Strength:
When measuring the materials ability to bend, Ultrex is found to be 8X stronger than vinyl, 3.5X stronger than wood/vinyl composites and 3X stronger than wood. When measuring tensile strength the Ultrex is actually comparable to steel. Typically strength requires mass. That is why vinyl window components are generally big and bulky, even wood or wood/vinyl composite components have substantial body for added strength. In contrast, the strength of the Ultrex allows Infinity windows to be constructed of frames and sash that are narrower than typical replacement windows. Let’s compare:
Stability:
Thermoset:
Durability:
Ultrex has excellent thermal performance, and coupled with the energy efficient glazing in the Infinity windows hot and cold temperatures are kept on the side of the home you want them to be ( inside or outside) with minimal thermal transfer thru the Ultrex. 500X less conductive than aluminum, the thermal performance of Ultrex is comparable to wood and PVC materials which are typically good insulators. The Ultrex has hollow cavities or chambers within the pultruded walls that create air pockets which provide insulating value and help block the transfer of heat and cold between exterior and interior surfaces. Some manufacturers will fill these hollow cavities with foam or other materials. The logic makes sense ( one would assume this would increase the insulating value of the material). It was certainly a feature that the Infinity design technicians had considered, but after conducting experimentation and testing using assorted filler-type material, it was discovered that leaving the air space as-is actually provided the most consistent and favorable thermal performance. Infact, it was found that as the hollow chambers were filled, the filler material ( especially foam) contacted both the interior and exterior surfaces and served as a bridge between the two allowing the passage of heat or cold from one surface to the other. Sometimes, as the saying goes, …… less is more.
