Vinyl Windows vs. Wooden Windows
Which Replacement Window Material Is Best for You?
If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s windows, it’s wise to compare the various window materials available to help you make the best choice for your home. Vinyl and wood are two popular options, so consider the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Vinyl Windows — Sleek & Durable
Good qualities of vinyl windows include:
- Low maintenance requirements: Unlike wood, vinyl windows don’t need to be painted. They’re manufactured in a variety of colors that you can completely customize for your home. That means there’s also no need to repaint after a season of weathering — a maintenance task that’s necessary for wood windows.
- Durable: Specially formulated PVC vinyl replacement windows are resistant to scratching and denting, which helps your installation last for decades. Unlike wood, vinyl is rot-resistant and can easily withstand humidity.
- Simple installation: Vinyl windows are often pre-fabricated by the manufacturer, which greatly simplifies the installation process. While you rely on a professional installation for your replacement vinyl windows, it’s still worthwhile to know you can count on a simple installation free of complications and setbacks.
- Energy-efficient: Many vinyl windows are ENERGY STAR®-certified, meaning they’re proven to increase your home’s energy efficiency.
Setbacks of vinyl windows include:
- No control over the color: Of course, the initial color you purchase is up to you. However, vinyl can fade after decades of sun exposure. Since the material isn’t meant to absorb paint or stain, it’s impossible to reverse the fading process. This also means you can’t change the color of vinyl windows if you eventually decide to redecorate.
- Thick window frame design: This isn’t a problem for everyone, but if you prefer a thinner window frame, you’ll have to settle for the thicker vinyl design if you choose this material.
Wood Windows — Classic Look & Timeless Beauty
Benefits of installing wood windows include:
- Aesthetically pleasing: Many homeowners love the natural look of wood. Other materials mimic wood grain to varying levels of effectiveness, but wood is the only material that features this look authentically.
- Paintable: You can stain or repaint wood window frames in a different color any time you please. When it comes to your redecoration efforts, the sky is the limit because you’re not restricted by the current color of your wood windows.
- Energy-efficient: Like vinyl windows, wood is an insulator and therefore improves home efficiency by helping your home stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
The drawbacks of installing wood windows include:
- Higher maintenance requirements: Wood windows don’t last without proper maintenance. To help lengthen their life span, you must periodically reseal and repaint the window frames around your home. If you spot any potential problems, you have to deal with them quickly to prevent extensive damage.
- Higher cost: If you want high-quality wood windows, expect to pay a premium price. Exotic wood is especially expensive.
- Durability problems: Wood is an organic material and suffers a few downfalls because of that. Termite damage, warping and rotting from excess moisture, cracking after prolonged sun exposure, and other problems can cause a wood window frame to force itself out of position. The repairs needed to fix this problem can be costly.
Whether you’re hoping to enjoy durability, save on energy bills, or enjoy the convenience of low maintenance requirements, it’s clear that vinyl windows in Maryland are the better choice.
Contact us to schedule a free in-home consultation when you’re ready to make the upgrade.
