Vinyl or Wood Windows on Your Home

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Vinyl is a little cheaper than wood and that is the reason it has started to replace wood in replacement windows. However there are some significant differences between vinyl windows and wood windows when it comes to performance. Vinyl is actually a partially organic material so it can expand and contract in the heat. However wood will warp in water if not properly protected.

The window company may sell you on the fact that vinyl is a no maintenance product. This is true outside of extreme heat, but if you are replacing wood windows, the look will be significantly different. Vinyl does not split or flake paint, because they are not painted.

 Vinyl is actually less of an insulator than wood. On professional construction projects, architects rarely call for vinyl windows, not because of the energy savings, but because of their look.

Wood windows have the advantage of being fully customizable. You can get a window company to create a wood frame and install glass at pretty much any dimension. The frame and muntins can match any building styles, and be painted to match. Because of this you have to pay for this premium. Wood frame windows may require occasional maintenance because as a natural material, wood will warp and bend. You can mitigate this by cladding the exterior window frame with metal. Most use aluminum that can be painted or baked on.