Throughout much of the Eastern U.S., the Rusco name is known for quality and dependability. With a history of growth, Rusco remains dedicated to manufacturing the best products for the market with a focus on quality production and service.

Rusco operates a dealer and distributor network in an eight state region including and surrounding our home state Virginia, along with a local retail and commercial division in the Roanoke Valley. Explore our site for more information.

We sell Energy Star products!

As a Division of Lawrence Transportation Systems, Rusco is an employee owned company

Rusco Window Company was founded by Randolph J. Grammer and M. Alton Robertson and first opened its door for business on June 18, 1947. The company was a franchisee of the F.C. Russell Co. of Ohio and started selling only Rusco steel storm vinyl replacement windows. At that time it was a very progressive and innovative product.

During the 1950's venetian blinds became a part of Rusco's business and the company began fabricating venetian blinds. In addition to the original Rusco steel storm windows, the company began manufacturing aluminum storm windows and metal awnings for windows and doors. It was also during this time Rusco started selling wholesale to dealers located in other cities and towns in Virginia, and by the end of the decade the company was selling to dealers in neighboring states.

During the 1970’s, the F.C. Russell Co. was sold and eventually ceased operation. Rusco Window Co. of Roanoke became independently owned and operated by Randolph J. Grammer, now having only a common history with other Rusco franchises throughout the country.

In 1979, Rusco began making windows from PVC vinyl. This was a new concept not yet accepted by the public, so this represented a very bold move by the company. Prior to this, all replacement windows were manufactured from aluminum.
Rusco continued to grow in the 1980's and became a major supplier to the government funded Weatherization program in several states. The emphasis shifted from storm windows to vinyl replacement windows.

Vinyl windows became the primary product by the early 1990's. In 1992 computerized optimization equipment was added to increase efficiency in manufacturing and to drastically reduce material scrap.

In 2000, Lawrence Transportation Systems acquired Rusco Window Company. Rusco is similar to Lawrence in that it is a Roanoke based family owned business with a long history of innovative service.

Rusco now specializes in custom manufacturing state of the art vinyl windows for the remodeling and new construction markets along with aluminum awnings and canopies. Other quality products offered include entry doors, aluminum storm windows and doors, sunrooms, vinyl siding and many other home improvement goods and services.

Today Rusco is a thriving, growth oriented company located in Roanoke, VA and continues to serve a dual role in the manufacturing and distribution of its products sold on a wholesale basis to independent dealers and distributors over a seven-state area while serving homeowners factory direct in the Roanoke Valley.

What do I need to know when planning to install one or several new windows in my home? Windows are very carefully engineered building components, and if they don't work properly they can cost you money in increased energy bills, and prevent your home from being as comfortable year round as it should be. That's why a window made with Duraseal® is your best investment.

Duraseal is a patented, all-in-one insulating glass edge seal that joins the two panes of glass in a window. It consists of a continuous, 'swiggly'-shaped metal shim that is embedded in a moisture-sealing, heat-resistant polymer. Because of its unique composition, windows made with Duraseal will keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, and save you money in lower energy bills! Why would you want to choose anything else?

What is Low E and Argon all about? Low-E and argon filled, high performance glass is part of a new generation of energy efficient windows and patio doors.

The beauty of Low E and Argon is not something you'll ever see. You may opt for Low E and argon gas, instead of just air, betweeen two panes of insulating glass. Argon is a harmless, colorless, inert gas which was chosen because its insulation value is one-third higher than air. In addition, we've coated the outer surface of the interior pane with a fine film of silver. The coating is only a few atoms thick, so Low E looks like ordinary insulating glass.

Windows and patio doors with Low E - Argon glass will out perform units with standard insulating and benefit you in six ways: Reduces Energy Costs. Low E - Argon helps reduce heating and air conditioning costs because it has a dramatically higher R-value than insulating glass. 95% of the interior heat waves that come in contact with Low E - Argon. Casement or awning windows with Low E - Argon have a total unit R-value of 3.22, for example. The same units with insulated glass would achieve an R-value of only 2.22.

Improves the Comfort Level in Your home. The inner pane of Low E - Argon glass is close to room temperature. This means that your home will generally be a more comfortable living climate. Low E - Argon also reduces the changes of cold spots, which are caused by the low temperature of the inner pane on standard insulating glass. So sitting near a Low E - Argon window or patio door won't be a chilling experience.

Increases Resistance to Fading. Low E filters out 85% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, compared to only 66% for standard insulated glass. The life of your draperies, carpeting and furniture will therefore be significantly extended. Increases Resistance to Sound. Low E - Argon acts as a sound barrier by reducing the transmission of sound through the glass. Increases Resale Value of Home. With energy efficient windows, your home's resale value increases and prospective home buyers appreciate the many benefits of Low E - Argon glass in windows and patio doors. In conclusion, Low E - Argon reduces energy cost, improves your comfort, resists fading, reduces sound transfers and increases the resale value of your home. - all for a nominal increase in price over standard insulating glass.

>How do I select a Replacement Window Company? You are about to make a very important decision. Your home is your most valuable asset and the selection of a qualified company is of vital importance. If a quality product and a reputable company is chosen the first time, most people will replace their windows only once. By taking the time to answer these important questions, you can rest assured you have made the best decision regarding you home’s new windows.
1.) How long has the company been in business?
2.) Is the company locally owned and operated?
3.) Does the company install windows on a full time – year round basis?
4.) Where are the windows made?
5.) How long has the brand being recommended been carried?
6.) Does the company have factory trained technicians and parts available to service their windows?
7.) Will the sales representatives show samples, make suggestions and provide effective solutions to your window needs in writing?
8.) Can the company provide examples of their work?
9.) Can the company provide homeowner references?
10.) Does the company provide a complete written warranty on their products and workmanship?
11.) Is the company complying with state and local licensing laws – including building code requirements?
12.) Is the company insured for liability and workman’s compensation?

What is Vinyl (PVC)? It is one of thousands of plastics in use today. PVC's technical name is poly vinyl chloride. It is unique among plastics in that it is composed of nearly 60% chloride that stems from rock salt (sodium chloride) and about 40% polymers stemming from natural gas and petrochemicals.

Is the Vinyl in Rusco Vinyl Windows the same as everyone else's? No. Not all vinyl (PVC) window products are alike! Nor are all vinyl window extrusions/formulas equal, either. All of Rusco’s vinyl window extrusions come from Chelsea Building Products. Chelsea's advanced proprietary compound formula represent the best in vinyl products. Other ordinary PVC products may "skimp" on ingredients or use low-quality additives or formulations to deliver a low price vinyl. Unfortunately, this also tends to deliver a lower quality vinyl product that does not perform well over time. At Chelsea, their TQM (total quality management) program and SPC (statistical process control) program ensure that every segment of the product and its manufacturing is right. You can trust the quality of windows made by Rusco from Chelsea vinyl extrusions.

How do Rusco Vinyl Windows differ from other Vinyl Windows? Besides Rusco’s use of Chelsea's advanced proprietary vinyl formulations designed to provide superior long-term weatherability, performance and beauty, there are numerous design and extrusion features that make Rusco Windows some of the best in the industry. All Rusco Windows feature specially formulated high-impact vinyl with multi-chambered construction for greater strength, color that is part of the vinyl so finish can't flake off like on wood and aluminum windows, and meet or exceed all applicable industry standards. In addition to these, look for the special design features of Rusco Vinyl Windows.

How do Rusco Windows perform versus Wood, Metal, or other Materials? The performance of Rusco vinyl windows is assured by Chelsea's advanced proprietary vinyl formulations, total quality control in the extrusion process, and Rusco’s over 21 years of vinyl window fabrication experience. The Chelsea extrusions used by Rusco are certified under the industry's most stringent lineal (extrusion) certification program. The window designs Rusco manufactures are also tested by independent testing laboratories to the industries latest performance standards and, of course, their vinyl construction offers unique advantages over wood, metal or composite products.

What is "Virgin Vinyl"? Virgin vinyl is the term applied to vinyl that is extruded for the first time. Regrind is the term given to vinyl that has been extruded, then the parts are ground up into small "pellets" and can be re-extruded. The implication is that "virgin vinyl" is purer or superior to reground vinyl. As a thermo plastic, PVC can be reprocessed, typically, around three times with little degradation to the compound. After that, additional processing "uses up" some of the lubricants and other additives that are used in the extrusion process. Rusco’s frames, sashes and other major window parts are extruded from virgin vinyl.

What is UPVC? Do Rusco Windows have it? Yes. The Chelsea vinyl extrusions used by Rusco are processed with UPVC. UPVC stands for unplasticized PVC. It is an old term brought over by European extruders. Older European PVC formulas contained plasticizers to aid in extrusion of the part. These plasticizers would often "migrate" out of a finished product over time leaving it brittle. This was a problem with older European PVC products. Years ago, newer technology formulas were developed that did not use (or require) plasticizers in rigid extrusions. In Europe, to differentiate products made with the newer formulas (and without plasticizers) they began calling them UPVC.

Why are Vinyl Frames hollow? Why aren't they solid? Vinyl frames are designed with multiple chambers in the frame to provide thermal efficiency, rigidity and strength without excessive weight. A solid frame would be excessively heavy, difficult to work with, expensive, and would, actually, not perform as well as the multi-chambered designs in today's window products.

How durable are Vinyl Windows? Vinyl windows are very durable. There are millions of vinyl windows installed in homes and commercial buildings, across the country and around the world. In the U.S., some vinyl windows have been installed as long as 25 years and are still working well. Many designs of today have wind load ratings superior to wood and metal windows.

What is Fusion Welding? Many of today's vinyl window and door products feature fusion welded corner construction. Quite simply, it is the process of mitering the corners, heating them to above 200° f and bringing the heated comers into contact until they fuse together, forming an exceptionally strong joint and a permanently sealed comer that can't leak air or water.

Will Vinyl Windows melt in the hot sun? No. Vinyl windows perform well in the desert climates of the Southwestern U.S. where daytime temperatures can reach 125° F (and above) and surfaces in direct sun can be heated above 165° F (the temperature at which vinyl begins to soften). It's the multi-chambered design of vinyl products that ensures they'll handle even those excessive levels of heat. Vinyl is an excellent insulator. It does not conduct heat readily like aluminum and the hollow chambers in a vinyl frame reduce conduction even further. So while the outside surface of a vinyl window frame may get quite hot in direct sun, the interior walls will not heat up, remaining close to room temperature.

What kind of maintenance do Vinyl Windows require? Vinyl windows are virtually maintenance free, requiring no finishing upon installation and no periodic painting or sealing like wood or metal windows. They also can't rot, rust, pit or corrode like wood or metal products and are unaffected by moisture, salt air, pollution and airborne chemicals. If they ever require cleaning, simply wiping with a damp cloth is sufficient to return them to their "Factory Fresh" condition.

What can I use if I really need to clean my Vinyl Windows? Usually a few drops of a mild liquid cleaner in a bucket of water is sufficient to clean any dirt or grime that may have accumulated on the window. If you have more stubborn build-up, the following household cleaners work well according to Chelsea Building Products - Formula 409, Ajax Liquid Cleaner, Murphy's Oil Soap, Lysol Cleaner, Soft Scrub, or vinegar and water. The following cleaners or types of cleaners should not be used on vinyl - Clorox, Pine Power, Ivory, Grease Relief, Tide Detergent and nail polish remover (acetone).

Can I paint my Vinyl Windows? Yes, there are paints specifically made for use on vinyl. With the proper preparation you may also use a good quality latex or oil-based exterior grade house paint. To prep the surface, use a deglosser and wipe the surfaces or use an extra fine sandpaper (180 grit or finer) and buff the surface to dull it, wipe off any dust or dirt and apply the paint. Painting is not required. PVC windows are virtually maintenance-free as they come from the factory. We do not recommend using dark colors to paint PVC, as the dark colors will "mask" the UV protection built into the vinyl extrusion and may cause possible heat build-up or distortion of the vinyl. Be aware that painting vinyl windows will void the warranty.

What about Vinyl Windows in a fire? Vinyl will not support combustion like many common building materials. They can "burn" if they are completely enveloped in flames from other materials, but if the flame is removed, the vinyl will self extinguish. In fact, PVC has a higher ignition temperature, lower flame spread and lower heat released in a fire than a similar sample of wood and any smoke produced by burning PVC is of the same range as that of most organic materials.

Are Vinyl windows a smart choice? Earth friendly? Safe? Yes. Vinyl windows and doors are a very smart choice. Less than one half of vinyl's weight is dependent on natural resources. Vinyl windows require only one-third of the energy needed to manufacture aluminum windows. Vinyl windows help conserve energy and reduce home heating and cooling costs, and because vinyl windows and doors do not require painting or finishing, homeowners avoid vapor emissions, cleanup and disposal problems associated with frequent application of certain paints and stains.

What kind of warranty does Rusco Window have? Rusco’s vinyl replacement windows carry a written limited lifetime transferable warranty that covers the vinyl material, insulated glass seal and other window components. It even covers glass breakage. This is truly one of the best warranties in the industry.