for clone() . If you have your own internal stuff that needs special handling during cloning, you should extend it to do so.

5 Facts You Should Know About Vinyl Replacement Windows

After weighing different options about materials for your new residential windows, it looks like vinyl is going to come out on top. If you’re still hesitating a bit, why not take some time and go over the advantages associated with vinyl windows? To help you get started, here are five facts that you will want to consider closely.

Vinyl Resists Damage From Extreme Weather Conditions

It’s no secret that windows have to hold up well to a lot of use. They also must withstand a lot of wear and tear from changing weather conditions. That includes extreme conditions such as high temperatures, direct sunlight, and severe cold during the winter months.

You may not be aware that vinyl is one of the most effective materials in terms of insulation. The vinyl will not conduct much heat during the summer, something that makes it easier to keep the home comfortable during the hottest months. Pair the vinyl with double and triple pane glass and you can definitely keep the temperature indoors suitable for any season.

It’s One of the Most Cost-Effective Window Materials

When it comes to price, vinyl is hard to beat. It will compare favorably with aluminum or wood for those new windows. Depending on where you are and how many windows are involved, going with vinyl could turn out to be the most cost-effective solution. That’s especially helpful if you need to keep the window replacement project within the limits of a tight budget.

Forget About Warping or Fading

With some materials, you have to be concerned about the sashes and other window components warping over time. That can make it harder to raise and lower the sashes. The warping can also allow more air to seep inside the home and lead to higher heating and cooling bills.

Other windows may fade over time as well. That means more frequent painting and general upkeep. Depending on the number of windows in your home and how often they have to be painted, the upkeep could get quite expensive.

By replacing windows in old house with new vinyl windows, you do away with these issues. Vinyl does not warp, so there will be fewer worries about energy consumption. The color also resists fading, so the windows will hold their appearance for many more years. Think of what that means in terms of keeping maintenance costs lower.

Windows of All Styles

Vinyl is also versatile in terms of window style. You can use vinyl for single and double-hung windows, casement windows, awning windows, and any other style that one can imagine. The material lends itself to manufacturing custom windows as well as buying standard sizes. That will come in handy if you have more than one window style and if the sizes vary somewhat.

No Chance of Rotting or Rusting

Unlike wood or metal, vinyl won’t rot or rust. It requires no ongoing treatments in order to remain strong. That makes cleaning and general upkeep all the easier. It also means that the windows hold their appearance for a long time. Along with being great for keeping energy bills low, vinyl windows help boost the home’s curb appeal while avoiding these two issues.

Talk with your contractor today and start making plans for your window replacement project. Once those new vinyl windows are in place, it will be easy to see why vinyl was the right choice.

We know: All About Vinyl Windows

What are vinyl windows?

Window frames made from vinyl instead of wood or aluminum are increasingly popular for use in both new homes and as window replacements. They are easily available and can be custom-ordered because most manufacturers are regional.

Ordering windows to custom fit the window space you already have makes the work and expense of replacing windows much less.

What are the advantages of vinyl windows?

• are generally less expensive than other kinds of windows
• are virtually maintenance-free
• can be custom-made easily
• are energy-efficient
• are available in a wide range of styles, including simulated wood finishes
• do not usually require painting

What are some signs that windows need replacing?

Drafts, excessive condensation, excessive frost, appearance and windows that will not open and close properly.

What about the glass in the windows?

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy recommends these certifications on vinyl windows to help ensure that both the glass and the vinyl are of good quality manufacture:

• Look for the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label; it means the window’s performance is certified.
• Remember, the lower the U-value (a measure of heat flow), the better the insulation. In colder climates, a U-value of 0.35 or below is recommended. These windows have at least double glazing and low-e coating.

Look for the government’s EnergyStar label. These windows are, on average, twice as efficient as windows manufactured a decade ago and can reduce your utility bills by as much as 15%.

Can I install new vinyl windows myself?

Getting the size of the window right and installing it properly are difficult and complicated tasks. Unless you have extensive experience and the right tools, it may be best to hire a contractor.

Some builder web sites recommend you get an installer who is factory-trained and works for the window company. That way, if anything goes wrong, you will probably have more leverage than with a sub-contractor or someone you hire independently.