Doing renovations and remodeling your home is a great way to boost its appearance & value, and with new windows often being a quick and easy upgrade, many homeowners wind up asking themselves “what are vinyl windows?” Vinyl is one of the choices for window framing materials that homeowners can choose, and as with any other choice, vinyl windows come with a long list of benefits and drawbacks that distinguishes them from other options.
What are Vinyl Windows?
Vinyl windows are windows that have a frame and surround made of a vinyl compound called polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. You’re probably familiar with various types of PVC, since it’s such a highly versatile material, and is used to make various toys, plumbing pipes, and even some clothing. It’s incredibly durable and resistant to many damaging factors, making it one of the ideal materials for window frames.
The Benefits Of Vinyl Windows
The number one benefit of vinyl windows is their durability. They can easily withstand extreme temperatures, significant changes or fluctuations in temperature, and extreme weather, all of which are going to be just another day in the Chicago area. This durability means you won’t need to think about replacing them for many years to come.
They also offer a very high degree of energy efficiency, since vinyl is an excellent insulator. Installing new vinyl windows during your remodel can be a great way to lower that heating bill in the winter, and keep the A/C bill as low as possible in the summer. In addition to keeping your bills lower, they reduce the actual work that your HVAC system will need to do to keep the temperature where you want it.
Another benefit to vinyl windows is that they can be customized in nearly endless ways and with countless colors. Depending on the style you choose, you will have many colors to choose from, none of which will ever need to be painted. This type of window has the color included directly into the vinyl material itself, so it will look the same, even if scratched or gouged.
Finally, vinyl windows have an incredibly low maintenance requirement. You won’t need to do any sort of surface prep like sanding or painting, and they are one of the easiest materials to clean. If these windows become dirty or grimy over time, they can simply be cleaned with a mild soap solution and a spray of water in most cases.
How Vinyl Compares To Other Materials
Vinyl has a similar ability to insulate as wood, and while wood is a more ecologically conscious choice, it also requires much more maintenance and investment. Wood will need to be replaced much sooner than vinyl and will cost significantly more. With replacement being needed more often, this can be a considerable expense for many.
Another common material for windows is aluminum and while it’s similar to vinyl in terms of affordability, it doesn’t provide much insulation, so your climate control may be working overtime to compensate. Aluminum also stands up poorly to the occasional hail or sleet, and once damaged, the frames will hold that damage forever.
Chicago Renovation Specialists Can Help
There are a ton of options to consider when you first start preparing for remodeling and upgrades, and most of them can seem quite similar. One of the best ways to get advice from trusted professionals is to speak to an experienced, local remodeling specialist. So, if you’re still asking yourself “what are vinyl windows”, reach out to local Chicago remodeling experts to discuss your vision for your home and to get answers to any other questions you may have.
