[sagechickie]

we built and ICF house in AZ and used vinyl frame low-e windows. Of course wood is not a good choice for the hot and dry desert southwest. hence the vinyl. Here's the problem: the vinyl is getting this white powdery stuff on the surface and when it rains, it washes down onto the stucco and discolors the stucco. i tried wiping on a product like Armorall but i don't know if this will solve the problem. any advice?

 

[Ron6519]

I would probably contact the manufacturer about this issue.
I don't understand the window logic you expressed about wood windows. Vinyl would be more susecptable to the Sun's UV rays then wrapped wood windows.
Ron

 

[sagechickie]

Ron, wood exposed to the extreme heat and dry conditions does not last long in AZ. clad wood was prohibitively expensive but probably the best option. However, we asked about vinyl and whether it would take the conditions. we were assured they would perform (bought them at Lowes). I hope we don't have to replace because of how they are installed in ICF construction.

 

[HomeSealed]

You bought an inferior quality vinyl window. That being said, you should attempt to pursue a warranty claim... Whether the are covered by it or not, the only way to fix the problem is by replacing the windows.

 

[sagechickie]

thank you for the replies. i'm very bummed about the potential of having to replace these. theses will be very difficult to replace due to the installation in the ICF walls and being stuccoed around. :icon_cry: