RBA Fibrex vs. Infinity Ultrex
Compare Renewal By Andersen Windows To Infinity From Marvin Windows Higher Value
Infinity from Marvin frames are made from ULTREX Fiberglass which is 4 times stronger than the RBA Fibrex frames that are made from 60% vinyl and 40% wood shavings. The ULTREX frames are almost 2 inches thinner than the RBA Fibrex frame so Infinity From Marvin Windows provide more viewable glass and more natural light with a thinner more elegant-looking window. Infinity from Marvin is the better window at a better price.
Both Infinity from Marvin and Renewal by Andersen have similar backgrounds. Both companies have been around for more than 100 years, both companies are located in Minnesota, both companies had similar beginnings and both companies have a long history of manufacturing quality windows. That is where the similarities end once you look at what materials are used to manufacture the frames, and the quality of workmanship.
Reviewing the expansion and contraction chart, vinyl windows expand and contract 8 times more than the glass they surround. Each and every day, the frames expand and contract 8 times more than the glass they surround. Over time the frame will pull away from the glass and cause seal failure, and the argon gas will leak out.
Fibrex only expands and contracts 4 times more than the glass that it surrounds, so it does do a better job than most other vinyl windows; however, it still expands and contracts 4 times more than the glass the frame surrounds.
Infinity from Marvin’s ULTREX® frames are as strong as steel and has never had a seal failure in over 20 years because the frames expand and contract at almost the same rate as the glass it surrounds, so the frames do not pull away from the glass, and the seals don’t break. The extra three layers of acrylic capping prevent color fade, chipping, peeling, and cracking.
Infinity From Marvin ULTREX® Windows Beats All Competitors
Chart Created by Stork Technimet – Compare Renewal By Andersen Fibrex Windows to Infinity From Marvin Ultrex Windows
The comparison chart above is created by Stork Technimet Corporation, an independent unbias testing facility. This test shows that Infinity from Marvin’s ULTREX® far outperforms the competition in every category.
References: Stork Technimet/Testing Corporation: #0602-15293, #0512-14889, #0704-19702, #TCT006638P. Precision Measurements and Instruments Corporation: #13043-DS. Tecton: # ESP010521P, “Test Results for Fibrex and ULTREX®.” Plastics Engineering Handbook of the Society of Plastics Industry, Inc. Fifth Edition. Andersen Fibrex Manual: “A High Performance, High-Value Biofiber Polymer Composite Technology.” Renewal By Andersen®: “Fibrex Material: A Better Alternative, A Better Window.” LD = Longitudinal Direction * Highest rate of thermal conductivity shown. Test results range from .10 -13 for vinyl/wood composite (Fibrex) and .09 – .12 for ULTREX®.
Ultrex® Frames Strong as Steel
The Material You Choose for your windows and doors will have impacts far into the future.
Your window and door choice affects your energy efficiency, the security of your home, even the quality of your life. It’s not a decision that should be made lightly. Our advice? Study the facts and choose wisely
Vinyl & Vinyl/Wood Composite (FIBREX®)
Vinyl has a high rate of expansion and contraction compared to glass. This can lead to seal failures and stress cracks. Some vinyl/wood composites are 60% vinyl infused with wood fibers and struggle from similar performance issues as their vinyl counterparts.
Ultrex® Pultruded Patented Windows
Infinity windows and doors are built with Ultrex®, a highly durable, state-of-the-art, pultruded material with acrylic capping. This pioneering technology benefits from 20 years of proven performance in the field
Ultrex® Windows are Made From Sand
Ultrex® Has Many Different Colors Finish Options. But they’re all Green.
Made from a safe and natural resource. ULTREX® Windows are made from silica sand, one of the strongest & most abundant natural resources in the world – The ULTREX® manufacturing facilities fully comply with the 1990 Clean Air Act and are designated as a Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) facility as outlined by the EPA.
Ultrex® Thermal Expansion
ULTREX® HAS VERY LOW THERMAL EXPANSION RATES
Let’s now compare what happens with ULTREX® frames. ULTREX® expands and contracts almost the same as the glass. When the 4.6 glass heats up it expands toward the ULTREX® frame 4.0, which is strong as steel and unmovable. The result is a frame as strong as steel with a thin, elegant design that provides more viewable glass. This means that our windows and doors stay tight and true even after extreme temperature swings. ULTREX® expands at virtually the same rate as glass and maintains a tight seal, so it’s resistant to leaks, seal failures, and stress cracks that can compromise energy efficiency and long-term performance.
Vinyl has a 30.0 expansion when it heats up, so it expands 8 times more than the glass surrounds, pulling away from the glass and causing seal failure. Vinyl can crack, peel, chip, and fade under the heat and cold changes daily. When a vinyl window is installed, contractors must leave up to a 1/4 inch gap between the frame and a vinyl window because a vinyl window frame must have the room to expand and contract under the heat and cold if they did not leave that gap of air the vinyl window would warp and even explode when it expands into the frame. Plastic bends, warps, cracks, and fades it is a fact.
The comparison chart above is created by Stork Technimet Corporation, an independent unbias testing facility. This test shows that Infinity from Marvin’s ULTREX® far outperforms the competition in every category.
References: Stork Technimet/Testing Corporation: #0602-15293, #0512-14889, #0704-19702, #TCT006638P. Precision Measurements and Instruments Corporation: #13043-DS. Tecton: # ESP010521P, “Test Results for Fibrex and ULTREX®.” Plastics Engineering Handbook of the Society of Plastics Industry, Inc. Fifth Edition. Andersen Fibrex Manual: “A High Performance, High-Value Biofiber Polymer Composite Technology.” Renewal By Andersen®: “Fibrex Material: A Better Alternative, A Better Window.” LD = Longitudinal Direction * Highest rate of thermal conductivity shown. Test results range from .10 -13 for vinyl/wood composite (Fibrex) and .09 – .12 for ULTREX®.
What is the Best Replacement Windows Material for Me?
Ultrex Strong as Steel
Infinity Ultrex Color Options
A Finish that Resists Fading
Want long-term color retention in a variety of styles? Ultrex® uses an acrylic finish that is paintable, fade-resistant and virtually maintenance-free. With a finish that’s 3 times thicker than competitive options, Ultrex® resists chipping, denting or peeling.
Vinyl—Bulkier Frame, Less Viewable Glass
Vinyl can warp and shift under everyday conditions — potentially making vinyl windows difficult to open and close and affecting their all-around performance. Ultrex® resists sticking, swelling, and warping so Infinity windows and doors will continue to easily open and close.
Vinyl frames must be manufactured thicker wider, bulkier in order to support the heavyweight of the glass. Because vinyl needs thicker wider frames in order to support the heavy dual-pane glass the result is more frame and less viewable glass.
Ultrex® vs. Wood
Wooden windows offer classic beauty that, depending on the environment, can require maintenance and care. Infinity windows capture the beautiful details and profiles of wood — without the maintenance.
Ultrex® More Viewable Glass Thin Sleek Frame
More view for your money
ULTREX® not only provides unmatched durability compared to other window replacement materials, but it also makes a lasting impression both inside and out. From narrower profiles that deliver bigger views and more daylight to color options that resist fading, Ultrex® simply delivers.
Because ULTREX® is so strong, we actually use less material in Infinity window frames. That means you get more daylight, more view of the outside, more glass, without bulky materials obstructing your view. We pay extra attention to the details that matter — like our clean, non-welded, corners that let you make the most of your beautiful view.
ULTREX® exclusive patented frames are as strong as steel so they are thinner sleeker and more elegant which results in more viewable glass with a sleeker frame.
Ultrex® Stays True
ULTREX® windows are as strong as steel, our frames are manufactured thinner, trimer, and sleeker because they are strong. Thinner, sleeker frames result in more viewable glass.
ULTREX® expands at a 4.0 virtually the same rate as glass, at a 4.6 so our windows stay tight and true. This makes Infinity windows resistant to leaks, seal failures, and stress cracks that can compromise energy efficiency and long-term performance.
Compared to other materials, Ultrex® is the strongest window framing material in the replacement industry. This means Ultrex® resists bending and flexing — that’s confidence Fibrex® and vinyl simply can’t match.
Infinity From Marvin Brochures
Infinity from Marvin Windows & Doors
Infinity® from Marvin® replacement windows and doors don’t just look great; they are high-performing and easy-to-use, too. From a variety of exterior color and hardware options to screen and glass choices, you can maximize your views while upgrading your home with windows or doors that blend naturally with your home’s existing style.
Infinity from Marvin ULTREX®
ULTREX® not only provides unmatched durability compared to other window replacement materials, but it also makes a lasting impression both inside and out. From narrower profiles that deliver bigger views and more daylight to color options that resist fading, Ultrex® simply delivers.
Infinity from Marvin Bi-Fold Doors
Premium Bi-Fold Door Designs That Will Transform Your Home. Infinity Doors offer enduring style coupled with more narrow frames and greater glass space. Download the full catalog. Call today for a Free quote & view how elegant our Bi-Fold Doors look in your home.
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