Is Vinyl the Right Choice for Replacement Windows?

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.

The Right Windows for Your Project

Finding the right window for your home can either make or break the entire home design.

Whether you are renovating an existing property or taking on the full construction of your house, new windows are one of the key features to creating an aesthetically pleasing yet energy-efficient home. Energy-efficient homes may be the ultimate goal in updating your windows but one can not overlook the importance of style. Achieving energy efficiency while maintaining style can be achieved by picking the right windows. So, how do you pick the correct window for your project? Well, it’s may not seem like an easy task but don’t panic, let us offer a few tips to get your project going.

Let’s get started, shall we?

Tips for finding the right window for your home

Style of the Window
Without a doubt, choosing the style of a window is the most exciting part but it can also be a nerve-wracking situation. Get it right and the stylish window will improve the exterior décor of your home. However, if you install an inferior window, it will stick out like a sore thumb which might even affect the resale of the house.

More importantly, you need to understand the different styles of windows present today. Each style goes well with certain home design. For instance, a contemporary single storey house goes well with a similarly narrow but vertical window. That said, you will have to check the architectural style of your property as well as the functionality of the window.

There are several styles of windows you can choose from:

• Casements Windows
These types of windows are also referred to as ‘Side hung windows’. The window actually features pivots or hinges that are attached to the upside of the frame. Therefore, the window opens either outwards or inwards along its entire length which is similar to a door.

• Sash Windows
Sash windows are among the best types of windows to have in your modern home. These windows majorly consist of two moving panels also known as ‘sashes’. The sashes are often made of small panes which are held together by glazing bars. In most cases, you will find sash windows in period properties. However, some architects use these windows to bring out a traditional flair in modern properties.

• French Windows
These types of windows operate in a similar manner to the casement windows. That is, the French windows also have a hinge system attached to the frame of the window. The only difference when it comes to French windows is the fact
that they don’t have mullion or central point which creates an even larger opening instead of two smaller ones.

Efficiency
Having an energy-efficient window will not only save you a few bucks on your monthly utility bills but it will also help reduce the emissions needed to heat up your home. Above all, the fact that your home will be energy efficient is a good resale pitch if you ever consider moving from your current home.
Thankfully, with the current technological trends, you can now find windows that are energy efficient. That alone will save you tons of cash that you would otherwise use on humidifiers and electricity bills.

Frame
Most people actually know that a wood frame is less likely to transfer heat or cold compared to an aluminium frame. That’s simply because metals conduct temperature easily than wood. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that wood is the ideal energy-efficient window frame. There’s a range of window frames and each of them has their own set of negative and positive impacts to your home. Here’s a look:

• Vinyl: the fact that vinyl is the least expensive material doesn’t mean it’s ‘cheap’. Vinyl frames can be the best budget-friendly choice while at the same time ensuring you have an energy-efficient home. However, the colour choices might be a bit limit. All in all, the truth still remains that some people don’t just like the look of vinyl frames in their homes.

• Wood: this is by the far the best choice if you are thinking of insulation. But they require more upkeep when compared to vinyl or even aluminium. That’s because they have a high potential for rot, especially during the rainy days. A well-installed wood window frame will likely withstand the test of time.

• Aluminium: although it’s not the most ideal choice especially because of heat transfer, it’s the most recommended option in hurricane-prone areas because of its strength.

There are also other options such as composite, fibreglass, and wood-clad.

Prioritize materials and size
Once you’ve gone through the style and type of frame you’d like for your window, it’s now time to focus on the materials that are needed to make this project a reality. Again, depending on the space and the design of the home, you may require more durable materials. Each material will come with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
In the end, what you will need to focus on is the plan of your house and possibly if you can consult with a company that deals with window installations. This will ensure you have a smooth ride during the whole process.

Bonus Tip: Colour is the Key
Lastly, a key component often overlooked… colour. Window colour is the ultimate spice that will help you achieve that architectural uniqueness that you need. Windows and also doors will have a tremendous effect on the aesthetic and resale value of your home.
So, before you commit to a give window style and shape, make sure the colours will easily blend well with the style of your home. Each home has its own unique element and yours is no different. Talk to your designer and you can both plan to get the best design out there.

Before you go…
Don’t ever underestimate the power that your windows and doors hold and how they can actually affect the whole ‘atmosphere’ of your home. You should carefully choose windows that will reflect your personality as well as your taste. One final thing, if you are considering replacing the windows in your home make sure you choose a licensed reputable contractor to do the work.

With over 20 years of experience as a licensed general contractor serving Newburyport and the surrounding areas of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, George Trojan Jr., owner of American Building and Design, has the experience to take your home improvement or remodelling project from vision to completion. Take a look at some of his work or reach out via the contact us page for a free consultation.