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Pros and cons of vinyl windows. Comparison of vinyl windows with the other types

Pros and cons of vinyl windows. Comparison of vinyl windows with the other types

Many apartments and private houses owners think that vinyl windows are cheap and convenient, in comparison with other window options. If you have decided to buy a new window, be sure to choose the provider with all the necessary warranties and don’t try to choose the cheapest windows. Choose windows with a long life-expectancy because they will be a good decoration of your home and, also, you will be able to save some money on repairing the windows afterwards and avoid replacing them more often. In this article, you will find out everything about the vinyl windows, about their safety and life expectancy, and you will get the experts’ advice.

Average lifetime of vinyl windows - what period can you count on

Vinyl windows is a colloquial name for the windows that are made of polyvinyl chloride, the abbreviated name for this material sounds as PVC. This material is extremely popular in the construction of windows because it has many important benefits. Vinyl is the material that was first obtained in the 19th century, its benefits are strength and flexibility. The flexibility of vinyl was discovered in 1926, and in the 1950s first vinyl windows were made in Germany.

In the 1970s vinyl windows gained a huge popularity in the United States of America. First, they were only white but now one various painted options are available

The average life expectancy of vinyl windows is about twenty years, up to forty years. If you install them in the area where it’s always very hot and sunny, the life expectancy will become a lot shorter. Such windows can be also deteriorated by heat. Thus, in regions with hot climate, windows often need to be repaired or replaced. If there isn’t enough sun and air, another problem arises – the windows gradually become damaged by the humidity, and harmful bacteria can spread in the vinyl. But if it isn’t hot and sunny or wet, vinyl windows can last long. In order to prolong the life expectancy of vinyl windows, one must maintain them well, and then it will be profitable to install this kind of windows.

Common Warranty Length

When one buys vinyl windows, it is important to receive all necessary warranties from the supplier and the manufacturer. If the warranty is long, life expectancy of the window is also long, and vice versa, so it is necessary to pay attention at this important factor. The most often warranty time is fifteen years, but some windows of the highest quality can have the warranty up to twenty-five years or even more. But this life expectancy will be real in case of proper maintenance. If vinyl windows won’t be maintained and kept in good condition, they will deteriorate quite soon. If the windows are broken intentionally or used in a hot and wet climate, the warranty won’t be useful. In case of a mechanic damage, the manufacturer won’t carry out the warranty repair in most cases.

Increasing Life Expectancy

There are several methods in order to improve the life expectancy of vinyl windows, these measures are quite simple and available to everyone. It is important to use protective sealants, to cover the window if it is used in wet or hot climate conditions. If the windows are situated in a sunny area, it’s better to be covered by shade. It is important to clean vinyl windows twice a year. Recommendations for the maintenance of such windows are usually included into the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Vinyl vs Wooden Windows

trinsic series horizontal slider windows milgard

marvin signature ultimate single hung g2 window

People are often asking what windows are better: vinyl or wooden ones. It is quite difficult to answer this question. Wooden windows have a long life expectancy but vinyl ones are more convenient to use. Vinyl windows can be cleaned easily and they are more resistant to high humidity.

For some people, life expectancy is really important. If you are such a person, choose vinyl windows that are long-lasting. Vinyl windows can last up to thirty years, and wooden ones can last up to twenty years only, the difference between two types is quite big.

However, many people think that wooden windows are more beautiful. It’s really so, and the choice is up to you, it depends on your expectations. Plus, there are options of wooden windows that a covered by finerglass from exterior to prolong their life but that are still wooden from interior for a nice look from the inside.

Vinyl vs Metal Windows

e series push out awning windows andersen

Metal windows, as a rule, are made of aluminum and can last up to thirty years, like vinyl ones. However, in comparison with aluminum frames, vinyl frames are more resistant and their thickness is also higher. Pay attention to these factors while making the choice.

Aluminum is not resistant to mechanical damage. In a climate with frequent storms or hurricanes, aluminum windows can be damaged very soon, so in this case it is more profitable to acquire vinyl windows because of their resistance.

Moreover, aluminum windows can suffer from rust in case of a high humidity level. Vinyl windows are not able to rust, so if it is always wet in the area, choose vinyl ones, they are better.

Fiberglass vs Vinyl Windows

Moreover, aluminum windows can suffer from rust in case of a high humidity level. Vinyl windows are not able to rust, so if it is always wet in the area, choose vinyl ones, they are better.

	Life expectancy	Advantage	Drawbacks
Vinyl Windows	From twenty up to forty years	These windows are energy-efficient, you won’t have any difficulties with the maintenance and the installation. Warranty is really long. Different finish options are available for you, such as wood grain or smooth texture.	Vinyl is not a natural product, it can cause allergic reactions. Not everybody likes the design and the appearance of vinyl windows. Different brands produce vinyl windows of different quality.
Wooden Windows	From fifteen up to twenty years	The windows are made of natural material, their design is classical and suitable for every house.	Life expectancy of the windows is quite short, termites and other harmful insects can spread in the wood and, moreover, the wood can rot because of humidity.
Aluminum (metal) Windows	From twenty up to twenty-five years	Such windows have a low weight, they are resistant and cheap.	Dents and dings are frequent. Moreover, aluminum can rust. Over time, it fades, and denting is also a frequent phenomenon.
Fiberglass Windows	Up to 50 years	Such windows can really increase the value of your home and their life expectancy is the longest.	It is difficult to find such windows, they are very expensive, the installation is also expensive and difficult.

Thus, according to the table, vinyl windows are quite cheap and have quite a long life expectancy, but their life is shorter than the life of fiberglass windows and sometimes aluminum one, depending on the region.

Three popular vinyl windows brand

Andersen Windows

 4.8/5

Andersen Windows is a very popular window brand. Such windows are made of vinyl that has the highest quality in the world, so they are very wide-spread all over the world. Important to mention, that they are only using vinyl in the cladding of the wooden windows so you have benefits of both durability and nice wooden look from the inside

All
400 Series
200 Series

Awning Window

Rigid vinyl exterior helps protect against water damage
Rich natural pine or prefinished White, Dark Bronze or Black interiors

Bay & Bow Windows

Available with casement windows in the following styles: 30° bay, 45° bay and 90° box bay; 10° bow
Available with double-hung windows in the following styles: 30° bay, 45° bay

Gliding Window

Unfinished pine or prefinished White, Dark Bronze or Black interior
Innovative glide system provides years of reliable operation

Picture Window

Our best-selling picture window
Wood protected by vinyl exterior
Durable and time-tested

Casement windows

Low-maintenance vinyl exterior provides long-lasting protection against water damage
Unfinished natural pine or prefinished White, Dark Bronze or Black interiors

Double-Hung Window

Unfinished pine or prefinished White, Dark Bronze or Black interior protected by vinyl exterior
Extremely energy-efficient, durable and time-tested

Milgard Windows

 4.6/5

Milgard Windows is a famous brand that provides the products of lower price and high quality. There are four different lines of vinyl products, one can choose from a wide range of styles and additional functions of the windows. It is very easy to choose a window, according to the customer’s finances and preferences. Products of different lines vary in the price and in the design. The well-known brand is popular in the USA and, also, in some European countries.

All
Tuscany Series V400
Trinsic Series V300
Style Line Series V250

Single Hung Windows

Single hung windows are a popular and classic style. They open and close easily with the SmartTouch®

Double Hung Windows

Own innovative SmartTouch® Lock for easy opening and closing. An ENERGY STAR® package tailored to your region for an energy efficient home

pv tuscany casement window white milgard

Casement Windows

Casement windows open like a door, being hinged on one side. They swing out wide for maximum ventilation. They open easily by turning the handle, making them a great choice over a kitchen sink.

Picture Windows

Contemporary vinyl window designed with a narrow frame and features an expansive viewable glass area. Low profile hardware, uniquely designed for this series

Horizontal Slider Windows

The Milgard signature vinyl formula crafted for superior results.
Our own innovative SmartTouch® Lock for easy opening and closing

pv tuscany Double Horizontal Slider Milgard

Double Horizontal Slider Windows

A contemporary and narrow frame to highlight your view. Black interior and exterior color match frames for the latest design trend. Low profile hardware

Simonton Windows

 4.5/5

It is also a very well-know manufacturer of the vinyl windows, here you can buy windows of all styles. Also, there are several types of reinforced glass that is protected from ultraviolet and infrared rays. Such windows can be used in countries with a very hot climate, when it is always sunny. Windows from Simonton have quite a long life expectancy.

Double Hung Windows

The sash tilts inward allowing you to clean both sides of the window from inside your home. This makes double hung windows ideal for multi-level homes.

Single Hung Windows

Windows can be customized to meet your unique needs. They’re available in a variety of sizes to fit any existing opening. The cost of your single hung windows depends completely on you, your style preferences and your home.

Slider Windows

Sliding windows glide open horizontally along a track for easy operation. The 2-lite slider window has two sliding sash while the 3-lite slider offers two sliding sash on each side of a fixed picture window.

Casement Windows

Casement windows boast impressive energy efficiency and durability, making sure nothing disrupts your comfort no matter the weather. You can get casement windows in a custom size for your existing opening.

Awning Windows

Awning windows open and close just with the crank of a handle and are perfect for tight, small, hard-to-reach areas of your house.

Bay and Bow Windows

Vinyl bay and bow windows offer low-maintenance durability. Vinyl is energy efficient option for your home. Choosing vinyl windows can help you save money on heating and cooling your home.

Vinyl Window Styles

Different styles of vinyl windows are available to the customer, according to the different home interior styles. Except ordinary windows, one can purchase so-called bay windows and panoramic windows for big premises, the most important thing is to choose a high-quality product. Glass can be single, double or triple, it depends on the customer’s choice.

In order to buy a vinyl window, you may call our company (408) 797 – 5555. The consultant will tell you everything about the assortment and advise on the proper maintenance of the vinyl windows.

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10121 Imperial Ave Suite D,
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 797 - 5555
info@ak-windows.com

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