This day and age, when replacing windows, vinyl windows seem to be the most popular choice. They are installed in a majority of today’s homes. Vinyl windows are made up of a PVC material, which is also known as polyvinyl chloride. This mixture can be blended to match just about any color that you may want, and the chemicals that make up the windows withstand the sun and weather quite well. They have a lot of great benefits.
Vinyl windows are often chosen because they do not run the risk of peeling, cracking, bending or warping. They also do not expand or contract with extreme temperature changes, unlike many other window types. They even have some that are pretty energy efficient, and they have a sleek design similar to wooden frames. This gives them an aesthetic appeal as well.
The Advantages of Replacing Your Windows with Vinyl Windows
We already covered a few of the reasons why people opt for vinyl windows, but why not consider some of the other perks of choosing this type of frame as well. First of all, they are really affordable. Wood, fiberglass and aluminum windows are all more expensive than vinyl windows. Even some of the higher end vinyl frames tend to be less expensive than frames made of other materials.
Vinyl frames are also really versatile. They are available in just about all types of windows, including both single and double hung windows, architectural windows, picture windows, casement windows and much more. They can even me custom designed to meet any window needs you may have. They are also a good option when it comes to energy efficiency. The hollow pockets of these windows are usually insulated, which means that they offer even more efficiency.
Finally, you will notice that vinyl windows really do not require a whole lot of maintenance. They do not have to be painted, and you really don’t even have to do much to keep them clean. You should not have to weather proof them, so long as they are installed correctly the first time around. This is why you should always choose a professional installer, just to ensure that they are installed right and sealed properly.
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The Drawbacks of Vinyl Windows
While vinyl windows are really popular, and for good reason, they do have their fair share of drawbacks. Let’s take a closer look at some potential flaws in their design. First, they are really more susceptible to wear and tear. They are not the most durable type of window. They are much easier to break than other window frames. They are also known to fade over time. The good news is that the chemicals that are used in PVC today tend to help thwart off the fading, and help them to look better for longer.
Vinyl windows are also not going to last as long as say, wooden windows. This is because they are just not really made to last. If you take good care of them and keep them clean, then they will last you 10+ years in most cases. Many people do not want to deal with the hassle of painting them after they start to show wear, and just replace them. This is not usually a problem though, as they are really budget friendly.
Look Closely at the Warranty for Your Windows
Before you buy windows, whether vinyl or another material, make sure that you know the warranty. Each manufacturer will offer a different warranty. Some of the warranties will be more comprehensive than others. If you really want a good warranty, check out a double lifetime warranty. This means that not only are the windows covered while you own the home, but they will also be covered if you happen to sell the home at some point down the road.
Choosing the Right Manufacturer for Vinyl Windows
There are just so many different window manufacturers out there. You want to choose a manufacturer that has a reputation for constructing quality windows that stand the test of time. Some of the best windows come from big names with a solid reputation. When you check out their vinyl windows, just make sure to look at the key points in the frame that we already discussed.
Here are some of the brand names that you may see when you are shopping around for new vinyl windows:
- Alside Vinyl Windows
- Milgard Vinyl Windows
- Pella Vinyl Windows
- PGT Vinyl Windows
- Silverline Vinyl Windows
- Wallside Vinyl Windows
- Window World Vinyl Windows
These are just a few of the top brands, as there are undoubtedly many more than you may consider. Talk to your professional window installer about the brands that they recommend.
Getting the Best Glass Panes for Your Vinyl Windows
Choosing your window frame is only half of the fun. Once you get your window frame chosen, you will then need to choose the type of glass that will fill the frame. The truth is that there are a lot of different glass types that you can choose from. Most people tend to steer clear of the single paned windows these days. Double and triple paned windows are really just much more efficient, although they do tend to cost more. They can help to save you money over time when it comes to heating and cooling your home.
You will also want to check out window coatings for the glass panes. The coating on your windows can also help to improve the efficiency of your windows. It is a good idea to get a low-E coating, or other coating that helps to reflect the heat from the sun’s rays back away from the window rather than allowing it to come through.
You may even want to go as far as looking for glass that is impact resistant. This is especially important for areas of your home that have a lot of traffic. Nothing ruins a day quite like a broken window, so impact resistant glass can help to keep the window from breaking. It can also make it more difficult to be broken in the event of possible break-in.
Should You Choose Vinyl Windows for Your Home?
Vinyl windows are really one of the better options if you are looking for something that is going to not break your bank and give you the flexibility to avoid too much maintenance. The problem is that they will not last as long as many of the other types of windows that you will find on the market. The good news, however, is that they are a lot more affordable, making them ideal for many people.
The Importance of Professional Installation for Your Vinyl Windows
If vinyl windows are your pick, you should know that professional installation is a must. When you get new windows, you are making an investment in your home. You want an installation expert that is going to have the proper training and expertise to get the job done right the first time around. They will start out by examining your home, and the window space. They will then take measurements in order to ensure that the windows fit properly and function properly. Finally, they will ensure that the windows are properly sealed. If all of this is done correctly, then you should have great windows for many years to come.
Choosing the Right Vinyl Windows
It is important to understand that not all vinyl windows are created equally. Some of them are going to be of a higher quality than the others. The good news is that there are some things that you can look for when it comes to choosing the best windows. First, you will want to make sure that you look closely at the cross section of the actual frame of the window. In this, note the number of chambers and their size. This is going to give you an idea to their efficiency, and their durability.
Vinyl windows are hollow inside, and they have chambers. If they have only a few large chambers, then chances are they will not be as durable. You want windows that have a lot of different small chambers. This will help them to last longer, and it will also help them to be more resistant to the weather and harsh elements.
Also, look at the seams of your windows. Vinyl frames are either held together by caulk, screws, or welding. Windows that have been welded are going to last longer, just because they have that added reinforcement. This is something to take into consideration when you are searching for the right windows for your home or office.
Finally, make sure that you look for a vinyl that is heavy duty, and meant to withstand some wear and tear. Since they are more prone to wear, you want them to be made of quality materials that are going to be able to take a little bit of wear over time without making them look bad.
The Hatch Difference
Each window that Hatch Homes provides our customers is installed by certified and trained craftsmen. Let us show you the difference that new high-performance windows can make on your home!