Vinyl Windows Review

One of the most popular window materials you'll find in the market when choosing replacement windows in your home is vinyl windows. Many homeowners choose vinyl windows because of their cost savings and energy efficiency properties.

Vinyl windows are also low-maintenance because they don't need refinishing, staining, or painting, making them a popular choice for windows and patio doors. Moreover, this window material has a low impact on the environment, and it's highly recyclable.

However, like any other product, vinyl windows don't suit every home, so some people end up choosing other options. That's why you need all the essential details about a preferred window material before making a final decision.

Read on to learn more about vinyl windows.

What Are Vinyl Windows?

Vinyl windows are one of the most common window types installed in most homes around the globe. These windows were first introduced in 1954 in Germany due to a shortage of wood and high aluminum prices. Vinyl came in as a perfect option because it's a low-cost material.

Generally, vinyl windows consist of hard and durable plastic (PVC), the same material used to make PVC pipes. Polyvinyl Chloride is highly durable, so a typical vinyl window can last approximately 20-40 years. PVC is also flexible, which helps to minimize any possible air leaks, making it the perfect choice for framing windows.

Advantages of Vinyl Windows

Cost-effective

You will spend significantly less purchasing vinyl windows than other window types, such as fiberglass and wood windows. Moreover, you will save more money in the long run because vinyl can last for decades.

Maintenance Free

If you are looking for windows that will still look good even without putting a lot of time and work on them, vinyl windows are the best for your home. You don't have to worry about touchups such as painting or staining vinyl windows. Just keep them clean.

Energy Efficient

Vinyl windows are good insulators because of their U-factor↗. Choosing vinyl windows can make a significant difference in your energy bills. Your rooms will retain the much-needed warmth, so you won't have to over-rely on your heater. As a result, you will consistently lower your energy bills, which will lead to more savings.

Easy and Cheap to Install

Provided you hire a qualified window replacement expert such as Brennan, vinyl windows are easy to install, especially when you want to replace your existing windows. This means your improvement project will cost much less than other types of windows.

Disadvantages of Vinyl Windows

Style Preference

If you prefer the feel and look of natural wood, vinyl can never replicate these properties. Moreover, vinyl doesn't offer lots of color and style variety, so you might not match your windows with siding, roofing, or doors.

Customization Costs

Vinyl windows aren't easy to shape. To custom vinyl windows, manufacturers use extrusion, which comes at a cost depending on your project.

Not Eco-friendly

The manufacturing procedure of vinyl windows requires chemicals which means it has an environmental impact. Although some manufacturers have tried using recycled vinyl, it compromises the quality and durability of the windows.

Who Sells Vinyl Windows?

Since vinyl windows are common, they are widely available from several manufacturers. You can get them from the following companies.

NT Window
Alside Windows
Jeld-Wen
Pella
ProVia
Sierra Pacific
Simonton

Conclusion

There are numerous reasons why you can choose vinyl windows to replace your existing ones. Vinyl windows are less expensive, easy to install, durable, maintenance-free, and have long-term benefits. The selection of colors and styles of vinyl windows also keeps improving, so you will find a perfect window for your needs.

Feel free to contact Brennan for more details about vinyl windows and other types of window replacement choices.