Vinyl windows are growing in popularity, not just here in St Peters, MO, but across the entire country. A lot of homeowners appreciate the clean-lined appearance of these windows and their general affordability. This material is designed to last and can even be used on windows with adequate insulation to lower energy bills and provide better weather control. Like all other products, there are some pros and cons that come with selecting vinyl windows for your home.
What Are Vinyl Windows?
Vinyl windows are windows that are made with frames that are composed of synthetic plastic. This synthetic plastic, known as polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is a much more affordable and durable option than a lot of alternatives. These windows come in a wide range of styles and are found in nearly half of all residential structures in the United States.
The Pros of Vinyl Windows
There are several pros that come with using vinyl windows for your home instead of wood, aluminum, or another material.
They Are Durable
Vinyl windows tend to be some of the most durable windows on the market for residential structures. These windows will not typically decay when exposed to moisture, humidity, or other outdoor elements. As a result, they stand up much better than both wood and aluminum windows, which can be harshly affected by the weather.
They Are Affordable
Due to the fact that vinyl itself is a rather inexpensive material, these windows are generally low-cost and more affordable than other types of windows. This makes them one of the most cost-effective options, which is great for individuals who are budget-conscious.
They Are Low Maintenance
Vinyl windows tend to be extremely flexible. As a result, they require far less maintenance than other types of windows. You will likely never have to perform a repair on a vinyl window. They will also not need to be painted. You will not need to fill in any cracks or make any small repairs to ensure your windows remain in tip-top condition.
They Are Energy Efficient
The majority of these windows are made with built-in insulation. These frames help keep homes much warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Given their quality of insulation, they can help to reduce your energy bills all year long.
Cons of Vinyl Windows
There are also some downsides to vinyl windows that you should know about.
Lifespan
Vinyl windows can deteriorate under some circumstances. When this happens, it is nearly impossible to fix them in most cases. As a result, you will need to replace the entire window.
Less Customization
Although there are several color options available when it comes to vinyl windows, they can be extremely difficult to paint on your own. When paints are applied to vinyl, they may not stick correctly. If they do stick, there is a chance that they will weaken the material. There are many window treatments that you can use to create an attractive, fully-customized appearance, however, so this may not be a major issue for everyone.
Sensitive to Sunlight
Vinyl windows can suffer some when exposed to sunlight all day long. This is due to the fact that heat can build up in the vinyl and cause it to warp or soften. It may even discolor over time. This can result in the window being inoperable or failing to seal correctly.
Quality Control
Given the popularity of vinyl windows, the quality and appearance can vary greatly. This may be an issue for individuals who are trying to upgrade all of the windows in their home over time with matching vinyl.
Types of Vinyl Windows to Choose From
Several types of vinyl windows exist to choose from. Each of the types have different characteristics that make them unique.
Standard
This type of vinyl window is one of the simplest types and most cost-effective. The standard vinyl windows have hollow PVC frames with no additional insulation. They provide a simple, minimalist appearance to the space and can be a great option for short-term windows.
Composite
Vinyl windows are made of a blend of two or more materials. These windows are designed to have improved strength and durability. These windows are designed to last longer than standard vinyl windows. However, they tend to cost more, as well.
Engineered
Engineered vinyl tends to be the best quality material for vinyl windows. These windows are made with PVC that is specially blended with more than one other material to create a product that is stronger and lasts longer. Engineered vinyl can be enhanced with titanium dioxide or placed over a wooden frame with fade-free glass.
Are Vinyl Windows the Right Choice for Your Home?
When determining if this type of window is right for you, it is important to consider its placement in your home, the size you need, and the look you are trying to achieve.
There is truly no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to determining if vinyl is the right choice to go with. If you are looking for a more rustic look, wood windows may be more suitable. If you are placing windows in an area that is exposed to sunlight all day long, an aluminum window may be a better choice.
It is important to note that new technologies have helped improve the quality of the product and its overall reputation, making it one of the most popular options available on the market today.
If you are unsure of what type of vinyl windows will work best for your specific needs, reach out to our St. Peters, MO, professionals at Martin & Sons LLC.
Get Help From Our St Peters, MO, Experts
Our experts at Martin & Sons LLC can meet with you to discuss your particular needs and help you determine which type of vinyl windows will work best. We will weigh the pros and cons of these windows for you and provide you with expert insight as to which one can help you achieve your reliability and design goals. To get started, contact our team by calling 314-839-0700 to schedule an appointment for a free estimate.