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Vinyl Windows Vs. Wood Windows

Kritika Parwani
If you are renovating your home, and are debating whether to use vinyl or wood windows, then read on to know more about the advantages and disadvantages of both types of windows.
Home renovations can be a daunting task. Most home owners who are home decorating and looking to replace the windows in their homes often debate between vinyl and wood windows. Now, you can forget about the window blinds to cover the not so great looking old windows, which need a makeover.
As a homeowner, making a right decision is crucial when you know the positives and negatives of vinyl and wood windows. Consider the theme of your house while making a decision. For example, if you have a home that already features wood windows, and has a wooden theme, the new wooden windows will maintain the original theme that your home currently has.

Vinyl Windows

Advantages:

Vinyl windows are less expensive. They don't require much maintenance and painting. They are normally not affected by moisture. If they have an insulated core, then they offer good thermal and sound resistance.
They are considered to be the most popular replacement windows. This is an important point to take into consideration when debating on vinyl vs. wood windows. Also, these windows can match very well with vinyl flooring.

Disadvantages:

Vinyl windows don't require too much maintenance. But, they do need an occasional round of window cleaning. The Hinges of this windows require lubrication from time to time. The colors for this windows are limited to white, tan, and bronze.
In relatively old houses, vinyl windows are not the best choice, because they cannot be painted, and hence, will not go with the decor. Vinyl is made up of petroleum, and hence, is a serious threat to the environment with the possibility of leeching chemicals into soil and water.

Wood Windows

Advantages:

Wood brings richness and warmth to a room. Windows made from this material always add elegance to the decor. Unlike vinyl windows, you can also paint the wooden windows in different colors to match your decor.
Besides looking good, they also offer very good insulation, and the condensation on them is minimal.
Most wooden windows are available with complete weather stripping, which acts as excellent aids against exterior elements.
Like vinyl windows, they also act as a sound barrier. Wood being a renewable resource, makes up for a very environment friendly material.

Disadvantages:

One important disadvantage of wooden windows is the required maintenance of painting. You need to guard them against staining, by going in for repeated window treatments. If you neglect the periodical maintenance, then it will result in rotting and weathering of the window. Sometimes, it may imbibe moisture and swell up, so difficult to open or shut them.
Another option is using vinyl clad windows, which offer the best of both, i.e., wood and vinyl. This means that you will have the beauty of wood on the interior portion, and the low maintenance of vinyl on the exterior.