How Much Heat Can a Vinyl Window Take?

Considerations

• As a general rule, avoid installing vinyl windows in hot or desert climates. While the amount of heat varies, according to the season and time of day, vinyl windows can be damaged by a variety of heat ranges, and your safest bet is to avoid using them altogether if you live in a hot climate. If you must use vinyl window frames even though you get consistent temperatures in the 90s, try to protect them with shade to help them last longer in the heat.

Specific Temperatures

• The vinyl in the window frames starts to change when the heat reaches around 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, no climates can become this hot; but when the sun is pouring into the window for several hours at a time, the heat trapped in the vinyl frame between the window panes can reach these temperatures. This causes the vinyl to slowly melt and sag, which will eventually ruin the window.

Variables

• Predicting when vinyl will melt is difficult to determine. There are low quality vinyl windows made with only basic plastic materials that can be ruined more easily than other types. Some vinyl frames are made with additives that promote durability and temperature resistance and can last longer in heat. Choosing an inexpensive vinyl option may cause you problems later on.

Temperature Changes

• Vinyl contracts and expands with temperature changes. If you live in a more mild climate but one that experiences drastic changes in temperature between summer and winter, your vinyl windows may be more susceptible to damage. The expansion caused by heat can make the window frame warp or crack, even if it does not reach the temperatures necessary to melt the window itself.