Similarities, Differences, and Benefits of Wood Versus Vinyl Windows

Should you choose wood or vinyl replacement windows? If you’re not sure which option is right for your home, take a look at the questions you need answers to right now.

What Are the Similarities and Differences Between Replacement Windows?

Before you decide on a new replacement window, you need to understand the similarities and differences between wood and vinyl. Whether this is your first experience replacing windows or you just don’t know much about the materials, you should understand:

• You can trust the name. Each name tells you exactly what the window is made from. Wood windows have wooden frames, while the vinyl version is made from vinyl. The material makeup of each window frame is the primary difference between these two types of replacements.
• You can choose from a variety of styles. Whether you select wood or vinyl, you can choose from bays, bows, sliders, casements, or other types of windows.
• You can choose from different glass types. Like window style, you can also choose single, double, or other multi-pane glass for either wood or vinyl frames.
• You have different quality options. Like other home improvement products, replacement windows come in a variety of quality options. This means you’ll have different price, durability, and expected lifespan choices with either wood or vinyl replacements.

Now that you know what both types of replacements have in common (and how they differ), it’s time to take the next step and learn more about the benefits of each window option.

What Are the Benefits of Wood Replacement Windows?

Why choose wood windows for your home renovation project? The answer to this question depends on several factors. These include:

• Insulation. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 30 percent of home heating/cooling energy use comes from window-related issues. Wood is a superior insulator when paired with a high-quality multi-pane window.
• Aesthetics. Wood window frames have a classic look. This option adds to the aesthetic value of your home’s exterior.
• Customization. You can paint or stain wood window frames, customizing the exterior or interior of your home.
• Durability. With the proper care, wood is a durable building material. But if you don’t have the time or energy to maintain this type of frame, wood can rot, splinter, or lose its color (if you stain or paint it).

Even though these benefits make a case for wood windows, you shouldn’t count out vinyl yet.

What Are the Benefits of Vinyl Replacement Windows?

Why choose vinyl over wood replacement windows? Both types of frames come in a variety of styles, allow you to choose from different glass (multi-pane) options, and are available in a range of quality and price options.

If you’re still not sure which type of replacement window to select, the benefits of vinyl include:

• No need to paint. Vinyl windows come in several different color options and don’t require painting or staining (like wood replacements do).
• Options. According to Consumer Reports, the majority of residential windows (the largest part of the overall window market) are vinyl replacements. This means you have plenty of options to choose from.
• Care. Unlike wood, you won’t have to constantly care for your vinyl windows. There’s no additional painting, staining, or regular maintenance to worry about.
• Aesthetics. While vinyl replacements don’t have the classic elegance of wood models, these windows can freshen a worn home exterior.

Along with these benefits, vinyl windows typically cost less than wood replacements. Even though your home improvement budget may limit your options, price shouldn’t always guide the selection process. You can find budget-friendly vinyl windows that are still high-quality. Cheap windows may save you money upfront — but cost you over time in repair or premature replacement costs.

Do you need new windows? Contact 1st Choice Windows & Siding for more information.