Vinyl Windows vs. Wood Windows: Which Is Right for You?

With the arrival of Spring, home improvement projects may be at the front of your mind. You may be ready to start those projects by refreshing the windows in your home. Vinyl and wood are very popular options for windows, but it’s important to know the pros and cons of each option so you can make the best choice for your home. 

Vinyl vs. Wood: Pros and Cons

Vinyl windows are composed of PVC or polyvinyl chloride. This material is widely used in several different products, including auto upholstery, flooring, power cables, and more. The materials are both durable and lightweight. Vinyl windows don’t need as much maintenance as wood windows; however, PVC isn’t a natural material. With time vinyl windows may turn yellow, but they can be easily cleaned up with a little wipe-down. 

While there are many benefits to vinyl windows, they are actually less energy efficient than wood windows. When considering ideas like environmental impact, vinyl windows are created from petroleum-based plastic and will take decades to break down after they are no longer usable. Wood, on the other hand, is a natural biodegradable material.

Cost-Effective Options

When considering the most cost-effective option, vinyl is the easiest to maintain, meaning they’re less expensive over time. They’re also less expensive to purchase than wood if you’re looking to replace your windows. However, because wood windows are more energy efficient, the total cost over time may be similar. 

Curb Appeal

While vinyl windows have many benefits, there’s one important thing to consider. The way that vinyl appears when compared to wood is important. Wood is significantly more attractive than vinyl. Wood windows are usually the better option if aesthetics are important to you. When it comes to historic homes, particularly, it’s likely that wood would have to be used to preserve and maintain the building’s historical registration. Also, if you want to update the look of your windows, wood is a much easier material to paint. Vinyl doesn’t allow that option.

Resale Value

Wood windows have a slightly lower ROI than vinyl, which can have an impact whether you are purchasing a starter home or considering selling your current home. However, this can be very subjective and based on a person’s preferences. Many prefer vinyl because it’s less expensive to maintain and requires little maintenance as compared to wood windows. However, it could lower the value of certain homes by using vinyl instead of wood.

The Choice is Yours

Ultimately, the choice between wood and vinyl is yours. They each have their benefits and drawbacks, so it’s vital to consider what the best option is for your home. Consider how much of a budget you have for maintenance or how often you may want to update the look or color of your windows. 

Whether you need maintenance done on your windows or need help making the decision between wood and vinyl, Window Makeover can help! Schedule your appointment with our experts today.