Architecture/patio doors

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Expert: - 3/30/2007


Question
QUESTION: I am replacing 7 patio doors that surround my sunroom.  I have had 2 window reps come out.  One of the reps, who sells Anderson windows, says do not get vinyl because they will buckle & expand & contract.  Their product is Fibrex, which contains wood, but needs no maintenance.  We live in Chicago, so what would be your suggestion.
ANSWER: Hi Mary - thanks for your question!

The Anderson rep was a little harsh in his asessment of vinyl products...but there is some truth in what he's saying.

Vinyl will "move" more than other products and can cause some problems with large moveable panels - such as patio doors!

But I'm not a fan of vinyl windows and doors for a few other reasons, too.  I don't like the fact that the color is the same inside and out; I don't like that you can't paint or stain the interior to match what you have now; and I don't like that generally, vinyl products are not manufactured by companies with long histories of quality and customer service - most are local outfits that come and go a little to frequently.

I do like the new frame technologies like the Fibrex you mentioned, and Marvin's Ultrex in their Integrity line.

I'd stick with one of those, or a wood/clad product.

I'll be in Chicago tomorrow - looks like decent weather this weekend.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com
www.rtahouseplans.com
www.dontbuyahouseplan.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: This really helps.  I also wanted to mention a couple of things, of which may or may not make a difference.  I would use white on both sides either way, so paint is not an issue.  Also, the rep said that vinyl after being exposed to sun, lets off an odor, which also contains toxins.  Is this true?  Have a great time in Chicago.  The weather has been wonderful.

Answer
All types of plastic or vinyl "outgas" some organic compounds after manufacturing.  It's not a big issue unless you're particularly sensitive to it.  The bigger problem with vinyl is how it ages from sun exposure.  The vinyl becomes less flexible over time and can deteriorate.

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com
www.rtahouseplans.com
www.dontbuyahouseplan.com

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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