Wood Windows vs. Vinyl Windows – What’s Right For You?

If you’re in the market for new windows, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. There are dozens of brands and suppliers available to homeowners throughout Charlotte, NC, Charleston, SC, and the rest of the Southeast. To make your choice easier, it’s a good idea to break the decision process into pieces.

Before doing anything else, you need to determine whether wood windows or vinyl windows are right for your home and lifestyle. These are the two most common kinds of windows in today’s world. As you continue reading this guide, you’ll learn more about the benefits of both styles. By the time you reach the final paragraph, you should have a good idea of which option suits your family’s needs best.

Wood Windows

1. The look – Wood windows are the more traditional of the two styles you’ll be reading about today. They are available in a variety of woods, including oak, mahogany, and birch; you will need to figure out which one best matches the style of your home. Wood windows tend to be particularly popular among homeowners who live in historic residences and are looking to preserve as much of the original appearance as possible.
2. The price – Wood windows are generally more costly than vinyl styles, in large part because they are not as easy to mass-manufacture. Your final price will, of course, depend upon the type of wood you select (exotic woods have higher price points than, say, pine), whether or not your window frames have to be custom cut, and any extra features (such as interior blinds) you choose to invest in.
3. The manufacturer – When it comes to wood windows, the brand you choose actually can make a difference. If you don’t pick a well-respected manufacturer with a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship, you run the risk of getting windows that are of poor quality and are not likely to last long.
4. The maintenance – Wood windows require some upkeep, particularly if you choose to paint the exterior frames. Any painted areas will need to be touched-up on a regular basis to avoid peeling and chipping. You will also need to make sure your wood windows are properly sealed; your installer can recommend a high-quality product if you aren’t sure what to buy.

Vinyl Windows

1. The look – Vinyl windows have a decidedly modern look. They are available in many colors, but most homeowners choose white. Vinyl windows are smooth to the touch and are most commonly used in newer homes where maintaining historical value is not a top priority.
2. The price – Typically, vinyl windows are less costly than wood styles. You can save even more when you keep your eyes peeled for special offers locally. Many brands throughout the Carolinas offer deals on vinyl windows at various times of the year, such as holiday weekends and during the winter months when sales are down.
3. The manufacturer – As a general rule, the vinyl windows offered by name brands are all fairly similar to one another. Therefore, unless you have very particular specifications that only one supplier can fulfill, the most important thing is to make sure you’re getting the best price on your purchase.
4. The maintenance – Vinyl windows require minimal maintenance. The only thing homeowners really have to do is wipe them down with a wet rag on occasion. If even that seems like more work than you want to do, you can rely on the rain to clean your exterior frames. In short, these windows are essentially upkeep-free.

No matter what kind of windows you’re interested in having installed at your residence, the Hatch Homes team can help you from start to finish. We’ll work alongside you to pick windows that truly fit your lifestyle, and we will install them right the first time, so you and your family don’t have to worry about unnecessary expenses later on.