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Vinyl windows ain’t what they used to be! That’s a good thing. New technology in vinyl windows make them more durable, virtually maintenance-free and offer many other benefits. All of this has catapulted them as the No. 1 choice of homeowners, plus they fit most budgets. Read on to learn more about this top-notch window option.
New Technology in Vinyl Windows Make Them Top Choice of Homeowners
All the new technology in vinyl windows make them irresistible to most homeowners. They now offer so many benefits that they account for more than 60 percent of all window sales today. Vinyl replaced wood as the most sought after window during the past 25 years. Wood tumbled from almost half of all windows sold to about 16-17 percent of market share today.
Reasons for Vinyl Window Supremacy
Today’s vinyl windows offer several advantages over aluminum and wood in several major categories important to homeowners.
Cost
Vinyl frame windows cost less than other options. In fact, they typically run 25 percent to half the price of comparable wood-frame versions. Prepare for sticker shock, if choosing wood.
Resale Value
Additionally, count on recouping more of your investment in vinyl windows. They return around 74 percent of what you pay for them when you sell your home. Aluminum and wood recover anywhere between 60 to 70 percent of your money.
Energy Efficiency
Vinyl windows are constructed to be airtight. They employ a honeycomb of chambers that trap the air. Additionally, having insulated glass and tight construction reduces air leakage that makes the windows more energy efficient. Typically, they rate as the most energy efficient in the industry.
The poly vinyl chloride in vinyl also contains a high R-value, the numerical value for the total insulation a material contains. It poorly conducts both heat in the summer and cold in the winter. Resulting in homeowners receiving more energy savings compared to aluminum and wood. Industry information finds vinyl windows can make up their cost in energy savings within a few years.
Wood can be difficult to insulate but performs similarly to vinyl. Meanwhile, aluminum has earned a reputation for acting like a radiator. To combat the poor insulation and compete with vinyl, it must add “thermal breaks,” which add to aluminum window prices.
Durability
Many homeowners find high-quality vinyl windows extremely durable. They resist dirt, mold, scratches and dents. Even exposed to harsh climates and strong UV rays, they won’t rot or warp over time. Most vinyl windows last 20 to 40 years. Most manufacturer warranties exceed 15 years and some offer up to 25 years.
Vinyl is less durable than wood. But wood windows can rot and swell in humid climates with lots of moisture in the air. Additionally, wood can become victim to termites and burns readily. Vinyl offers resistance to fire.
Unlike vinyl, painted aluminum surfaces can scratch and is more prone to denting and damage.
Design
Today with advances in vinyl, you can get more than plain white windows. Vinyl now comes in many colors and even a variety of realistic looking woodgrain laminates, such as oak, cherry, walnut and maple. If chipped, vinyl still looks the same because the material is manufactured the same throughout. “Vinyl is final” has become a popular phrase.
Painted or powder-coated aluminum window frames can match the color you want. However, if scratched or chipped the metal becomes visible.
Wood provides an appealing look because it can be stained or painted. But wood usually must be maintained every three to four years, including painting, making it a disadvantage.
Two other advantages to vinyl windows over other windows: They are lightweight and easy to handle. In addition, they create less condensation than wood or aluminum windows, which reduces the chances of mold, dust mites or mildew.
Maintenance
Vinyl windows have become known as one of the world’s lowest-maintenance materials in construction and is a big reason they have become so popular. Simply cleaning them semi-annually or once a year and make sure they perform correctly can ensure they last for a long, long time.
New technology in vinyl windows causes them to lack the expense of maintenance and repair problems that plague both aluminum and wood. Homeowners must worry about aluminum windows’ steel or zinc fasteners corroding overtime, pitting or painted surfaces fading. With wood, homeowners must sand, paint and reseal them every three to four years to protect them properly from the elements.
Noise Reduction
When it comes to reducing outside noise, vinyl windows are superior to aluminum. However, wood can block out traffic, kids playing outside, dogs barking and other noises effectively, as well.
Check Out the Choices of Vinyl Windows at Lee’s Glass & Window Works Today!
We carry an array of high-tech and superior vinyl windows from our suppliers, such as Shwinco, PGT and CGI. If you need replacement windows, contact Lee’s Glass! We’ve served our neighbors on Florida’s Gulf Coast with high-quality service and products at a fair price since 1974.
