Viwinco strives to be the best in the business by delivering a higher standard window package. Our Insulated Glass Units provide top thermal performance. Additionally, our frames contain more PVC on average than our competitors, resulting in superior energy efficiency, enhanced structural integrity, and lifetime durability. We oversee every step of the manufacturing process within our 140,000-square-foot facility. At Viwinco, we control the source of many processes that are typically outsourced, allowing us to deliver unparalleled quality to your home. We value the voice of our customers, and our individualized attention and service have made our name one of the most trusted in the industry for over forty years.
We follow industry guidelines on glass and vinyl that are set by ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), and FGIA (Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance). The purpose of this document is to outline Viwinco’s criteria to determine if a product is acceptable or whether it merits consideration for replacement. Viwinco has developed specifications that are, in many cases, more stringent than those set by the governing bodies listed above in addition to the Window and Door industry.
There are two important points to note when examining this document and your windows.
- None of the cosmetic imperfections listed below have any impact on the performance or overall appearance of your windows.
- The observation distance and conditions in which you view the window must be considered. The industry defines the focal point of a window as the inner 80% of the glass. An imperfection that seems noticeable at 6” with a flashlight is undetectable during normal viewing conditions. For these reasons, we have standardized our observation conditions.
| Viwinco Approved Inspection Observation Condition |
|---|
| Observation: Windows are viewed at 90 degrees using the naked eye at a distance of 5 feet in indirect lighting. |
We are committed to customer satisfaction and as such, have outlined our workmanship standards for your review. While we continue to strive to deliver a flawless product, some cosmetic imperfections are inherent to the manufacturing process. Below, we have listed some of the imperfections that may be found with your new windows.
- Small scratches, nicks, pits, dents, and die lines, in the vinyl, of a minor nature may occur for any number of reasons and can be buffed or touched up as needed using vinyl cleaners and buffing compounds. Both Clay and Tan vinyl are colored all the way through, and minor nicks and scratches do not affect your windows performance or overall appearance. Laminated products such as Midnight Black and Bronze can be touched up as needed.
- Part of the nature of vinyl is its weatherability, and its freedom from maintenance, which also allows it to be somewhat flexible. For this reason, rails may not be precisely straight at times. Viwinco allows 1/8″ of deviation from a true straight line on sashes for every 24″ of length.
- Due to the varying nature of temperatures in different areas of the country and through different seasons Vinyl Window sashes and frames must have room to expand and contract. The frame must be installed in the opening with at least 1/4″ on each side to expand (without expansion room, the sashes could bow while trying to expand). Sashes should have no less than 1/32″ and no more than 3/32″ gap per side. Up and down play should be no less than 1/16″ and no more than 3/16″ (or side to side play in the case of a slider) of the two sashes in a locked position.
- It must be understood that there is no such thing as a “perfect” piece of glass. Viwinco holds themselves to a higher standard, which is why our observation distance is 5 feet and not the industry standard of 10 feet. More can be found on this topic at this section of FGIA’s website.
- Grids placed in between the pieces of glass are sometimes not perfectly lined up, either vertically or horizontally. Industry standard calls for allowance of up to 1/8″ out of perfect alignment which is usually not noticeable depending on the angle of view.
- Viwinco windows are designed to allow the minimum amount of air infiltration consistent with industry standards for allowable air infiltration. Air can enter around and through the best window.
- Windows are designed to capture water before it enters your home and drains it outside. The presence of water in the sill of the window does not indicate a problem unless it flows over the windowsill onto your sill or wall.
We value you, our customer, and are committed to manufacturing products that deliver beauty and comfort to your home. Every window produced is custom-made specifically for you. Thank you for your purchase and consideration when deciding what windows to purchase for your home. We look forward to serving you!
