There’s always a lot to consider when you’re selecting windows for your home. For example: do you want a classic wooden look, or a more modern vinyl one? When deciding between vinyl vs. wood windows, your preferences are key to making the final call.
Vinyl vs. Wood Windows
Windows are one of the most important aesthetic flourishes you can put in your home. However, windows do a lot more than just look beautiful. They provide insulation from the elements, they contribute to the value of your home, and they help enhance your home’s interior design. If you’re all in on a classic look for your home, you might feel like wood windows are non-negotiable. If you’re looking for something a little more modern, vinyl windows might be your ideal. But how much do you know about vinyl vs. wood windows? Dig a little deeper, and you might be surprised by what you learn.
What Type of Window Is Easier to Customize?
If you have a very specific vision for your project, the limited selection of vinyl windows might make your decision for you. Colors beyond white and tan are rare in existing vinyl window inventories, and customization options are also often limited. Meanwhile, wood windows can be painted and otherwise customized to fit your living space. You can also leave them unpainted if you enjoy the look of natural wood.
What Type of Window Is Easier to Maintain?
A wood window is easier to customize, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be easier to take care of. The exterior of a wood window needs to be continually painted and maintained throughout its lifetime, and the material can be susceptible to issues like moisture or infestation. In contrast, vinyl windows are virtually maintenance-free throughout the course of their lifetime. As long as they’re professionally installed, and you inspect them now and then for damage, they’ll require little to nothing from you as a homeowner.
What Type of Window Provides Better Insulation?
Aesthetics are important, but it’s also important to have a window that protects you from the elements. On first glance, wood windows appear to have the advantage, as wood is a natural insulator. However, modern vinyl windows are also able to provide excellent insulation as long as they are designed with that purpose in mind. Vinyl windows with hollow frames can provide less insulation, so be sure to shop carefully.
What Type of Window Is More Affordable?
Sometimes, it all comes down to the budget. If you’re looking to stretch a dollar, vinyl windows will almost always come out on top. They’re very affordable, easy to install, and won’t require a lot of costly upkeep. Wood windows are invariably more expensive, though some homeowners find them to be well worth the investment.
What Type of Window Will Improve the Value of My Home?
Since windows do a lot to improve the curb appeal of a home, it’s natural to wonder how they’ll affect your home’s overall value. Vinyl windows might seem like a clear winner here, as a new set of them will provide a 67 percent return on your investment. However, wood will also improve the resale value of your home. In the end, the difference between the two styles of windows is negligible when it comes to adding market value.
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When considering vinyl vs. wood windows, it always comes down to what you want and need for your home. Be sure to do your research, and if you need help sorting through your options, give our experienced sales team a call.
Are you in need of high-quality window installation? Check out American Window Company. Since 1999, we have offered an extensive collection of high-quality windows, doors, shutters, blinds, and more. We are a small, family-owned business that is committed to providing excellent workmanship and on-time installation. In addition, we are properly licensed and insured to protect our employees and provide our customers with peace of mind. For a free estimate or more information about our products and services, please contact us today.