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Homeowners on Long Island planning to repaint their homes may well wonder if it is okay to paint their replacement windows to match. Depending on whom you ask, and the windows you have, the answer may be very different. Contractors and helpers at the hardware store will generally tell homeowners you can paint almost any surface, providing you do proper surface prep and buy the right type of paint for the frame material. Renewal by Andersen of Long Island strongly recommends you avoid painting Fibrex- framed replacement windows.
Vinyl, metal, wood, and most composites, such as Fibrex, can be repainted. However, paint applied to factory finishes creates a surface that will likely fade, peel, chip, flake – and in the case of wood – become susceptible to moisture damage from mold, rot and mildew.
Some windows’ colors are originally applied using a thin film to cover the surface. Some vinly window manufacturers may also use a technique called hot stamping, which uses pressure and heat to affix several colored layers of foil to the frame and trim elements.
Depending on whether pigment is added to profile components after the construction process is complete or color is added during the extrusion process – as is the case with composite materials like Fibrex, you may need to remove the colored treatment or “rough up” the existing surface to get paint or stain to adhere to the non-glass window components. This can be a time-consuming, arduous task that often comes with mixed results. Creating a paintable surface also means ongoing maintenance to keep replacement window frames looking and performing as designed.
Fibrex is a patented composite construction material with color built into the manufacturing process. The wood and vinyl composite is non-porous, so Long Island homeowners never have to deal with mold, rot, mildew or other damage associated with moisture damage.
And, Fibrex is guaranteed to maintain its beautiful finish for as long as you live in your home. The frame color never flakes, peels, blisters or fades. No maintenance necessary – other than an occasional wipe down to remove external dirt and grime that builds up on every outdoor surface over time.
Fibrex replacement windows are also eco-friendly. The composite is made from wood and vinyl recovered from the factory, limiting the impact on natural resources and reducing landfill waste. Renewal by Andersen of Long Island Energy Star certified replacement windows built with Fibrex window frames also enhance the energy efficiency of your home, reducing carbon emissions by controlling your monthly heating and air conditioning bill.
Note: Renewal by Andersen of Long Island replacement windows with natural wood interiors allow homeowners to paint or stain the interior window frame components to match or contrast with the home’s interior décor.
Modifying replacement window components, including painting the trim and window frame, make weaken the window structure and void all or part of your warranty.
For most people, the decision to enjoy maintenance-free windows and protect warranty coverage is preferable to creating another surface that demands ongoing maintenance. However, if you still want to paint your replacement windows when you paint your home, consult your replacement window representative for tips on preparing the surface before you head to the paint store.
If you plan to repaint your home, and want to update existing home windows during the project, let Renewal by Andersen of Long Island introduce you to never-needs-painting Fibrex replacement windows. We serve Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the surrounding boroughs of Long Island. Simply fill in the short form on this page or dial (866) 609-5033 to schedule a personal consultation with a replacement window specialist in your neighborhood.
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