If you’ve decided that it’s time to replace your home windows, you might become slightly overwhelmed at all of the options. With so many new designs and styles to choose from, it’s not always easy to make a decisive choice right off the bat. Do you want a fiberglass frame? What about wood, vinyl or aluminum? Do you want single paned or triple glazed? Not to mention, you’ll have to choose colors, trims, glass opacity and more.
Fortunately, a lot of the choices you’ll have can be narrowed down quite quickly, based on your personal style, preferences and budget. However, if you’re not knowledgeable about all of the options, you might not know what you’re missing out on.
To give you a well-rounded idea about one of your options, we’re going to look at vinyl windows. Vinyl is a great choice for many homeowners, and its growing popularity may have you curious about its advantages. To help, the following is a quick guide to vinyl windows to help make your decision process easier.
What is it?
Vinyl is an adaptable plastic, that is also known for being a Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). This kind of advanced plastic is used to make all kinds of things, including clothes, flooring and of course, window frames. This material is safe to use and very affordable, and its thermal resistance makes it an ideal material to use for window replacement.
Why Choose Vinyl?
As the need for vinyl has increased in demand, the process and construction of the material has also improved. While there are all kinds of other materials to choose from for window frames, vinyl stands out as one of the most energy-efficient, durable and affordable. Some of the main advantages to choosing this kind of material include:
- Durability
- Affordability
- Low maintenance
- Ideal noise reduction
- Thermal efficiency
- Easy installation
- Wide range of styles and designs
- Scratch resistant
- Customizable
Maintenance
When it comes to your window frames, it’s ideal to choose a material that won’t break down over time, and which is easy to take care of. Materials such as wood have a lot of downfalls, including the fact that they’re prone to warping, corrosion, termites and rot. Both wood and metal also swell and warp in response to different weather conditions, making them a bad idea for a lot of homeowners.
Vinyl, on the other hand, doesn’t pose the same threats as wooden or metal frames. It is a long-lasting material that stands up to weather changes and outside conditions, and you’ll never need to re-paint or sand it down. Cleaning is as easy as wiping your frames down with a wet cloth and a mild soap, so the advantages greatly outweigh those of other options.
Cost
Having the best of everything might be nice, but it isn’t always easy on the wallet. Fortunately, vinyl has become a popular window option for both its efficiency and its affordability. Not only is it cheaper to purchase up-front, but it can also help homeowners to save on their energy bills each month by keeping cold out in the winter, and heat out in the summer.
Energy Efficiency
Homeowners put a lot of emphasis on the importance of energy efficiency in their homes, which makes vinyl a great option when replacing their window frames. Vinyl windows offer a multi-glazed design, which means they are made up of multiple panes that help to conserve energy and save money. The outer panes are uniquely coated, reflecting heat in the colder months and rejecting heat and UV rays in the hotter months.
Argon gas fills the inner panes, which is an improved design that helps to prevent frost and help with outside noise reduction.
Customizable
No matter what kind of window treatment you’re looking for, there is an option in vinyl. This material is completely customizable, so you’re sure to find what you need regardless of the size, space and shape of your windows. Choose from all kinds of options including single sliders, awnings, double hung, bay windows, European tilt and turn and more.
Design
Some homeowners like simplistic white frames, while others are looking for something detailed and bright. We’ve all got our own preferences and styles, which is why it helps that vinyl is an extremely flexible option. Vinyl windows are offered in a range of colors, patterns and looks, and you can even find an option that mimics the look of wood. No matter what you’re imagining for your space, going with vinyl window frames ensures that you’ll find or be able to create exactly what you’re looking for.
If you’re ready for new windows in your home, consider a great material like vinyl. This flexible option has all kinds of advantages, and you can be sure that you’re investing in quality material that will last a very long time. Get in touch with us today to learn more about the options you have—we’re happy to help you get your home projects started!