Vinyl Window Frames vs Wood Window Frames

While making a decision you have to take into consideration the theme of your home. For example, if you have a home that already features wood windows, and has a general wooden theme, then new windows of wood will keep to the original theme that your home currently has. Vinyl windows and wood windows both have their advantages and disadvantages. There are lots of differences between vinyl windows and wood windows in terms of performance, cost, aesthetics and reaction to climate.

Vinyl Windows

Advantages

Vinyl windows are generally less expensive and do not require much maintenance. They do not require painting, and are normally not affected by moisture. If they have an insulated core, then they offer good thermal and sound resistance. They are considered to be the most popular replacement windows. This is an important point to take into consideration when debating on vinyl windows vs wood windows. Also, vinyl windows go very well with vinyl flooring.

Disadvantages

Though vinyl windows do not require too much maintenance, they do need an occasional round of window cleaning. and the hinges of vinyl windows also generally require lubrication from time to time. The colors for vinyl windows are mostly limited to white, tan and bronze. In relatively old houses, vinyl windows are not the best choice, because they cannot be painted and hence, will not go with the decor. Vinyl is made of petroleum, and hence, is a serious threat to the environment with the possibility of leeching chemicals into soil and water.

Wood Windows

Advantages

Wood windows bring richness and warmth to a room. They always add elegance to the decor. Also, unlike vinyl windows, you can paint wood windows in different colors to match your decor. Besides looking good, wood windows also offer very good insulation, and condensation is minimal. Most wood windows are available with complete weather stripping that act as excellent aids against exterior elements. And, like vinyl windows, they also act as a sound barrier. Wood being a renewable resource, makes for a very environment friendly window. Wood windows have been around for a long time, and you can be sure that they will last for a long time, provided you maintain them.

Disadvantages

One very important disadvantage of wood windows is the required maintenance of painting. You also have to guard them against staining, by going in for repeated window treatments. If you neglect the periodical maintenance, then it is likely to result in rotting and weathering of the window. Also, sometimes your wood window may imbibe moisture and swell up, because of which it maybe difficult to open or shut your window.

If you are still debating on vinyl windows vs wood windows, another option is using vinyl clad windows which offer the best of both, wood and vinyl windows. This means, that you will have the beauty of wood on the inside, and the low maintenance of vinyl on the outside. Well, the debate of vinyl windows vs wood windows is never ending. Ultimately, the decision depends on your needs. It's best to take a professional opinion if you feel that you are not sure. Changing the windows is a sure shot way of home improvement. So whether you are planning to sell your home, or just want to give it a makeover, you can be sure that changing the windows will definitely make a difference!