Wood Versus Vinyl Windows

Wood should be re painted or re stained every 3 4 years to help protect them from the elements.

Wood versus vinyl windows.

It is recommended to stain and finish wood windows every few years to keep up the elegant and vibrant appearance. Both are considered mid range aluminum frames are the strongest but bear in mind a low end vinyl window will be less strong over time than most wood windows to compare the two it s good to know that a low end wood clad window will still be stronger than a low end vinyl. Wood windows require a lot of maintenance and preservation. There are three other major factors that set vinyl and wood windows apart.

Most people can recognize vinyl windows thanks to an initial uniformity in craftsmanship. Wood windows can be painted any color or stained to show off the natural wood grain. Vinyl replacement windows are about 18 cheaper than wood windows according to remodeling s 2020 cost vs. Wood windows are costlier.

Vinyl and wood windows are both strong in fact there isn t much difference between the two in this category. Both vinyl and fiberglass windows are cheaper than wood but of the two vinyl is the less expensive alternative. Window maintenance window customization options and the price of replacement windows. Homeadvisor s vinyl versus wood window comparison guide explores pros cons costs energy efficiency quality insulation brands and difference for new or replacement windows.

Vinyl windows were first developed in the 1970s to compete against costlier wood windows. Premium wood windows can come in a variety of different scrolled or embossed designs. Vinyl windows are more durable than wood windows. On average homeowners can expect to pay about 3 156 for six vinyl replacement versus about 4 668 for six aluminum replacement windows and that s before factoring in the cost of labor.

These designs are beautiful but wood windows with such designs are even more expensive. Vinyl windows have fewer options available when it comes to appearance. Vinyl windows are roughly 10 to 30 percent cheaper to buy and install. The main drawback of vinyl is how it looks.

It is also common for wood windows to have an aluminum or vinyl cladding on the exterior to keep maintenance low while the interior has the authentic wood grain showing. Wood windows require more maintenance than vinyl windows. They are the white windows made out of a plastic material. The vast majority of vinyl windows are either white or tan.

Find out which is the better material for your home. Despite their relative youth vinyl windows now account for roughly the same market share as wood windows. Upkeep for vinyl vs wood windows.