The Pros and Cons of Vinyl Windows

Nowadays, there are plenty of options available for home improvement projects, which make the decision-making process more overwhelming. For instance, if you’re looking to replace your windows, you must be aware that there are plenty of window options out there. Perhaps the most common choice is wood. But more recently, wood has been overtaken by a new powerhouse, in the form of vinyl.

Vinyl windows come in different grades – from economy to premium-grade. They have been a popular choice for various homeowners because of its aesthetic appeal and ease of use, along with other various advantages, as well as several disadvantages.

Here we’ll learn about the various pros and cons about using vinyl windows for your home to give you a better understanding of the material before you buy new windows

Pros

1. Energy Efficiency

Vinyl windows are so popular these days that plenty of manufacturers have perfected, or at least nearly-perfected, the design of the window, leaving very little for major air leakages due to poor design. This means more warmth for your home on cold days, and more cooling for you on hot days, which saves you money on your heating and cooling bills.

2. Cost-Effectiveness

Vinyl windows cost significantly-less than other types of windows in the market today and are very durable, which means you get more than what you pay for. Always remember to check the quality level of the windows you are buying before you pay for them.

3. Easy and Cheap Installation

When replacing windows, you’ll be glad that you went out to get vinyl windows since they are made for easy installation. Replacement of your windows will be very quick and easy, leaving you with an instant window with very few installation costs.

4. Easy Maintenance

Upkeep for vinyl windows is very minimal. They do not require repainting or re-staining and they do not rot, peel, or chip even in extreme weather conditions. Perhaps the only maintenance that they need is keeping them clean. This can be easily done by using a soft cloth to wipe any dust off. Avoid using high-pressure washers, though.

5. Eco-Friendly

Vinyl windows can be considered eco-friendly in the sense that they do not require trees to be cut down in order for them to be produced. Additionally, because of their high durability and low maintenance, they last very long and do not require replacement every so often. They also do not require reapplication of any chemicals for upkeep.

6. Plenty of Options

Having vinyl as a material opens many doors for manufacturers to be creative. There are plenty of style and color options available for homeowners to choose from. There are even plenty of vinyl options out there that imitate real wood. Vinyl windows can also be used to create custom shapes and sizes in various finishes to really give you what you want.

 

Cons

1. Less Flexibility

One common reason why homeowners do not choose vinyl windows is that it gives them limited flexibility when it comes to how their windows can look. What this means is that once you get to choose a particular style in a particular color, you are left with that look until you replace them again. You cannot paint over the material to get a new color for your windows.

2. Variation in Quality

Because there are plenty of vinyl window manufacturers already out there in the market, there is a very high variation in the quality of the mass-produced window products, which can lead to confusion on which manufacturer to trust. It is better to trust manufacturers that have been in the business long enough to gain a reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality products that do not easily break, as well as fade.

3. Less Authentic Feel

There is simply no beating the look and feel of authentic wood. If you are really going for a more rustic look for your home, achieving that look would be very difficult with the use of vinyl.