Why Vinyl Windows?

There are many reasons to choose a modern vinyl window. Though as with anything there are some cons that come along with choosing these over options that have more traditional roots. I would encourage you to do some additional research through the links at the bottom of the page.

Pros:

One of the biggest reasons is the efficiency boost. Newer models of these windows have been engineered to be airtight and insulated. This gives them an advantage in summer and winter when you need to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. With older wooden frame windows with a single pane of glass, the efficiency level takes a nosedive. They have little to no insulation rating and in winter, they act like a glass of ice water on a hot summer’s day. Producing a great deal of condensation on the interior side that can lead to mold growth and even rotting if you have a wooden frame or window sill.

The next attractive feature is that they require a minimal maintenance schedule. From year to year these kinds of windows require little to no upkeep. Simply keeping them clean and lubricating moving parts every few years will keep them in top operating condition. Windows with wood have to be reconditioned or refinished every couple years and there is always the risk of unseen rotting that can result from a leaking window seal or moisture from other sections of the window.

Now you may say, “but I don’t want white windows”, or “I like the look and feel of wood”. There is a solution that may be for you. From the likes of Jeld-Wen, Milgard, and Pella, you can order windows in many colors that encompass greens, browns, off whites, black, grays, and even red. Some manufacturers even offer models that have the option for interior sides to have a faux wood grain texture - talk about fancy. Generally the skies the limit when it comes to options, though as you may expect, this comes with a much higher price tag.

Cons:

Of course there are some cons, even though there are only a few I can think of, they still need to be considered.

Color and style options. Even though I said this had a solution, the solution only goes so far. Color selections are often limited to a small pallet of earth tones, which still won’t work if you are looking for a specific tone of green or brown. The styles have come a long way though there are still limitations when it comes to wanting more extravagant features or colors.

Even when they improve the energy efficiency of your home and thus lower your heating and energy use, the manufacturing processes have more detrimental effects than traditional wooden windows. You can help curb the manufacturing impact by choosing a window supplier that chooses sustainability, recycled materials, and a low waste mentality when making their product.

Conclusion

There are a great deal of pros and cons to think about, some of which may not be relevant the the average Joe. I would encourage you to check out these links to learn more about vinyl windows and doors, there are a lot of fascinating details to learn. Jeld-Wen has a great resource page so I would really recommend checking that out. I’ve compiled some quick one-click links to help navigate these somewhat hard to use websites. Check them out and I hope this has helped or informed you!