When the need arises to replace the windows in your home, you will most likely be confronted with a number of options and choices. One of the main choices you will need to make is the type of materials you want. While metal frames are not favored for obvious reasons, some buyers choose wood while others prefer vinyl. Understanding the differences between these two options is essential if you want to make the right choice.
Material Differences
Vinyl is known for its durability because they are made from a high-quality type of PVC. There are also reinforcement elements in the sash to ensure that these windows are that much more stable. Wood frames are sometimes favored for their aesthetic appeal, but the exterior will be particularly vulnerable to the elements. The only way of really protecting the exterior wood is by covering it with a special kind of plastic coating.
Care And Maintenance
Wood frames need to be regularly maintained which means that painting, varnishing, staining, sanding, and other similar wood treatments are essential on a regular basis. If you fail to offer your wood windows the proper protection, they will end up fading, warping, and they could suffer from water damage. Vinyl, on the other hand, requires little maintenance other than regular cleaning.
Color Choices
While many people think that vinyl only comes in white, this is actually no longer the case. Vinyl windows are available in several colors, including shades that resemble wood. So you can get the beauty of wood without all the maintenance!
Readily Available
Wood can be tough to source from time to time, and they also take a fairly long time to manufacture, so the turn-around time doesn’t nearly compare to that of vinyl. Vinyl is easy to source, and there are plenty of standard sizes already made and ready to ship. Custom windows can also be made quite easily and quickly since PVC is easier to come by than wood.
Costs
Vendors prices differ and the price of each model will also vary depending on the size and complexity of the design. On average, you can expect to save about 25% when choosing vinyl rather than wood. This is largely due to the fact that wood is in far more limited supply, and it’s also more expensive to process and shape.
Insulation
While metal is a good conductor of heat, wood is not. This means that they are great insulators and will help keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter. Vinyl is also a great insulator and the space between the interior, and exterior parts of the frame help keep the outside temperatures from affecting those inside your home. So, when the outer frame gets cold, the air between the panels will need to cool down substantially before it can affect the temperature of the frame on the inside.
Beauty
Wood is often favored for its natural beauty. Of course, if you have a modern home, its style will be best complimented by a modern type of window like vinyl. That said, as mentioned previously, you can find vinyl with a wood style finish which offers the best of both worlds. You can also add grilles to your vinyl windows to give them an even more authentic wood look!
Property Value
When you fit new windows, you should also take a moment to think about the long-term impact of your choices. Wood can pay off if you keep it in perfect condition. Wood is far more susceptible to damage, fading, and even certain forms of infestation. Vinyl, on the other hand, will look great for years, and you don’t even need to spend a small fortune on maintenance! The value of your home will benefit with either choice but, in the long run, vinyl is the smarter choice.
At NorthShield Windows and Doors, we offer a wide variety of beautiful vinyl windows. Our professional team is always happy to provide you with a free in-home estimate along with expert advice. Phone Winnipeg (204) 272-3725 / Toronto (905) 326-3444 today to make an appointment.