Vinyl Replacement Windows 101

Vinyl replacement windows are an inexpensive and durable alternative to wood or metal windows. Several years ago, the sashes on vinyl windows would expand or contract according to the elements at a different rate than the glass, thereby causing leakage.  Fortunately, large steps in technology have helped to solve this problem.  Today, vinyl contractors are quite popular among building contractors and homeowners alike.

The Benefits
Vinyl replacement windows are made from PVC, polyvinyl chloride, a plastic that is often used by builders to imitate the look of wood.  In fact, if you look at it from far back, you might not even know the difference between wood and vinyl.  Since vinyl is not prone to denting or fading, they’re very low-maintenance.  Wood has a tendency to fade, and it has to be repainted every few years.  Vinyl, by contrast, never needs to be repainted or stained.

In addition, vinyl is resistant to corrosion, warping, water damage, and all of the things that plague wood. And since vinyl is colored in the factory rather than painted, it goes all the way through the material, making dings and scratches virtually unnoticeable, thus reducing the money and time you put into home maintenance.

Some Final Thoughts
The major concern with vinyl siding has to do with aesthetics.  It doesn’t retain the natural beauty of wood siding.  Fortunately, the price is right, and you really have to look hard for the visual differences.  Ultimately, if you choose to install vinyl siding, it costs less initially, and the day-to-day maintenance will cost you less over the long term.