If you’ve been looking for replacement windows, you may have heard rumors about vinyl windows, especially when compared to wood or composite materials. Vinyl windows get a bad rap because of their vulnerability to heat, durability concerns, aesthetic limitations, and perceived lack of quality.  

Vinyl windows are available at various price points and quality levels, which leads to much confusion about their quality. For example, construction-grade vinyl windows have a much shorter lifespan than better-quality windows. On average, vinyl windows last around 20 years. It’s important to choose a manufacturer with a long warranty so that if you do have problems with your windows, you have the assurance that repairs or replacements will be covered without additional costs.

Volpe Enterprises, Inc., is here to assure you that vinyl windows are a quality, economical choice for your home. We recommend and install high-quality ProVia vinyl windows which come with a limited lifetime warranty. 

The Pros and Cons of Vinyl Windows

The biggest pro of vinyl windows is that they are maintenance-free once they’re installed. They only need to be cleaned. Vinyl windows are also one of the most economical windows on the market, and, with the right Energy Star windows, they can be very energy efficient. They’re also easy to install which helps keep the price of vinyl windows down.

Their cons mostly involve how they stack up against other replacement windows. For example, a vinyl window is hollow, while a composite window is solid. This gives composite windows better insulation properties.

Wood and composite windows last longer. When compared to wood windows, vinyl windows are not as eco-friendly. However, vinyl windows can be recycled, offsetting some of their effect on the environment. 

Although vinyl windows have come a long way, some people do not find them attractive in their home. The charm of wood windows cannot be beaten, and while modern vinyl windows can have simulated wood grain and colors, for some people, wood is the only material suitable for windows. 

However, it’s important to note that the cost of vinyl is much less compared to composite or wood windows. 

Debunking Vinyl Window Myths

Vinyl windows were first installed in the 1960s and took off in popularity in the 1990s. Since then, vinyl window manufacturers have continued to upgrade their products, eliminating many of the early flaws. 

Here are some myths about vinyl windows that continue to linger:

Myth: Vinyl Windows Warp In the Sun

Vinyl windows are made of PVC. PVC is a durable plastic that’s used in other construction applications. PVC is a strong material that is heat resistant. Quality vinyl window replacements will expand and contract in the heat and cold, but shouldn’t warp during their lifespan.  

Myth: Vinyl Windows Are Not Durable

Vinyl windows are extremely lightweight compared to wood or composite windows, making them easy to install and handle. However, this does not mean that they’re not durable. PVC is known for being both lightweight and strong. The better the quality of the window, the stronger it tends to be. 

Myth: Vinyl Windows Reduce Your Visibility

Old clunky frames are a thing of the past. Vinyl windows have the same frame width as other windows, giving you plenty of viewing space. 

Myth: Vinyl Windows Only Come In Limited Styles

From sliders and casement windows to architectural styles and picture windows, vinyl windows are offered in a variety of styles that suit your needs. Looking for something more unique? There are also bay and bow windows as well as garden windows. 

Myth: Vinyl Windows Only Come In White

Today’s vinyl windows come in an assortment of colors from white and beige to more traditional wood grain colors and even black. Volpe Enterprises, Inc. can help select a color pallet that enhances the inside and outside of your home. 

Are Vinyl Windows Worth It?

Vinyl windows have come a long way in the last 50 years. Today’s vinyl windows are a maintenance-free, economical solution for replacing your home windows. 

Interested in learning more about replacement windows? Our trained consultants can help you pick the right windows for your home.