Are Vinyl Windows Good?

While you can find many replacement windows at home improvement stores, vinyl is the most affordable option. Vinyl is made from ethylene and chlorine as these materials are processed to form polyvinyl chloride – known as vinyl. Vinyl is naturally resistant to moisture, humidity and decay.

Regardless of the style of your home, vinyl windows are a great way to save money on your energy bills. They're readily available in various colors and styles, so you can easily customize your new windows to fit the style of your home and enhance the overall appearance.

So, if you're still in doubt if vinyl windows are good to go; here're some useful insights:

Vinyl Replacement Windows

Owing to the plethora of benefits, many homeowners prefer vinyl windows for their window replacement projects. Vinyl windows offer excellent insulation values and, in turn, help you save considerably on energy bills. They are low maintenance means they won't need to be replaced as often and won't need much care during their lifetime.

With vinyl, you can have a tailored appearance of a new window that does not require frequent maintenance. You won't have to spare every weekend for maintaining windows. Vinyl windows are durable against direct sunlight, inclement weather, and pests. In addition to being low maintenance, they're also easy to install, so it is easy to replace old, damaged windows with a new set.

Benefits of Vinyl Windows

Boost curb appeal and increase home's value

Vinyl windows are also a great investment as they increase the value of your home. Although windows are considered a functional update, they still influence your home's curb appeal. So, when vinyl windows are installed correctly, you have expected to have a significant boost in your home's value. Homeowners can recoup as much as 71 percent of the remodeling cost of new replacement windows.

Environmentally friendly

If you're an environmental enthusiast and want some environmentally friendly materials, vinyl fits best in that category. It is an eco-friendly material considered green because it can be easily recycled. Compared with other plastic products and expensive window types, vinyl is a sustainable material. If you want to cut your carbon footprint, you'll find that vinyl windows are a great choice.

Easy installation

Moreover, the installation of vinyl windows is pretty easy. If you love being a handy person, you can do it yourself with the help of a partner. The process needs basic tools and skills, and you won't have to pay a hefty amount to some professional installation company. Anyhow, not all homeowners love to get their hands dirty. You need to be good at what you're doing. You need to ensure the frame is plumb and level while wrapping the frame with insulation.

Energy-efficiency & comfort

Although vinyl windows are not as durable as wood, they're best known for their energy efficiency and comfort. High-quality vinyl replacement windows with insulation in the frame will help you save money on your utility bills. They won't conduct heat easily, and multiple glass panes further make them an ideal choice for an arid climate. So, if you're looking to replace old wood windows, vinyl windows are your perfect pick.

Durability & low maintenance

Unlike wood windows that need frequent maintenance, there's no hassle with vinyl windows. They offer exceptional durability and are virtually maintenance-free. They don't peel, blister, or fade over time. There's no annoyance of sanding or painting the window exterior again, and it just needs simple cleaning to keep them looking like new.

Quality Window Manufacturers

When buying new vinyl windows, you should consider a manufacturer with a history of success. Look for a company that is BBB-accredited and has an impressive track record. Local businesses are a good idea, but you can also check online reviews to ensure a company is reliable and trustworthy. Warranty information is also important, as vinyl is a high-value purchase. You should review the fine print on the warranty. If your window does not have a lifetime warranty, you may have to replace it later.

Quality Window Glass Panes

While choosing frame material type is an important aspect but at the same time, choosing a quality window glass pane is also an important parameter. Vinyl windows best go with multiple pane windows – double or triple-pane windows. You can check panes if they're treated with a coating for enhanced efficiency. For high-traffic areas, homeowners prefer impact-resistant glass panes like tempered glass to keep windows safe.

Things to Consider before Vinyl Window Installation

If you're looking for an affordable choice for a window frame, vinyl is the best pick. But due to low cost, there're some shortcomings that you should consider before installation.

• Vinyl windows are unable to maintain their structural integrity over time. They can fade over time and are easy to break. Anyhow, these days, manufacturers are using high-quality chemicals and additives to preserve the look and appearance of the window.

• You can expect a Vinyl window to last for as long as 25 to 30 years. But if you compare it with other materials for replacement windows – like wood or aluminum, it has a shorter lifespan overall. Wooden replacement windows are known for their longevity, but they come with a hefty price tag. Anyhow, you can opt to repaint your vinyl windows to revitalize the look and appearance of vinyl windows.

What are the Best Replacement Vinyl Windows?

So, how would you check the quality of vinyl windows and buy the best replacement vinyl windows for your project? The ideal way to check the quality of vinyl windows is by looking at the cross-section of the frame. Try to have a look and assess the corners how they're constructed. Modern vinyl windows come with fusion-welded, but the quality is not the same across all the manufacturers. Vinyl window frames are well protected with additives against brittleness, yellowing, or fading. You can easily judge the window frame for strength, rigidity, and insulation.