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Vinyl Windows versus Wood Windows
The Pros and Cons of Vinyl, Wood and
Vinyl Clad Windows
By Mark J. Donovan
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There are pros and cons to both vinyl windows and wood windows. Vinyl windows
without a doubt are easier to maintain and are less expensive. Vinyl windows are
also less susceptible to water and ultraviolet damage. Compared to wood windows,
however, vinyl windows can look and feel a bit lower quality. There are few
vinyl windows that can beat the look and charm of a quality built wood window. A
quality wood window, however, comes at a steeper price.
Vinyl clad wood windows blend the best of both worlds.
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With vinyl clad windows, the exterior of the wood window frame is sheathed in a
vinyl clad that helps protect it from the elements and makes maintenance easier.
The inside of the widow frame is exposed wood to provide the elegance and beauty
that only wood windows can provide.
Wood Windows
Wood windows offer tradition and beauty not matched by most vinyl windows,
though they are typically more expensive than vinyl windows. Wood windows also
require painting or staining on a regular basis. On the plus side of this,
however, is the fact that you can paint the windows to match or complement the
rest of your home’s exterior paint job.
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Even with the best painting and maintenance plans, however, sun and moisture do
eventually take their toll on wood windows, though it can take decades to become
an issue. This said, if you do not maintain wood windows regularly, rot and
checking of the sills will occur faster than you could ever imagine.
On the other hand, quality wood windows provide high thermal resistance
(R-Values) and are not prone to condensation problems as is often the case with
lower quality vinyl windows. In addition, they usually include excellent
weatherstripping to prevent cold air drafts from entering the home. They are
also great from a sound proofing perspective.
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Vinyl Windows
Besides their economical prices, vinyl windows require little to no maintenance.
An occasional cleaning with a moist cloth is typically all that is required. In
addition, the hinges and locks may need to be occasionally maintained. With
vinyl windows, painting is not required.
Depending upon the quality of the vinyl window, it may have more or less
insulation in its core.
With more insulation in the vinyl window’s core, the higher the R-value of the
window, and the better the thermal and sound resistance.
On the down side, vinyl windows and vinyl window replacements are limited in
color options so if they do not match your house siding, you may have no choice
but to go with a wood window. In addition, lower quality vinyl windows can be
prone to condensation issues. |
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Vinyl Clad Windows
Vinyl clad windows are wood framed windows with vinyl cladding adhered to the
exterior of the wood window frames. Vinyl clad windows provide the best of both
worlds as it relates to vinyl and wood windows. On the inside of the window you
have the warmth and charm of wood windows, and on the outside of the window you
have the durability and low maintenance of vinyl windows. They also have high
thermal and sound resistance for keeping out the weather and street noise. Vinyl
clad windows are often the best solution when replacing old windows.
For information on
Installing a New Window, see the
Installing a New Window Ebook from
HomeAdditionPlus.com. The Installing a New Window Ebook provides easy to
understand, step-by-step instructions, on how to remove an old window and
install a new one. Pictures are included for every key step in the process.
Related Information
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