why professional window installation is important

Vinyl windows are very popular because they cost less than wood windows and they have an attractive appearance. However, each type of window frame has its advantages, so you'll have to consider which one works best for you. Here is how vinyl and wood windows compare.

Initial Cost

If you need replacement windows and you have a tight budget, then vinyl is the best choice. While vinyl and wood windows are available in various price ranges depending upon how they're made and the brand, in general, the most economical windows are made from vinyl. If upfront cost is important, then vinyl is the winner, but you may want to consider ongoing costs too. Once again, vinyl is the winner since you won't have to spend much money at all on upkeep.

Maintenance

All you have to do to care for vinyl windows is wash them occasionally. You can wash the frames at the same time you wash the glass once or twice per year. Wood windows need to be sealed and painted, and you'll have to update the paint every few years since it will eventually fade and peel. Painting windows is a hassle. If you're not all that fond of home improvement tasks, then vinyl windows are the best choice. If you have siding and won't need to paint your home every few years, then installing vinyl windows will make the exterior of your home virtually maintenance free.

Durability

Vinyl windows are very durable. They tolerate temperature extremes and all kinds of weather. They may slowly fade over the years, but that is about the only kind of damage you can expect. Wood is also very durable if you care for it properly. If you don't seal and protect the wood, it can rot or be eaten away by termites or carpenter ants. While wood frames will potentially last longer than vinyl, if you don't maintain them regularly, the wood can succumb to mold, decay, and deterioration.

Appearance

Window appearance is a matter of personal taste. Wood windows have a more traditional look, and you can paint them any color you wish. Vinyl windows come in various colors, but they all tend to be lighter shades. Dark vinyl absorbs heat from the sun and warps more readily, so vinyl windows are usually a light color. Since vinyl is a newer material, it gives your home a more modern appearance. Vinyl frames also tend to be thinner. Both types of windows are suitable for all kinds of homes.

When compared side by side, vinyl windows have more advantages than wood windows. That's probably why they are so popular. Either material is a good choice, but if you are on a tight budget or if you hate home maintenance, then vinyl is the way to go. To find out more about vinyl windows, contact a business like Beissel Window & Siding.