Chicago Homeowners’ Views on Vinyl vs. Wood vs. Aluminum Replacement Windows

Homeowners who choose vinyl to be their favorite material for replacement windows reason from the fact that vinyl is a high quality material and very flexible when it comes to usage.

With vinyl windows, regular painting is not necessary. Moreover, you only need to periodically wash the windows to keep them in good condition.

Vinyl is made from Polyvinyl Chloride, which is a very efficient heat insulator. Therefore, vinyl windows will keep heat in during the winter and keep it out during the summer. This will always save you the burden of high energy bills as devices like heating and cooling systems will utilize less energy. Vinyl is cheap, yet very long lasting. Vinyl windows also come in different colors, designs, and shapes to choose from – you are not limited to just a select few colors or sizes.

However, there are some downsides to this window material. For example, vinyl windows can potentially fade in extreme weather conditions, especially in too much heat. When this happens, the window must be wholly replaced because vinyl cannot be repainted.

For some homeowners, wooden replacement windows are the best choice. Why? Unlike vinyl, wood can easily be shaped into various styles.  Wood is also very strong and durable and can withstand adverse weather conditions. Some woods, for example Mahogany, can last for decades without rotting. Wooden windows are also good insulators, thus, they can regulate temperatures during the summer and winter to save on energy bills.

Wooden windows have also got their own downsides, however, as well. Number one, they have to be painted regularly. This means an increased cost of maintenance. Number two, they are susceptible to molding which can interfere with the fiber of the wood. Lastly, wood can be affected by termites.

There are also those who are of the opinion that aluminum replacement windows are the best. It is resistant to rust, making it unnecessary to do regular painting. Aluminum windows are also very easy to clean. This way, the homeowner can use his time to engage in other activities instead of spending it all with cleaning the windows. Aluminum is typically less expensive than wooden windows.

The only tangible disadvantage of aluminum window is that it has low energy efficiency. It easily allows heat to pass through it. This increases energy bills as there will be a need to use HVAC systems more often.

In conclusion, every homeowner must look at the disadvantages and the advantages of these three materials before choosing on the one that will best suit him or her.