Is Vinyl the Right Choice for Replacement Windows?
Is Vinyl the Right Choice for Replacement Windows?
When it comes to improving the efficiency and performance of your existing windows, most homeowners and contractors usually have a range of options to consider. You have the chance to opt for a simple and low budget DIY fix, for instance, installing window films or replacing weather stripping.
You can also go for a more capital intensive alternative where you can replace the whole window. More often than not, homeowners usually take up a decision without necessarily evaluating their options and what are the implications of the changes they make on their home.
Even though you don’t have to wait until your window is completely broken, it is always important to have an idea of the long term effect of your investment. So in this article, we are going to discuss if it’s easy to fix your vinyl replacement windows.
What is a Vinyl Window?
The shortest and the quickest answer to this question is that these type of windows use vinyl as glass and framing materials. Vinyl is basically an advanced polymer that’s known as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) in full. To be brief, PVC is a safe, thermally resistant and of course, an economical material with tremendous amounts of applications in the real world. In most cases, it just needs to be modified a little to fit certain applications. When someone tells you that they are installing vinyl windows at their home- in a real sense they are actually installing an advanced polymer of PVC that has been made to fit window applications.
Can I fix My Vinyl Replacement Window?
The big question…Yes, of course you can fix your vinyl replacement window. If you are a hands-on person, then most repairs are not too difficult to handle. But when making repairs or replacing a window please be aware that any miscalculation on the replacement may cause bigger problems down the road, including issues with the circulation of air in your home. That is why it’s probably best if you seek help from a professional company. At American Building and Design we have years of practice when it comes to installing replacement windows. That means that we have the experience you need to be sure your windows are chosen and installed right. Above all, the work is guaranteed, feel free to contact us with questions about your project. As much as doing it yourself sounds cool and less expensive, you should think about hiring a professional window company.
Are Vinyl Windows the best choice for my home?
Vinyl windows can be a great option for replacement windows. They don’t warp rot and they offer a wide range of options, they are economical and safe to use in your home when compared to glass windows. Unfortunately, vinyl windows are not as durable as wood but they have the ability to last for up to 20 years or more with proper care. Additionally, a quality vinyl window will save you money on the electric bill since the insulation found in the frame of the window is energy efficient. That means you don’t have to spend so much money keeping your house warm during those cold winter days, and vinyl can help keep your house cooler during the hot days of summer. Generally, vinyl windows are a great bang for your buck… That’s not to say that wood doesn’t offer some great benefits and remains a favourite among many homeowners.
Are vinyl windows better than wood windows?
There really isn’t a single answer to this question, each of these window types stands out in their own way. It all depends on what you are trying to achieve and what you are looking for. Vinyl windows tend to be less expensive when compared to the installation of wood, but wood offers a beauty and resilience you can not get with vinyl. Vinyl windows usually offer more energy efficiency than wood and vinyl tend to be easier to replace. You have many amazing choices when it comes to choosing the right window type but each have their own limitations. Talk to an expert, get the pro’s and cons of each window type for your situation.
In Summary…
When it comes to DIY projects such as window replacement, I would advise you to be cautious. It’s better to contact a professionals and seek the appropriate advice and direction for your project. Vinyl can be a great choice but each project has unique requirements and vinyl is not a one size fits all.
American Building and Design has been providing remodeling and renovation services to the Seacoast New Hampshire and Massachusetts communities of Newburyport, Georgetown, Rowley, Topsfield, Ipswich, Hamilton, Reading, Essex, Stoneham, and the surrounding areas for over 20 years. Do you have a project you need professional help with? Call us today at (603)749-6683.