Replacement windows provide countless benefits to the homeowner, including increased home value, energy efficiency, and upgraded appearance. There are many different materials out there today for windows. A couple of the most popular materials are wood and vinyl for windows. Each has its pros and cons. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between the two to help you decide which would be best for your home.
Energy Efficiency
Both wood and vinyl windows are tremendously energy-efficient window options. Typically, wood, when properly maintained, is a more energy-efficient option. Homeowners interested in energy efficiency should opt for either option. They each can help lower your bills, so the energy efficiency comes down to a draw. Of course, a high-quality installation is required to get the most energy benefits from your windows. Wood is a great natural insulator, but recently, vinyl windows have been able to offer more advanced products than in the past.
Maintenance
Typically, vinyl windows have fewer maintenance requirements than wood windows do. Because vinyl is a manufactured material, it isn’t as porous as wood. Wood exposed to moisture and especially sun is prone to deteriorate. Nowadays, the exterior of wood windows are almost always capped in some sort of protective material, like aluminum, fiberglass, or resilient factory finish. If wood window interiors are properly finished with paint or urethane, it can last much longer. Keep in mind wood windows can still scratch. Modern wooden windows are treated and coated to be resistant against moisture, dirt, grime, and more. Vinyl is a lower maintenance choice overall, but modern wood windows are fairly low maintenance while still maintaining the classic look that homeowners love.
Style & Customization
In general, wood windows are considered to be more customizable and stylish than vinyl windows. That isn’t always the case though, the vinyl windows of today offer a wide array of styles. Vinyl shouldn’t be painted by a homeowner, but some manufacturers have developed factory paint finishes that last. Wood windows can be customized much more than vinyl windows can. When it comes to style, it’s tough to beat wood. It creates such a classic look that’s easy to alter with paints and stains when you want to update your home. With proper care, they’ll last a long time as well.
Cost and Value
New windows will improve the value of your home overall. No matter the material that you choose. Wooden windows are typically more costly but offer a more stylish and sophisticated look for your home. Remember, both types of windows will help improve the energy-efficiency of your home. Vinyl windows are more affordable for homeowners but provide your home with less personality than wooden windows do.
The good news is that at Bennett, you can get the best of both worlds: wood and vinyl. Using our unique ProVia Aeris Series windows, you can have a vinyl window, with a custom finished real wood interior: Oak, Cherry, or Maple. They can be painted or stained to your preference.