Do you want to install new windows in your home without spending too much money?
Vinyl windows could very well be your best option. They typically only cost somewhere between $450 and $600 per window including installation, which is a steal compared to the $800 to $1,000 you’ll usually pay for wood windows.
But are vinyl windows good?
That’s the question many homeowners ask themselves when they’re thinking about installing vinyl windows. And the answer is…it depends!
There are many vinyl windows pros and cons that you should carefully consider before installing them in your home. Check them out below.
Pro: Vinyl Windows Are Energy Efficient
If you feel like your energy bills are too high every month, there are all kinds of things you can try to bring them down. But in the end, vinyl windows could be the solution to your problem.
Vinyl windows are significantly more energy efficient than older windows. They do a much better job of trapping air from inside a home in and keeping out from outside a home.
If you want to make sure your vinyl windows are as energy efficient as they can possibly be, look for ones that have Low-E glass in them. There are also some windows that employ argon gas to provide additional insulation.
All of this will keep your home comfortable while also bringing your energy costs way down.
Con: They’re Known to Take a Toll on the Environment
The manufacturing process for vinyl windows relies heavily on chemicals. Vinyl windows are, therefore, not a natural product and aren’t great for the environment.
There are some vinyl window manufacturers that have attempted to combat this by utilizing recycled vinyl in their windows. But the cost to do this can actually make recycled vinyl windows more expensive than ones that are made from scratch. Vinyl windows made using recycled vinyl also aren’t usually as durable as brand new vinyl windows.
Pro: Vinyl Windows Come in Many Styles and Colors
The majority of homeowners tend to install white vinyl windows in their homes. That has become the go-to vinyl window for most people.
But it’s worth noting that you do not have to get plain white windows when you opt to go with vinyl. You can get vinyl windows in just about any color you want.
There are also many different styles. When you choose to go with vinyl windows, you can select styles including (but not limited to):
- Single-hung
- Double-hung
- Slider
- Casement
- Picture
Additionally, you’ll have the option of customizing vinyl windows if you want. This is the ideal solution for anyone with unusually large or small windows. Custom windows also come in handy when you have a window that’s an odd shape.
Con: They’re Not as High-End as Wood Windows
There is a reason why wood windows have pretty much been the standard in the window industry for hundreds of years now. Wood windows look great when you have them installed in a home.
If you have a high-end home with all the fixings inside, you’ll likely want wood windows to be installed throughout it. Wood windows will match the look and feel of the rest of your home.
That’s not to say that vinyl windows aren’t attractive, too. They just don’t usually deliver the same warmth that you’ll get when you go with wood windows.
Pro: Vinyl Windows Are Easy to Maintain and Last for a Long Time
There aren’t any windows that are 100 percent maintenance-free. But vinyl windows are just about as close as you’re ever going to get.
The thing you’ll probably like most about vinyl windows is that you won’t have to do much to them once you have them installed. As long as you have a microfiber cloth to wipe dust off the frames and sills, you’ll be good to go.
You won’t have to spend time washing the outside of your vinyl windows, either. A good hard rain will get them nice and clean and will save you from having to clean them yourself.
In addition to requiring very little maintenance, vinyl windows are also incredibly durable and will stand the test of time. They tend to last somewhere between 20 and 40 years and can withstand almost any weather conditions.
Find out some additional info about the life expectancy of vinyl windows and learn more about how you can make them last as long as possible.
Con: They’re Not Always High Quality
Vinyl windows are officially one of the most popular window types in the U.S.
And while that’s all well and good, the problem with that is that there are more window manufacturers making vinyl windows today than ever before.
Some of these window manufacturers have been around for decades now and know how to make solid and reliable vinyl windows. But others are just trying to cash in on the vinyl window craze by churning out low-quality vinyl windows that aren’t designed to last.
This is why you should always, always, always purchase your windows through a reputable window dealer that sells quality products. It’ll help you avoid installing vinyl windows in your home that will start to fall apart before long.
It’ll also allow you to enjoy all the great benefits that come along with vinyl windows. You’ll likely find that there are more pros than cons once you’ve tried vinyl windows out for yourself.
Are Vinyl Windows Good? Only You Can Answer That Question
Now that you know all about the vinyl windows pros and cons, you shouldn’t be asking “Are vinyl windows good?” anymore. You should have a better idea of why vinyl windows are preferred by so many homeowners.
But if you’re still not sold on them, arrange to see some vinyl windows up close in person. It’ll give you the chance to see how durable they are and how they’ll fit within your home.
Check out our blog for more helpful tips that you can use around your house.