I live in the mountains at about 9000 ft altitude. I am shopping for windows and I hear that vinyl may not be a good choice in high altitude because of the extreme temperatures. Something about expanding and contracting and breaking the seal. Anybody have experience with that?
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I can't answer that question other than to really question the source. If it is a window co. talking about a product they don't sell, take it with a grain of salt.
There might be a problem with UV exposure.
But I can see any more problem with tempature changes than at lower levels.
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
I see the bigger problem with windows at that altitude being the glass. Double glazed units will 'pillow' out unless a capillary tube is installed in the factory.
http://www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm/2000/4/1/High-Elevation-Problems-Jeopardize-Gas-Fill-Windows/
Where do you live and how high an elevation are you at?
Boston, about 100 ft.
Now that I think of it the OP should see if there are any window mfg in Colorado, thus avoiding this problem.
Milgaurds hold their own pretty well here....
above 9-10k.. all bets are off for any of them...
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Bingo, sorry I was addresing the poster.
He said he was at 9,000 ft ..
A rumor I hear is that increased UV at high altitudes breaks down vinyl faster than normal.
that it does...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
WELL!
10 posts and no one has said "WELCOME TO BT"!!!
IMnsHO, even at sea level, I'd never again put insulated glass or vinyl on my own house (except as dictated by stupid codes in places) - storm windows and aluminum (if you can still get it) or frame-it-yourself wood.
Welcome to BT Junkhound.
Boy ... did you get burned at some point? I've never heard of anyone feeling so strongly negative about a product that has proven itself over many decades. Interesting. Sure seals can go bad on windows, but many manufacturers provide good warranties on hermetically sealed glass.
I have had some experiance with selling windows for many years. I had several which were sold in the Sierra anove Bishop Calif. Elevation 9000. Andersens do just fine at altitude up to 9500 feet. above that you may be in the need of breather tube installad at the factory. life time on the vinyl. Also Andersen has just come out with a new window worht looking at called the 100 series to compete with the Milgard product here on the west coast.
http://www.andersenwindows.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Page&mrid=1212750062675&pagename=AW%2FPage%2FawMediaIBSContainer&scat=WhatsNew