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What are the Advantages of Vinyl Windows?
There are numerous advantages to vinyl windows, whether in a new home or as replacements in older homes. They are a popular and economical alternative to aluminum, wood, and fiberglass, because they are energy efficient, easy to install, and effortless to maintain.
One of the well-known advantages of windows made with vinyl is their superb degree of insulation. When compared with aluminum window frames, vinyl keeps in heat during winter but seals your rooms from heat during summer. Vinyl windows are made from a plastic called polyvinyl chloride, better known as PVC. This material has a high R-value, which is a numerical way of assessing the amount of insulation a material provides.
An advantageous side effect of quality insulation is reduced energy costs through heaters, air conditioners, and fans. Even if you spend money to replace your existing windows with vinyl, you can likely make up this cost in energy bills in a few years. When paired with double-paned glass, the costs could be significant. The windows are even recyclable for those who are concerned about the environmental impact of construction waste.
Breadth of selection and ease of installation constitute other advantages of vinyl windows. PVC can be molded and colored to any style for a personalized look, but windows also come in designs that appeal to many people. They are inexpensive to manufacture and install, since they fit into the existing spaces for your windows without changing your walls.
Some vinyl window designs include shiny, matte, or faux wood-grain finishes. You can choose how many panes your windows have, how they open, the width of the sill or trim, and their locking mechanism. For people with particular tastes, vinyl windows offer the advantages of customized requests.
Furthermore, vinyl windows require practically no maintenance once installed. Their durable surfaces are already stained, finished, and sealed, so you never need to sand, paint, or touch them up. They resist dirt, stains, mold, scratches, and dents. The exterior casing won't fade or wear under ultraviolet sunlight. This means these windows will last far longer than aluminum or wood.
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![Some vinyl window designs include faux wood-grain finishes.]()
By: shyshkaSome vinyl window designs include faux wood-grain finishes. -
![Because it is not an organic material, vinyl resists mildew and other types of mold.]()
By: johny87Because it is not an organic material, vinyl resists mildew and other types of mold.
Discussion Comments
Brown vinyl windows attract too much heat and are known to fail. Most manufacturers have discontinued making them. However some manufacturers use a newer process called vinyl bonding. This process basically takes a liquid vinyl material with UV inhibitors and bonds to the exterior of a white or tan window. It can be costly, adding 20-30 percent to the base window cost. Generally this give a 10 year warranty on bonding. There are a few manufactures who use a laminating process to achieve brown exterior also.
In my personal opinion I would use a brown fiberglass or woodclad window. they have the UV protected paints and can be repainted over time. Plus for the additional cost of adding brown to vinyl --you may be shocked how close price may be. --KA
Will dark color exterior vinyl windows fade? I understand white vinyl windows are excellent over-all, but how do dark exterior (brown) vinyl windows hold up to sun without fading?
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