What Are the Pros & Cons of Vinyl Windows?

When reviewing replacement windows for your home, there are elements to consider. These can include the style of window, glass, and color. One of the most important features to think about is the material. When you consider that a window is a sum of its parts, it’s vital that you choose the right frame material to ensure optimal window performance.

What do we mean by window “performance”?

This doesn’t just refer to how easy it is to open the window. Other than letting in natural light, windows these days are designed to increase your home’s energy efficiency. Meaning, windows should help insulate your home from high heat, low temperatures, and provide relief from reliance on your home’s HVAC system. Ultimately, you get a more comfortable home without the worry of excessively high energy bills.

Aside from selecting the right glass option for your window frame, the right material can be an asset to ensuring your home remains a comfortable space for you and your family.

Today, we’re highlighting the benefits and considerations of vinyl as a window material. Vinyl, a type of plastic (polyvinyl chloride - or PVC) has been one of the most popular building materials since it was created in the 1920s. Its popularity as a window material has grown since the 1950s.

We'll start this article by highlighting how homeowners in the Dallas-Fort Worth area can benefit from the qualities of vinyl.

Pros of Vinyl Windows

1. Cost Savings

One of the chief attractions to vinyl is its affordability. When paired against wood and fiberglass, vinyl offers a more economical option for your window replacement project. Combine this lower-cost option with quality glass units and you’ve got a recipe to extract high value from your project.

Despite its lower cost, vinyl has low-thermal transfer which means it has excellent insulating properties. This is the perfect blend for homeowners looking for a budget-friendly window replacement option.

For homes in North Texas, Energy Star certified windows need to have both an SHGC of 0.25 or less and a U-factor 0.30 or less. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient and U-factor are what measure insulation properties. The lower these numbers, the better the insulation capabilities.

Energy Star estimates that homeowners in Dallas-Fort Worth could save around $350 each month with certified windows:
Vinyl windows can be a highly energy efficient material for replacement projects. Brennan carries a variety of vinyl window lines which meet Energy Star certifications for our region, some of which include:

Brennan Traditions
Milgard Style Line
Milgard Tuscany

2. Durable and Low Maintenance

Replacement windows are a major investment for your home. The things we invest in should last. Wood is an organic material, and without proper and regular care, it will begin to break down. Moisture and heat can make wood expand and contract, putting stress on window components and also opening the door for rot. Vinyl resists dirt, mold, and rot. Also, it’s less appealing to insects like termites and carpenter bees which can bore into wood to consume it or house nests.

3. Customization Options

Flex your creativity with vinyl! Vinyl’s versatility is why it is used across so many different industries. That versatility is one of its major boons for windows. There are so many different colors, shapes, and sizes available that will meet a wide range of tastes.

Cons of Vinyl Windows

1. Varying Quality

With such a high demand for vinyl, there’s a lot of it on the market and you’ll find variations in its quality. You will want to ensure that you do your due diligence regarding window manufacturers and contractors.

What are the reviews for the window line you’re considering? How long has your contractor been installing windows? Low-quality vinyl can be susceptible to warping or cracking.

Be sure to research and discuss the key features and warranties of the window selections available from your contractor to ensure you’re receiving a high-quality product.

2. They Don't Do Well With Change

Vinyl is manufactured in a variety of colors. However, painting a vinyl window is less than ideal. With wood, you’ve got the option to paint or stain if you decide you’d like to upgrade the color scheme of your home.

The color you select for your vinyl windows is what you commit to once they’re installed. If you desire a color change after a few years, you’d have to totally replace your vinyl windows.

With any home remodeling choice, you have to do your research. Windows play a major role in the beauty and function of your home and demand serious consideration.

Brennan Enterprises has 40 years of home remodeling experience; we’ve helped thousands of North Texans make the best window selections for their homes. Our team of experienced consultants are eager to help you decide on whether vinyl windows are the right choice for your home. Give us a call today at 817-860-9767 today!