Vinyl windows have several benefits and drawbacks that you should know about before purchasing them. Learn about their lifespan and if they crack. When a homeowner is interested in purchasing vinyl windows they are looking at energy efficiency, cost, maintenance, style selection, and warranty. You’ll want to choose a product that will stand up to the elements and maintain its look over time.
What Are the Advantages of Vinyl Windows?
Vinyl windows are a great choice for a number of reasons. For example, they offer superior thermal performance, meaning they’ll save you money on utility bills. They also resist warping and peeling and require minimal maintenance. Another benefit of vinyl windows is that they can be custom-made to fit your home perfectly.
Vinyl windows also offer excellent insulation. Because the frames are made from construction-grade plastic (PVC), they contain interior air chambers that deaden the transfer of heat. Additionally, insulated glass is available for vinyl windows. Double pane windows should utilize argon gas and low-E coatings to reduce the transfer of heat.
Vinyl windows are an excellent choice for most homeowners, however it is always wise to weigh your options as we cover the pros and cons below. Our vinyl windows are affordable and energy efficient, which means you’ll save money on your electric bill. In addition to this, they are extremely durable, offering up to twenty years of use or more.
To learn more about what vinyl window pros and cons are, read on….
Vinyl Window Pros
Energy Efficient:
In spite of the fact that most modern windows today are far more energy efficient than your old, drafty windows, there are still some things to look out for when choosing a window. Vinyl windows do not all have the same quality of construction. Energy Star-rated windows are a good choice. You should look for low-E glass windows and windows filled with argon gas when possible. It is a great way to save on energy bills during the summer by reflecting heat from the outside and to keep heat inside during the winter by installing either of these options!
Cost Effective:
A vinyl window is one of the most cost-effective types of windows on the market today. Vinyl windows essentially have a much lower cost than the cost of wood windows and even lower than the cost of fiberglass windows. It has the same energy efficiency as other alternatives, as well as virtually no maintenance. Having said that, vinyl windows are available at a wide range of prices and quality. An average vinyl window could cost a homeowner $200 for a low-quality, short-life span model, or about $800 for a high-end model (plus installation fees). The cheapest vinyl windows won’t last long (as with anything else in life), and you might experience broken seals, hardware, etc. fairly quickly, with little to no warranty backing up the product. Consider researching window manufacturers, as they often sell multiple lines of windows that vary in quality, material, and construction greatly.
Easy and Cheap Installation:
Vinyl windows are easy to install, especially when replacing any existing windows. Getting your existing windows replaced shouldn’t take much time at all as long as you hire a quality contractor. There are a lot of factors to consider, including the mess and construction you will have to deal with, as well as the cost of installation per window. Compared to wood or fiberglass installation costs, this can dramatically affect your home improvement project’s costs.
Almost Maintenance Free:
Vinyl windows are pretty close to maintenance-free, but nothing’s 100%. Your windows don’t need much maintenance once they’re installed, except for keeping them clean. When cleaning windows, avoid using high-pressure hoses. You can, however, use a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaners if necessary to clean anything that the weather won’t get rid of. Almost all double-hung windows today can be swung inside, allowing you to easily clean the glass from inside without having to climb a ladder or leave the comfort of your home! Despite severe weather conditions, vinyl windows won’t rot, peel, or chip, making them a low-maintenance, long-lasting option.
Lots of Style Options:
There are more style and color options with vinyl windows than with any other type. It is possible to make vinyl windows into sliders, double-hung, single-hung, casements, pictures, etc. Additionally, you can customize the shape and size of your window, as well as the colors you want for it.
Better Warranties:
There are many types of vinyl windows, and not all of them are the same. Warranty terms can vary based on the manufacturer and the specific window you choose. Most vinyl windows today (especially those of the highest quality) come with lifetime or double lifetime guarantees. In the event that you decide to sell your home, these double lifetime warranties can be a huge factor because they are transferred to the new owners.
If you’re on the hunt to find the best replacement windows for your home, then consider installing vinyl windows. Once you understand vinyl windows a bit better, you’ll understand that not all vinyl windows are low quality, and can even be energy-efficient windows for your home.
What Are the Disadvantages of Vinyl Windows?
There are a few disadvantages to vinyl windows as well. These include a plastic look and the fact that they can fade over time. The materials used to make vinyl are PVC and are known to break down into chemicals, so painting them can be an inconvenient option.
These windows can also leak heat if not well insulated, installed properly or don’t make use of argon gases. Their seals are brittle and can crack easily when exposed to extreme temperature changes. Additionally, they do not offer much insulation and are not very noise-proof. They also do not block much light. As a result, you’ll have to use your air conditioning or heater more frequently than with other types of windows. Blinds and window coverings can be a simple fix for that.
Vinyl windows can be an inexpensive, energy-efficient alternative to other window materials. Their vinyl material is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is a synthetic plastic that is made from a blend of chlorine and ethylene. Vinyl windows also save you money on your electric bill, which can be significant when it comes to cooling your home.
Cons of Vinyl Windows
Environmental Impact
All of the manufacturing processes and materials are chemically based. Despite its low price, vinyl is not a natural product and has a negative environmental impact. A number of measures have been taken by companies to reduce this impact. Today, some windows are made from recycled vinyl, but their quality and durability could suffer depending on how they are made. Although vinyl windows can be recycled themselves, finding a place to bring the old windows has been difficult, and recycling can be more expensive than manufacturing the windows from scratch.
Style Preference
In some homes, natural wood has a special look and feel that can’t be replicated. There are several manufacturers of wood windows that can produce windows that look like elaborate pieces of furniture. Vinyl windows lack the organic warmth of wooden windows and can be painted to match a home’s color scheme. The disadvantages of wood windows are that they are more expensive, prone to disintegration, require more maintenance, and offer only a similar energy efficiency as vinyl windows.
With Popularity Comes Variation in Quality
Vinyl replacement windows are one of the most popular types of windows today. As market demand increased, manufacturers and quality also increased. Homeowners should make sure their research is thorough to ensure they get the best value and quality. It is important to read reviews of both window companies and door contractors. You should choose a company that will remain in business for 20 years to ensure you get a great warranty. Research the exact window you are looking for, not just the manufacturer, by looking for Energy Star ratings.
If you’re looking to buy replacement windows for your home and you’re considering vinyl replacement windows, research what each window material has to offer before deciding to go through with the installation. Vinyl windows have greatly improved over the years, and many homeowners might like them for their low-maintenance properties, but it’s good to consider other materials and research factors like durability, efficient energy use, environmental design, structural integrity, and other factors to be considered.
How Long Do Vinyl Windows Last?
Compared to other window materials, vinyl windows can last anywhere from 20 to 40 years. However, this lifespan is dependent on where they’re placed. If they’re located in a warm climate, their lifespan will be reduced. Conversely, if they’re located in a cool climate, they’ll last a lot longer. Lucky for us we live in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Therefore, it’s important to find a manufacturer who offers at least a 20 or 25-year warranty.
The life expectancy of vinyl windows is longer than that of wooden windows. Vinyl is a resilient material that does not crack, peel, or rot. In addition, it’s resistant to heavy winds, hail, and other weather-related debris. This makes it ideal for homes with a variety of climates.
While you can paint vinyl windows, you should avoid placing them in very hot climates as they may break down and emit harmful fumes. They can also yellow with exposure to the sun.
Do Vinyl Windows Crack?
While you should expect some cracking and warping over time, you can also expect that the material will last for a long time. High-quality vinyl windows will also carry transferable warranties, which will carry over to the next owner. These warranties can also increase the value of your home when it comes time to sell on the real estate market.
One common cause of window cracking is overheating. This can happen if your vinyl windows are exposed to extreme temperatures. This is called a thermal stress fracture. This problem is most likely to occur in lower-quality windows. Additionally, low-quality vinyl windows are not eco-friendly, and they are not aesthetically pleasing.
Thankfully, there are ways to repair a hole in a vinyl window without replacing the whole sash. If the hole is too big to be fixed with adhesive, you can repair it using patches instead. To do this, you must first sand off the sharp edges and trace the area with a pencil. Then, using a razor blade, carefully cut the section away from the frame, making sure not to cut deeper than the vinyl. Then, you will need to cut two patches: one slightly larger than the hole, and one slightly smaller than the sash.
What are Vinyl Windows Made of?
Vinyl windows are made from PVC, a plastic material. They were first developed in the 1970s to compete with wood windows. Today, they account for roughly the same market share as wood windows. They usually come in white color but have recently started to be made in different colors. If you’re considering purchasing new windows for your home, consider the pros and cons of each type before you make your final decision.
Vinyl windows can become brittle in cold climates. They can also break or crack if debris blows into them. Vinyl windows don’t react well to high temperatures. In hot climates, they can warp, crack or even melt in extreme cases. They also can be yellow if exposed to sunlight.
Although there is no hard and fast rule regarding the lifespan of vinyl windows, most companies offer a warranty of twenty to twenty years. Depending on their quality, some vinyl windows can even last 50 years or more.
Which is Better Vinyl or Wood Frame Windows?
Choosing vinyl windows for your home is a good decision if you are looking for an inexpensive window option that is both attractive and durable. Vinyl windows are also easy to clean and maintain. In addition, these windows are very energy efficient, and you can expect to pay less on your energy bills. Lastly, vinyl windows are low-maintenance and will not rust or corrode.
Choosing vinyl windows for your home is a great way to save money while still getting the look that you’ve always wanted. They are a great alternative to wood windows because they are inexpensive and easy to install. Vinyl windows can be customized to fit any size window opening and are available in a variety of styles and colors. They are also low-maintenance and don’t require painting or staining, which is a major pro.
One of the biggest benefits of vinyl windows is that they can withstand heat and cold better than other types of windows. They are also easier to install, and you don’t have to pay a contractor to do them. They are also double-paned and insulated, which makes them energy efficient. Another advantage is that they don’t need to be painted, and they stay the same color.
What Makes a Quality Vinyl Window?
Vinyl is a popular material for window frames, and it is also one of the least expensive. Although you can get windows made of wood for less, they will not last as long as a quality vinyl window. They do not have the natural wood feel and look that wood windows have, so you must look for windows that have a high-quality vinyl frame. There is a wide range of quality vinyl windows, so it is important to choose the right type for your home.
Vinyl windows are known to be energy efficient, which means that they will reduce your energy bills. They are also known to be scratch-free. Moreover, they can be cleaned with just soap and water, reducing your maintenance costs. You can also get Canadian Grants and Rebates if you upgrade to a high-quality vinyl window, for up to $5,000 which will add value to your home.
Vinyl windows come in different colors. Poor-quality windows usually turn yellow over time. This is because of the ingredients used in manufacturing them. Vinyl is made from polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, the same plastic used for electrical and plumbing pipes. There are several grades of vinyl available, and the lowest grade contains a blue tint.
Are Vinyl Windows Worth It?
When it comes to energy efficiency, vinyl windows are a great choice. Their high R-Value means that they will keep the heat in while the cold air escapes. The material is also durable and won’t peel, flake, or crack. This means that you can expect to save money on your energy bills, as you won’t have to work as hard to keep the temperature in your home at a comfortable level.
If you’re considering replacing your old windows, you may want to consider vinyl windows. They are environmentally friendly, and they can be recycled after their useful life. Also, vinyl windows come in a wide range of colors and designs. So whether you’re looking for a more traditional look or something with a modern twist, vinyl windows are a great choice.
Interested in Getting a Quote for Vinyl Windows?
Talk with our professional installation team in Windsor and Essex County Ontario for your new window or replacement needs. You deserve a personalized, respectful experience. Your satisfaction is our #1 priority. We provide our customers with high quality replacement products tailored directly to your needs.
We have been serving the Windsor Essex County for over 20 years, our commitment to providing you with the best in replacement windows and doors with amazing customer service has remained true to this day. Contact our Windsor office today.
