If you’ve found yourself searching for the pros and cons of wood vs vinyl windows, you’ve come to the right place.
One of the most important steps in selecting new windows for your home is examining the available materials for the renovation project. Vinyl and wood are two of the leading options on the market today, and so by highlighting the differences between the two materials and their characteristics, you can ensure you’re investing in the ideal window material for your home.
Let’s get started!
Vinyl Windows Offer Simplified Maintenance
One important advantage of vinyl windows is that they require minimal care and maintenance. They also don’t crack or chip as easily as wood does, especially virgin (unrecycled) vinyl windows, and when they do, they can easily be repaired.
Wood windows, however, require painting and sealing both at the time of installation and throughout their lifetime. Repainting and resealing wood windows are necessary to avoid rotting and weathering, and to prevent rainwater from causing the window to swell up, which could make opening or shutting windows difficult.
Wood has Superior Insulation
Wood windows offer exceptional insulation. Wooden frames are outstanding at limiting the transmission of cool and warm air. While vinyl windows are often able to also limit air transmission, they are largely hollow and thus, when made by the wrong manufacturer, allow some air to travel into the home, reducing the level of insulation they provide.
However, when choosing a reputable company like Clera Windows + Doors, quality is not an issue and regardless of which window material you choose, you’ll be saving on energy costs over the long-term.
Vinyl Windows are Cost Effective
Because of the higher cost value of wood compared with synthetic vinyl materials, vinyl windows are more affordable for the modern homeowner. On average, vinyl windows tend to be 25% more affordable than wood windows. This is often because wooden designs are typically more challenging to manufacture, only a few local companies carry wood windows, and ultimately, ongoing supply chain issues are causing an inflation in lumber pricing.
In addition, customers are often willing to pay more for wood because of its aesthetic value.
Aesthetics Depend on the Unique Homeowner
Wood windows were once the leading choice of window products simply because they “looked better” than other options, but the latest innovations within the industry show vinyl products becoming more popular. Vinyl windows are now available in a range of colours and can be designed to complement a variety of décor styles.
Vinyl, like other window materials, still cannot duplicate the natural allure of wood. However, there are newer design options that mimic the look and finish of wood windows, and with the right styling, vinyl windows can seamlessly fit into many traditional architectures.
So, Which Window Material Should You Choose?
This is a question that will depend on your case and personal preferences.
If you are looking for cost savings and want to keep maintenance work at a minimum, then stylish vinyl windows are the way to go.
But if you live in a traditional or historic home and would prefer to keep the theme of the original architecture, then you might not have many options. In this case, you might need to stick with more traditional windows, like steel and wood.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide:
Vinyl vs Wood Windows
Have you made your decision yet? If you need expert advice, or are looking for more information on vinyl vs wood windows, contact our trusted team today for a free consultation or get started with a FREE estimate.
If you want to explore more money-saving options, you can also view our current promotions here.
