The word “window“ takes its origin from the Norse word “vindauga” which loosely translates to “eye of the wind”. The window was meant to be both functional as well as aesthetically pleasing.

After the end of World War II, there was a shortage of materials such as wood, aluminum and steel so the Germans, in their efforts to rebuild, began to use vinyl window framing, which was a new thermoplastic. By 1959, BF Goodrich company, a vinyl resin manufacturer decided to try their hand at vinyl window production, and offered sleek designs similar to that found in the wood or metal window frames.

Designs improved and popularity grew, sales of vinyl windows grew in the mid 1990’s for both new construction and remodeling by 125%. Innovations in vinyl formulas have helped to improve flexibility in vinyl window designs.

Some of the newer innovations made to vinyl are the addition of sawdust and cellular foam. The wood mixed with the vinyl has made a new option of embossing the vinyl so that it looks like wood and can even be stained or painted like wood. The use of cellular foam has made a huge difference in the shapes and appearance of the vinyl trims. These are great to use as they do not rot or decay at all. Vinyl windows made by the same process are colour fast because the colour is not just on the surface but is extruded through the entire product. When made properly the vinyl also contains UV inhibitors to protect from sun damage, cracking or splitting.

The average life span of a vinyl window varies depending on the use of them, but on average warranties are offered for 20 – 30 years.

Over the years the cost of vinyl windows has become much more affordable due to the popularity and easy accessibility to the goods required to manufacture the vinyl or vinyl composites. As a result they have become a cost effective alternative to metal and wooden window frames.