Vinyl Replacement Windows:
Benefits At A Glance
- Affordability (not cheap)
- Non-Conductive
- Long Lasting
- Wide Selection of Style and Color Options
All Vinyl For Vinyl Replacement Windows Is The Same, Right?
No, that is not true. Some vinyl used in vinyl windows is made with recycled materials and some are made with virgin vinyl materials. A simple analogy is comparing vinyl replacement windows with bread. All bread uses a flour and water recipe but bread making differs in the type of flour and the time baked.
The difference with vinyl replacement windows is in the formula as well.
- uPVC is un-plasticized Polyvinyl Chloride. Since PVC is too brittle, modifiers must be added to stabilize and strengthen the mix.
- Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) is a critical additive as it adds protection from the sun. Some manufacturers use just enough titanium dioxide to help against yellowing and drying out. Premium Vinyl – used by Anlin Windows and Provia Vinyl Windows contain more TiO2 to create a more resistant vinyl for greater sun protection. No fading or becoming brittle over time.
- Fillers? Yes, some manufacturers use fillers – such as chalk(!) to make their vinyl less expensive. You won’t find chalk in premium vinyl.
- Modifiers/Additives are added to help make the vinyl more impact resistant but, there are good modifiers and less effective modifiers. Acrylic Impact Modifiers are used in premium vinyl products to add long term weather protection. Acrylic also helps protect against intense UV rays…like we get in Texas. Some vinyl products get CPE (Chlorinated Polyethylene) to assist with pliability. Other modifiers that are less popular for window framers are: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate and MBS (Methyl Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene).
Using recycled vinyl for vinyl replacement windows, while it sounds ecologically prudent, ends up with a vinyl with other chemicals and modifiers not present is Virgin Vinyl. Quality windows always use uPVC virgin vinyl with acrylic and titanium dioxide.

Why Formula Matters
The formula, or recipe of the vinyl itself matters a lot. You want long-lasting, energy efficient vinyl replacement windows that are affordable, and come with a great warranty.
Anlin’s formula has been trademarked with the name XTRU. Here’s how XTRU compares:
Comparison: Anlin XTRU vs. Standard Vinyl
Because Anlin is a premium regional manufacturer, their “recipe” is significantly more robust than “builder-grade” options you might find at big-box stores.
| Feature | Anlin XTRU Vinyl | Standard “Builder Grade” Vinyl |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Stabilizer | High-Concentration Titanium Dioxide | Lower-grade or recycled stabilizers |
| Durability | High rigidity; resists “bowing” | Prone to sagging or warping in heat |
| Color Retention | Lifetime resistance to yellowing | May fade or “chalk” within 5-10 years |
| Certifications | AAMA Gold Label (Highest) | Often Silver or basic NFRC only |
Provia trademarks their vinyl with the name SunShield. Here’s a comparison of these two great brands. You can’t go wrong with either brand!
ProVia vs. Anlin: Formula Comparison
| Feature | ProVia (SunShield®) | Anlin (XTRU) |
|---|---|---|
| Formula Origin | Deceuninck SunShield® (Global Premium) | Proprietary Anlin Formula (In-house) |
| UV Protection | High TiO2 concentration | High TiO2 concentration |
| Primary Region | Midwest/East Coast (Extreme Temp Swings) | West Coast (Extreme Heat/UV) |
| Structural Focus | Multi-chambered with Innergy® Reinforcements | Titanium-infused with high rigidity |
Does Installation Matter?
If you live in either the Dallas Metro or Houston Metro, The Window Experts can help. Our processes for installation are so tight that we offer a Lifetime Leak-Free installation. Our crews have decades of experience installing all types of windows in all types of homes. Call us for the best window products installed by the best installation processes.
If you don’t live within our area, head on over to Jeff’s List where we have vetted hundreds of installers across the country and can make a referral to a company we trust.

