Wood Windows versus Vinyl Replacement Windows: Which Should You Choose?
Often, especially if you live in an older home, the question of window replacement is going to arise. Either the windows are simply becoming old and inefficient, or perhaps you want to update the look of your home, or maybe you want to change a couple of the window sizes and thus decide to replace all of the windows in your home for uniformity’s sake; whatever the reason, odds are you’re going to partake in the great debate over whether to use wood windows or vinyl replacement windows. We just wanted to show you some of the pros and cons of each as you prepare to replace those windows!
Wood Windows.
The Pros:
- That classic and timeless look and feel. When you think wood windows, you think historic character, you think unparalleled beauty. And many wood windows do certainly convey that quaint charm that some vinyl replacement windows just can’t duplicate.
- Paint/Stainability. Especially for those who prize the naturalness of that wood look, the fact of the window’s appearance and stainability may be important. And you can always paint them should you want a new and refreshed look.
- Wood windows tend to be highly efficient. The insulation provided by the wood frame is usually considered superior to what you can get with aluminum or vinyl.
The Cons:
- This is a big one. Wood windows tend to be quite a bit more than vinyl replacement windows. You really need to determine your budget for the project first.
- Just as you have the ability to paint and/or stain wood windows, the fact is that you have to. They will periodically require repainting or re-staining. And this can certainly be a pretty tedious process.
Vinyl Replacement Windows.
The Pros:
- Low Maintenance. Yep, vinyl replacement windows are the lowest maintenance window available. Other than cleaning them every so often, there’s really not much you need to do with vinyl windows.
- Vinyl replacement windows are the most affordable on the market today. About ¼ the cost of wood, you get a great product for a tremendous price.
- With newer technology and construction methods, vinyl replacement windows have come a long way in even just the past ten years. With insulation values ever increasing, they are becoming more and more desirable because of their incredible efficiency.
The Cons:
- Static Style. Unlike wood windows, you really can’t change up the style with some new paint or stain in the case of vinyl windows. However, the color options available are ever growing so that you can get pretty much any shade or hue you want.
- Quality Variation. While slowly gaining ground on wood as far as quality, not all vinyl replacement windows are the same. You want to make sure you do your homework and understand exactly what you’re getting.
Still confused? No problem, our experts could certainly show you some terrific options for your window replacement project. Call today and schedule your free consultation!