May 2 2013
The United States witnessed 11 billion-dollar extreme weather and climate events in 2012, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Climatic Data Center. Seven of those were tornados or other spring/summer severe weather, which brought extreme wind, hail and other hazards to the safety of people and property across the country.
When it comes to protecting your home, choosing high-quality, durable building materials is important. Ultrex -- a proprietary fiberglass material created by Marvin Windows and Doors -- is one of the toughest, longest-lasting materials on the market. Ultrex fiberglass is available exclusively in products from Integrity Windows and Doors, Infinity Windows and Doors, and Apex Siding.
Vinyl and vinyl-wood composites, such as Fibrex®, are two common building materials, often used in relatively inexpensive windows, doors and siding. Unfortunately for homeowners, vinyl and vinyl-wood composites are susceptible to deformation -- becoming soft in heat and brittle in cold -- expansion and contraction. Further, vinyl is particularly susceptible to UV degradation from exposure to sunlight, which can cause chalking, fading or cracking. Another common window material, aluminum, is incredibly conducive to hot and cold, making it a very energy-inefficient material.
"Homeowners are increasingly dissatisfied with vinyl and aluminum and want something that requires less maintenance than wood. By comparison, Ultrex is quite possibly the perfect building material," said John Evans, marketing manager for Infinity Windows and Doors. "Windows, doors and siding made with Ultrex pultruded fiberglass outperform roll-form aluminum, vinyl and vinyl-wood composites in virtually every measurable category."
Strength
Ultrex is eight times stronger than vinyl and three times stronger than vinyl-wood composites. Just one inch of Ultrex can hold up to 34,000 pounds. As a house settles over time -- and is assaulted with hail, baseballs and other bits of everyday life -- Ultrex stays true and resists sagging. And because it's so much stronger than other materials, Ultrex windows can be built with thinner, stronger frames, allowing larger openings and more daylight.
Durability
Ultrex resists harsh corrosives and remains stable in extreme temperatures. It's also the only product in the fiberglass, vinyl or composite category whose finish is certified for quality and durability by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association. Ultrex provides a consistent, low-maintenance finish that can be painted without voiding the warranty, and Ultrex finishes are even available in dark colors because the material provides superior resistance to chalking and fading.
Energy efficiency
Ultrex is 500 times less conductive than aluminum, which means homes retain their heat in the winter and stay cooler in the summer. Unlike vinyl and vinyl-wood composites, Ultrex expands at nearly the same rate as glass, resulting in windows and doors that keep their seal and don't leak -- all improving long-term performance and providing better energy efficiency.
Learn more about Ultrex fiberglass and request a free sample of the material at ultrexfiberglass.com.