Published on: June 05, 2023
Savvy homeowners know that windows aren’t just for providing great views of the outdoors. They also offer ventilation and energy savings. Finding high-quality windows for your home is essential. But then comes all the questions about materials, manufacturers, installers, and more.
To make it simpler, here’s a look at the many benefits of vinyl windows and why they are the best option when looking for security, comfort, durability, and curb appeal for your home.
As the name suggests, vinyl windows are made from polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC. This is the same plastic used in making plumbing and electrical pipes. PVC is comprised of several fillers, plasticizers, and chemicals. All these materials are available in different grades in terms of quality. While you’ll pay more for superior quality, the windows will likely last longer and offer greater energy savings.
As you evaluate the best windows for your needs, here’s a look at the benefits vinyl can offer.
Homes require so much maintenance. Whether it’s the simple task of changing out the HVAC air filter, weeding the gardens, or repainting the walls, it’s a big task. And with maintenance also comes expense in many cases.
Vinyl windows remove the headaches of maintaining your windows. Once installed, they are easy to clean and you don’t have to seal them or treat them like you do wood windows.
Plus, thanks to the moisture resistance of the material, your windows are unlikely to warp or swell when installed correctly.
Washington state homes are no strangers to intense weather conditions. As such, it’s good to know that your windows can withstand extreme weather.
Unlike wood, they won’t rot or warp when subjected to the elements. And vinyl windows offer some of the best energy efficiency possible.
The cost of ownership and installation for vinyl windows is very affordable compared to the other options out there. And the great news is, even though they are less expensive to purchase and install, you don’t sacrifice quality in the slightest. On average, vinyl windows are 20 percent less expensive than wood and 10-30 percent less expensive than fiberglass.
Because vinyl windows are less maintenance, you’ll also save on long-term maintenance expenses, making the windows affordable long-term.
Not only will you pay less upfront to maintain your vinyl windows, but you’ll also enjoy greater energy savings from vinyl windows. That’s because these windows offer some of the best thermal performance ratings. They can also help reduce air draft. All that translates into financial savings on utility bills and the knowledge that you’re doing your part to reduce wasted energy and care for the planet.
Sometimes homeowners believe that because vinyl windows are less expensive, that means they are lower quality. That is not the case. Energy.com still lists vinyl as one of the best options for creating an energy-efficient home.
No matter your design or style preferences, there’s a vinyl window that will look great in your home. Whether you’re looking for a traditional, wood-look-alike or other types of window, vinyl can offer that design choice. Plus, you can get them in any color with any handle shape.
Vinyl windows also offer many options for how and where the windows open. While double-hung is the most popular, there are many additional styles to choose from to meet your needs and preferences.
You can have them installed anyway or in any style you prefer. Some popular vinyl window styles include:
And alongside those style options, you can choose finishes, such as smooth or textured. Or even go with a faux woodgrain finish. That way you get the appearance of wood without the headaches of the more complicated maintenance routines.
Not only will vinyl windows offer a lower upfront cost than other materials, but they’ll last you for many years to come. With vinyl, you don’t have to worry about rust or rot, which means the windows will withstand extreme temperature shifts without you needing to call your window expert again.
Vinyl windows include an additive of titanium dioxide. This helps prevent material breakdown when exposed to the elements. And because of that, vinyl windows often last 30 or even 40 years from installation. At that point, you might notice that the windows show signs of yellowing, being more brittle or chalky in appearance. That’s a sign that after many decades, your windows are now degrading and it’s time for new ones.
Because many homeowners know how to care for vinyl windows, they are desirable. Homes with new vinyl windows generally see a 67 percent return on investment when they sell the home after upgrading the vinyl windows. Wood windows simply don’t offer that resale value because new homeowners aren’t as sure about how to care for these windows or the benefits that they can provide.
What you used to know about the design of vinyl windows likely doesn’t apply anymore. The only design for these windows was thick, chunky frames. And in modern homes with sleek lines, they simply didn’t fit in. But today, vinyl windows can have thinner, sleeker frames that create the curb appeal you’re looking for.
And you can pick from many colors and grid options to pull off the exact design that best fits your home. Whether you’re looking to create a traditional or contemporary appearance or something in between, vinyl will help onlookers be amazed at the beauty of your new windows.
If you live in a noisy area or just want your home to be a total escape from the movements and activities of your neighbors, vinyl offers incredible soundproofing benefits. These windows can make your home tranquil and peaceful.
You might not even know that someone has driven by on the street right outside or that your neighbor is mowing their lawn. The soundproofing on modern vinyl windows is impressive.
Often, acquiring the vinyl windows you want is faster and easier than other materials. Thanks to vinyl’s popularity, manufacturers tend to have more on hand or can ramp up production to meet your needs.
Installers can often get your windows in your home faster too because the material is lighter and more versatile than other window materials, making things go faster and easier.
Getting a good seal and effective fit for your windows is also easier, which makes for a better final result in less time when you work with skilled window installers.
2FL Windows, Siding, and Roofing provides high-quality installation from a team you can trust in your home. And you’ll get a free in-home estimate with an expert who can recommend window manufacturers and styles based on your interests and design preferences. Schedule your free in-home estimate now to learn more.
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My best friend and her husband need to replace the windows in their house because some of them are broken. It is very good to know that vinyl windows won’t warp or rot over time when exposed to harsh weather. I will definitely recommend that my friends invest in vinyl windows to install in their house so they can last a long time.