Windows are one of the main entranceways for sunlight and airflow into your home, and also work to seal out unpleasant exterior weather and temperatures. For that reason, the material that your windows are made of is extremely important in determining how well they can do their job. Two of the most common types of materials used for residential window installations are wood and vinyl; each carries a distinctive set of advantages and considerations. Knowing what each type of material has to offer your home can help you figure out the best material choice for your home's windows.
Wooden Windows
Wooden windows provide a natural appearance to your home and also create an extremely efficient insulation seal. This means that there are less heat and noise transfer through the window frame, which can help moderate temperatures within your home throughout the year while also muffling nearby sounds, which can be an important consideration if your home is near a major intersection.
However, wooden windows will also require a significant amount of maintenance to keep them looking attractive and to prevent physical damage. Wood is susceptible to water damage and can warp or rot if not properly sealed against the elements. Further, wooden windows can also provide a perfect place for termites and other pests to take up residence, which can also cause structural damage and allow pests to enter your home.
Vinyl Windows
Vinyl windows, on the other hand, are immune to water damage and pest infestations, making them much lower maintenance when compared to their wooden counterparts. Further, vinyl is especially popular due to its low initial price point, as well as its relative light weight when compared to wood that makes it quicker to install – further dropping labor costs. Vinyl windows also come in a wider range of different textures and colors than wooden windows do, which gives you more choice when customizing the appearance of your windows.
However, vinyl windows are not as structurally strong as wooden windows are and can be dented or broken due to physical pressure much easier. Further, vinyl windows cannot be repainted like wood can, which means that if you want to update the appearance of your windows, you'll have to replace them entirely. Finally, it should be noted that vinyl windows are not as powerful as an insulating agent when compared to wooden windows, making them more prone to drafts.
For more information, contact your local window replacement company.
Share30 August 2018
Hello, my name is Donald Clemins. I am here to talk to you about windows for commercial buildings. When I purchased my first storefront, I was shocked to feel cold drafts coming in through the picture windows. The drafts made it feel like the front door was propped wide open. I knew my customers would feel uncomfortable sitting there due to the drastic temperature fluctuations. I contacted a window installer to talk about my options. I was amazed to hear about all of the different types of windows available for my storefront. I would like to share that information on this site to help other people find the best windows for their commercial buildings. I will focus on window material and build upgrades as manufacturers make new developments. Thank you.