Vinyl Windows FAQ: Most Common Questions About Vinyl Windows

Vinyl windows have only recently become one of the more popular trends for replacement windows. That means there are plenty of questions still getting asked whenever the time comes to replacing your windows with a new kind of material. If you are ready to replace your windows and have some questions, here are the most common queries about vinyl windows.

Most Common Questions About Vinyl Windows

Are vinyl windows common?
What problems do vinyl windows have?
Do vinyl windows warp?
What style options are vinyl windows available in?
What are vinyl windows made from?
Can vinyl windows be repaired?
Are vinyl windows energy efficient?
Do vinyl windows require a lot of maintenance?
Are vinyl windows available in colors other than white?
Are vinyl windows expensive?

1. Are vinyl windows common?

Peter Carl Goldmark created the vinyl material itself in the early 1900s. However, we only widely used it for records at the time. It wasn't until 1964 that the first vinyl windows came out, becoming popular during the energy crisis in the '70s. Currently, vinyl windows are quite common as they make up more than half of the residential window sales.

2. What problems do vinyl windows have?

The most significant problem homeowners have with vinyl windows is their tendency to expand and contract with varying temperatures. It ends up causing issues with air infiltration and the structural integrity of the window. Eventually, warping can also cause damage to the integrity of the seal.

3. Do vinyl windows warp?

Vinyl window frames can warp over time if heat builds up in the frame of the window. Vinyl isn't a particularly rigid material and thus can soften and bend over time. The likelihood that this will happen depends on the quality of the vinyl, construction quality, and window style. On single or double hung windows, look for the window to have reinforced meeting rails.

4. What style options are vinyl windows available in?

Vinyl windows have been around for long enough and become quite popular during that time. You can find vinyl windows that come in every shape, size and style. The vinyl window options depend more on the manufacturer you choose than the variety of vinyl window styles that are available. The most popular window styles include hung windows (vertical sliders), casement windows, picture windows, and horizontal sliding windows.

5. What are vinyl windows made from?

An all-vinyl replacement window frame will be made primarily of vinyl. The manufacturer will make the sash and the frame itself with a durable plastic polymer called extruded polyvinyl chloride or PVC but other parts of the window may be made from other materials. To give you a better idea of the material, plumbing pipes and most insulation around electrical wires are made from the same thing.

6. Can vinyl windows be repaired?

Repairs to any window depend on the type of damage. Glass in windows can be replaced by calling a glass specialist or filing a claim on your window warranty. Hardware and screens on windows can typically also be replaced or repaired. The window frame itself is unlikely to break but if it cracks or warps it cannot be repaired, the entire window unit should be replaced.

7. Are vinyl windows energy efficient?

Vinyl isn't one of the most naturally energy-efficient materials on the market. However, most vinyl replacement windows manufactured nowadays are quite energy-efficient. However, since vinyl tends to expand and contract with varying temperatures, the design of the window needs to be considerate of this. That is why many manufacturers offer windows with low emissivity-coated glass and high performance sealant-spacer-desiccant systems.

8. Do vinyl windows require a lot of maintenance?

One of the best pros of a vinyl window is the extremely low maintenance they require. You don't need to do anything more than clean the window once a year or every few months to get rid of buildup from dust, bugs, or leaves. The material doesn't need a sealant or to be painted. That being said, it is much more difficult than wood to paint or stain a different color than what it came in from the manufacturer.

9. Are vinyl windows available in colors other than white?

Yes. Vinyl windows do come in colors other than white. Since they have become so popular over the last several decades, you can find them in just about any color if you look for the right manufacturers. Keep in mind that the darker the vinyl window frame, the more likely it is to absorb heat over time. That can make it warp faster and may also cause the colors to find with time.

10. Are vinyl windows expensive?

Another one of the big draws of vinyl windows is their affordable prices compared to other longer-lasting materials. Wood and fiberglass are both slightly better insulators and tend to last much longer than vinyl. You can compare vinyl and fiberglass, but it will mostly come down to the quality you want compared to the available budget. However, vinyl is low-maintenance and still does its job. When it comes to making significant purchases like replacing many windows in your home, you might want to choose a more budget-friendly option.

With vinyl windows, the adage “you get what you pay for” is often true. But, as we have covered, they aren't exactly the most energy-efficient and effective choice. That is why you should always read the reviews and check performance ratings before selecting a product. If you ever need any more advice on window replacements or door selections for your home, talk to our window and door experts at Brennan Corp.