09 Oct Vinyl Windows vs Wood Windows: Which Material Is Right for Your Home? Insights from a Replacement Windows Company in Des Plaines, Illinois
Are your home’s windows no longer performing like they used to? Ready to make a change? If so, now is the best time to do so before the cold weather sets in.
Before you reach out to an installer, however, you have a very important choice to make: which window material should you go with? If you are like most homeowners, you may have narrowed your choices down to two of the most popular options: vinyl windows and wood windows.
Not sure which material is right for your home? To help you make an informed decision, this replacement windows company in Des Plaines, Illinois is going to compare these two materials below.
Durability
As far as durability goes, wood windows have the edge. Wood windows tend to last around 40 years, whereas vinyl windows tend to last around 30.
That said, these numbers are a best-case scenario. If you want your wood windows to reach their full lifespan, you’ll have to properly maintain them. It’s important to note that wood windows require a lot more maintenance than vinyl windows, which can be a dealbreaker for some homeowners.
Maintenance
As mentioned above, wood windows require a lot more maintenance than vinyl windows. Not only do they need to be cleaned regularly but painted and sealed as well. If you fail to paint and seal your windows every two to four years, they may start to suffer from water damage, causing them to wear down quickly.
Vinyl windows, on the other hand, just need to be cleaned on occasion. Even if you fail to clean them, they’ll still hold up functionally. They’ll just lose some of their aesthetic luster.
With that said, if you want to keep maintenance to a minimum, your replacement windows company in Des Plaines, Illinois will recommend going with vinyl windows. If you don’t mind dedicating extra time and money to maintenance, however, wood is a viable option.
Appearance
Both vinyl windows and wood windows have something to offer on the aesthetic front. However, most would argue that wood is the more attractive window material overall.
The reason for this? It looks more natural (it is a natural material, after all). Wood windows have that organic and timeless quality about them that just evokes class and sophistication. Plus, they can be painted and stained to take on a variety of different colors.
Vinyl windows, on the other hand, tend to have more of a synthetic feel to them. They usually have more of a manufactured look, which lacks the natural warmth of their wood counterparts. They cannot be painted and stained — however, most replacement windows companies in Des Plaines, Illinois offer them in a wide range of colors, allowing you to find one that suits your style.
Insulation
When it comes to insulation, wood and vinyl are similar. Wood is naturally insulative, and it does a great job of keeping cold and heat out. Vinyl, on the other hand, isn’t naturally insulative. However, it is manufactured with insulative foam, which helps it keep out heat and cold quite well.
Looking for a Replacement Windows Company in Des Plaines, Illinois?
Have your windows seen better days? Ready to have new windows installed by the best replacement windows company in Des Plaines, Illinois? If so, Aspen Exterior Company is the top choice.
Our team has replaced countless windows throughout Des Plaines and its surrounding areas. Whether you’re looking for vinyl windows or wood windows, we can help you find the perfect option for your home.
Contact us today at (847) 590-5600 to discuss your options.
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