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Home : Review Topics : Virgin Vinyl Windows
Virgin Vinyl Windows | Fact And Fiction
There is a lot of mention of virgin vinyl in the realm of replacement windows. But what does it really mean? Let's start with the basics - vinyl windows use vinyl extrusions that come in long pieces made in a factory. Of course, most windows are custom made, meaning the factory employees cut the pieces to fit the opening. The factory tech make the cuts and piece together the extrusions for a seamless custom-sized window. However, at some point, there are always leftover pieces, which are then recycled. Virgin vinyl windows are made from the long pieces of vinyl with minimum recycled vinyl.
My Take On Virgin Vinyl Windows: I end of scrapping the whole virgin vinyl windows conversation and instead focus on a company's overall quality of manufacturing over time. Specifically, industry and consumer reviews. Because if their windows and patio doors are yellowing over time, then consumers will complain, which inevitably drives down reviews. But technically speaking, yes, virgin vinyl should stay a truer white longer than extrusions with heavily ground vinyl. See my further analysis below.
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Dane - Site Editor - Page Last Updated: January 23, 2025
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dane@replacementwindowsreviews.co
What Is Virgin Vinyl
Factory techs take the leftover vinyl pieces and place them into a machine and grind them into a very fine mixture. Then, this grind material is mixed in with the next batch to create another long extrusion. Basically, the process starts again. A good manufacturer keeps the amount of grind (or recycled vinyl) to roughly the same percentage for each extrusion they produce. However, low quality vinyl window manufacturers are all over the board with the amount of recycled materials the use. Too much grind can cause long term blemishes and yellowing in the vinyl over time.
Virgin Vinyl vs Recycled Vinyl Windows
Sales people often claim their extrusions are 100% virgin vinyl, but this is rarely if ever the case. There is always some percentage of grind (recycled vinyl) in the extrusions. And this isn't a bad thing. Some amount of grind is actually good as it makes for a more rigid vinyl extrusion. What the sales people don't tell you is that virgin vinyl is just one aspect of the factory process to make vinyl windows.
Quality Extrusions Explained
If you really want to dig into whether you are buying a quality extrusion or not, you have to look at a whole number of factors - thickness of the vinyl walls, the number of chambers in the mainframe, whether any additional structural additives are used like titanium - the list goes on and gets kind of technical and boring. This is why it is so difficult to ascertain whether a specific manufacturer makes a quality extrusions or not. Thus, my insistence on analyzing and rating window companies over time.
Benefits Of Virgin
Is there any real benefit for using “virgin” vinyl for windows? I got WinChoice Windows down from $43k to $17,300 on their top of line virgin window.
Dan - Homeowner - from 2025
[Site Editor's Answer]
Dan, the whole virgin vinyl thing gets so convoluted. In truth, no vinyl is 100% virgin. In fact, it can have up to 30% grind and still be considered virgin. So, then you get into questions like what is the percentage of grind, how many times has it been ground, what is the state of the facility in which they do the grind, what processes are they using in their factories, etc.) There are so many ways to fudge numbers/process etc. that unless I saw it with my own eyes, I don't truly know how to judge the overall quality of the vinyl.
However, I would prefer some grind in my molds in order to get a bit more strength, along with more chambers, which is the real way that vinyl windows get their overall rigidity. Anlin Windows, for instance, puts in titanium bits that blend into the vinyl. Quality manufacturers will use thicker guages that make for an overall stronger vinyl.
The bottom line is that there are all sorts of ways to create strength and/or take short cuts in the manufacturing process. The amount of virgin vinyl is but one way to get a quality extrusion.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2025
Houston Replacement Windows
Hi Dane, I need feedback on MI windows V3000 series / the MI single hung 1620 replacement window. Thank you in advance. My husband and I live in Houston in a condo that faces West. Therefore, it gets a lot of sun in the afternoons. Our HOA has mandated that all residents must replace their aluminum windows for Energy Star rated windows for Southern climates (by 12/31/24). Also, I know that the window installation is the second important 1/2 of the equation. So, we are not just going with any outfit that replaces windows. Instead, we want them to have their own dedicated crew and not use subcontractors. And use quality materials.
The MI has a vinyl thickness of .070” (compared to NT windows, which is .075”) and its overall frame depth is 3-1/4” (same as NT’s or Anlin’s, I believe). Also, I was told by the salesperson that MI uses virgin vinyl, but their website does not state that. Whether that’s true or not, I don’t know. Anlin’s vinyl is superior on account of the titanium dioxide additive they use, and also the foam in their multi extrusion chambers. MI does not have either (titanium dioxide or foam) and neither does NT.
I wonder what I am missing in the big picture about MI’s windows. How can they be so “bad” or poorly made? Besides the above-mentioned, I looked at the hardware latch/lock of the 1620 in the window company showroom and it looked solid. The lock was metal, not cheap plastic they use on their lower end builder-grade windows. I read what you wrote that problems appear in years 8-10 of the windows.
Soraya - Homeowner - from 2024
[Site Editor's Answer]
Soraya, you should be good with a high quality vinyl window in Houston. Aluminum is a nice option as well, but if it isn't in the cards, then so be it. Homeowners install vinyl windows everyday in Houston and as long as they are good quality they should last for 30 + years. However, the reinforced meeting rail is a nice upgrade for sure.
The NT Executive is a good window, but I always have some pause about how they will hold up over 25 Houston summers that seem to be getting hotter. I think they are fine, but I might feel more secure with the first two.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2024
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