Vinyl Window Frames vs. Wood Window Frames - Window Replacement
Email To Friend | share this article | Posted by Dean on February 1st in Windows.
Window Materials
The other major consideration for windows is whether to choose wood or vinyl. Although many homeowners like the look of wood windows they can be far more expensive not only initially but also when it comes to maintenance. Below, we have summarized the main features, pros and cons of vinyl and wood windows.
Vinyl Framed Windows
Vinyl replacement windows represent the largest market share in the Window business. Vinyl windows are made primarily from polyvinyl chloride (pvc), which offers many advantages. Windows made from this material are strong and provide very good insulation. Energy bills from heating and cooling your house will be reduced. Vinyl windows are available in a wide range of styles and shapes, have moderate to high R-values and can be easily customized. Another great advantage of this material is that it comes in a wide range of prices. There really is a model available for every budget. When looking into pricing, vinyl products will have the biggest assortment to choose from.
Vinyl replacement windows also are available in a wide range of standard sizes. This makes the installation process fairly quick thus reducing the cost of installing new windows in your home.
In addition, you can choose from many different colors of vinyl windows. The color is actually part of the material, making the color essentially scratch-proof. The only down side is that once you choose the color, you cannot change it. Vinyl Replacement Windows are not made of a material that can be painted but they will never need any maintenance!
Vinyl Window Features and Tips
Color
Most manufacturers make windows with different finishes and colors on them. An emerging trend is choosing a color of windows to work with the house colors. Many people think that the only color that vinyl windows come in is white. These days both wood and vinyl windows come in a wide variety of colors.
Vinyl Window Warranties!
Long-term satisfaction with your windows will come from purchasing products from a reputable company with strong product warranties. Carefully review the warranties for replacement stipulations, ownership transfer details and guarantees against failure of glass, frame and sash of the window.
Good seals
Compare the rubber seals of different windows before selecting one. Pay a little extra for a window with superior seals. The seal of the window will keep moisture from entering the pane and fogging the windows.
Solid screens
Check out the screens on different types of windows. Cheap flimsy screens will be damaged easily and require maintenance and replacement.
Common Mistakes
Look Out for Cheap
Vinyl can be flimsy. The cheaper manufacturers beef up their windows by adding to the width of the frame. This takes up glass space and gives a “chunky” appearance. If your budget does not allow for wood, be sure to get extruded vinyl, which is sturdy enough for more elegant “lines”.
Wood Framed Windows
Wood replacement windows are often used when the home owner wishes to retain the exact look of the original wood windows on the home. Wood replacement windows do have many modern features that will make them superior to the original wood windows. However, they will degrade over time and the exterior window sills and window casements will need periodic painting. If wood frames are not properly protected from moisture, they can warp, crack, and stick.
The advantages to Wood Windows are that they produce higher R-values, are unaffected by temperature extremes, and are less prone to condensation.
Wood windows are generally more expensive than other types of replacement windows.
Colors
Most manufacturers make windows with different finishes and colors on them. An emerging trend is choosing a color of windows to work with the house colors. These days both wood and vinyl windows come in a wide variety of colors from white to red.
Research the Warranties!
Long-term satisfaction with your windows will come from purchasing products from a reputable company with strong product warranties. Carefully review the warranties for replacement stipulations, ownership transfer details and guarantees against failure of glass, frame and sash of the window.