Installing new windows can make a dramatic difference in the look of your home and freshen things up. This is true whether you are simply replacing older, tired windows or adding new windows to improve the view or allow more natural daylight to enter a dark area of your home.
If your existing windows are severely worn out, they may be letting in more wind and rain than they are keeping out. By upgrading to newer, more modern windows, air infiltration can be reduced to almost zero. The advanced window designs have superior glazing and innovative construction techniques that can reduce your energy bills by more than 30 percent in many cases.
Vinyl Windows vs Wood Windows the Pros & Cons
The two most common options for replacement windows are Vinyl Windows and Wood windows. Make sure you understand the difference between the two materials before you make your final decision on which windows to purchase. Wood construction was the standard in the industry for what seems like an eternity. Vinyl Windows became very popular in the 1970’s when smaller, local window fabricators assembled custom replacement windows in odd sizes to fill the void when conventional wood windows were not available from stock.
Advantages of Vinyl Windows
Maintenance-Free: In most cases vinyl windows are virtually maintenance-free.
Energy Efficient: Newer designs are far more energy efficient.
Low Cost: One of the most compelling reasons to buy Vinyl Windows is the lower cost.
Disadvantages of Vinyl Windows
Limited Durability: While you won’t need to paint the Vinyl, it can be susceptible to damage with long-term exposure to the sun and extreme weather. They often need replacement after 15 to 20 years.
Limited Design Options: For the most part, all Vinyl Windows are white. Some more expensive versions can be painted and others may feature an imitation wood grain surface.
Advantages of Wood Windows
Energy Efficiency: Modern Wood Windows are more energy efficient than ever.
Design Options: Today’s Wood Windows are highly customizable, with virtually unlimited options for hardware, color, and Muntin designs.
Durability: High Quality wood windows can last for 30 years or more if properly maintained.
Disadvantages of Wood Windows
Regular Maintenance: Extending the life of Wood Windows requires periodic maintenance and routine painting.
Higher Cost: In most cases, Wood Windows will cost more than Vinyl Windows but are well worth the extra expense.
Contact Us:
Have more questions about the difference between vinyl windows and wood windows? Contact One Source Renovation, LLC at WindowRepairGuy.com or give us a call at (815)-634-8922.