The Strength of Integrity® – Powered by Ultrex®

For over 10 years, Integrity® has been the leader in durability because of its unique Ultrex® backbone – an unyielding, pultruded fiberglass that is the core component of Integrity windows and doors.

What is Ultrex?

Ultrex is a super-tough, fiberglass composite used to make Integrity windows and doors. Virtually impervious to time, heat, cold and pressure, pultruded fiberglass materials such as Ultrex have proven themselves in bridge construction, fencing, industrial ladders and spacecraft parts – all situations that require unfailing strength and durability. Ultrex is created through a pultrusion process that combines the strength of glass with an uncompromising thermoset resin to hold the shape. As a result, Ultrex has outstanding structural integrity and can withstand temperatures up to 350° F without distortion.

The Making of Ultrex

Ultrex is created through pultrusion – a manufacturing process in which materials are pulled through a heated die. Dating back to the 1940s, today’s pultrusion processes have been significantly refined and advanced over time. Where once only simple, thick-walled shapes could be manufactured, pultrusion can now produce complex shapes with thin-walled profiles. Experienced pultruders can yield a consistent cross-section, and produce pieces in virtually any length without affecting the material’s strength. The process is ideal for long spans of material, such as window and door stiles, rails and frames.

To create Ultrex, thin, strong cables of glass are saturated with specially-compounded resins. The materials are then carefully formed with glass matting and pulled through a heated die. A solid composite profile results. The material is then finished with a patented coating process for protection against ultraviolet light, which means that unlike vinyl, Ultrex won’t fade, discolor or chalk. This Integrity exclusive coating is three to five times thicker than an industry average of one to two millimeters. As a result, the finished product looks smooth and consistent, with a beautiful fit and finish that resists scratching, denting and marring. A fully-cured piece of Ultrex is so tough that it requires diamond-grit saw blades to cut the material.

The Ultrex Advantage

Ultrex gives Integrity windows and doors three primary advantages over other materials, such as vinyl and roll-form aluminum:

Structural strength. With a tensile strength nearly twice that of steel, Ultrex is incredibly resistant to stretching. Ultrex is also very stiff – it is 12 times more resistant to bending than vinyl. These characteristics help Integrity products stay square and true to simplify installation and resist the pressures of home settling and harsh weather, resulting in significantly fewer callbacks.
Energy efficiency. Integrity products not only meet, but exceed, the criteria necessary to qualify for the ENERGY STAR® rating – a cooperative venture between the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reduce energy use. While Integrity products come standard with an energy-efficient, Low E II coating and Argon gas fill between the window glass panes, the benefits of Ultrex clearly enhance Integrity’s thermal efficiency:
Ultrex’s minimal rate of thermal conductivity creates a permanent insulated barrier from tropical temperatures or freezing arctic air. Unlike vinyl, Ultrex provides structural stability without additional mass. The resulting air pocket provides an extra layer of insulation that’s built into Integrity products.
Ultrex has the same coefficient of thermal expansion as plate glass – this means that the window structure and the window glass expand and contract at the same rate. The similar expansion rate helps protect Integrity windows and doors from stress cracks, leaks and seal failures, which can comprise energy efficiency and result in callbacks.
Low maintenance. Ultrex’s patented coating process produces a thick, tough finish that stands the test of time. The virtually no-maintenance material is non-corrosive, non-brittle, chemically resistant, and never has to be sanded, scraped or painted. Ultrex’s finish is also extremely resistant to spotting, scratching, streaking, fading and chalking, allowing you to paint Ultrex dark colors without fear of color distortion over time.

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Author Notes:

Billy Doorman contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.replacement-windows-n-shutters.com. Everything you need for replacement windows; sizing, purchasing, installing and maintaining.