Choosing Vinyl Windows for Your Home

When choosing window frames for your home, you should definitely consider vinyl windows over the more traditional aluminum or wooden frames. While these older window frame options may be traditional and even a little less expensive, the advantages that vinyl frames offer are incredible. They'll definitely pay for themselves in no time through reducing your energy bill during both summer and winter. Vinyl window frames are virtually maintenance-free and offer a host of benefits, including custom-fitted windows for any shape you desire, and immunity to insect damage and peeling paint.

Vinyl Frames over Wood Frames

These frames are made from polyvinyl chloride, otherwise known as PVC, which is a virtually maintenance-free material that never requires the refinishing and repainting that wood frames requires as paint chips and peels. Wooden frames are also subject to swelling, warping, shrinking, and twisting due to changing climates. These conditions reduce energy efficiency and eventually, require replacement of the frames. Vinyl windows are immune to damage caused by changing weather conditions. They also resist insect damage, while wooden frames are prone to damage caused by insects like termites and other insects that can burrow into wood.

These frames also offer the convenience of a consistently easy-to-operate system that will never be impaired by paint build-up, frame swelling, or warping, which causes many wood frames to stick as you attempt to open them. Wooden frames come in many standard sizes, but if you're looking for custom-made window sizes, vinyl frames are your best bet. They are not only available in a wide selection of sizes, but also a wide variety of colors and styles. Finally, vinyl frames utilize fusion-welding for maximum strength and the best energy efficiency. They also prevent water and outdoor air from entering through cracks or insufficient seals.

Vinyl Frames over Aluminum Frames

Vinyl windows also offer many advantages over aluminum frames. Aluminum window frames will require repainting once the sprayed-on color begins to scratch or peel. The color of your vinyl frame is incorporated into the PVC material, so it will never scratch off or flake like paint does. Aluminum frames are also subject to denting or scratching, if they come into contact with a heavy object, while vinyl window frames are more structurally sound. While aluminum won't warp or swell in wet conditions, it may begin to corrode. During the winter, aluminum easily conducts cool air into your home causing you furnace to run more than it would if you had non-conductive vinyl frames. The same applies to the summer heat. It's easily conducted through aluminum frames causing your air conditioner to work even harder to keep you home cool.

Vinyl options offer several conveniences that aren't available with aluminum window frames. Aluminum windows tend to come in standard sizes, but not in the custom shapes offered by vinyl manufacturers. Aluminum windows can sustain abrasions or corrosion, which will make raising them harder since they begin to stick. Finally, aluminum window frames are screwed or glued together, which reduces their energy efficient quality.