Replacement windows installed in a large brick two-story home with front porch and balcony, large white columns, and 3 dormers.Vinyl is a common material choice for replacement windows. It’s reasonably priced, sturdy, and a reliable option. With more color choices becoming available, vinyl replacement windows are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners.

Like any product, they have advantages and disadvantages that you, as a consumer, should understand and be aware of. Zen Windows St. Louis walks you through the pros and cons of installing vinyl windows in your home, so you can make an informed decision.

Pros of Vinyl Replacement Windows

Lower cost: The first, and usually most important, benefit of vinyl is the lower cost. Vinyl replacement windows tend to be much cheaper than their wood, fiberglass, or aluminum counterparts.

Energy-efficient: Since vinyl is a non-conductive material, it performs well as an insulator and can help you save money on energy costs. By helping keep the outside temperature from affecting the temperature of your home, your HVAC system will run more efficiently.

Long-lasting: Painting your window frames can be difficult, but it’s not an issue with vinyl. Vinyl replacement windows come in a few colors that are baked into the plastic. This results in the color holding for the life of the frame. You never have to worry about repainting it.

If you’re looking for a window that will stand the test of time, vinyl is a great option. It doesn’t deteriorate, rot, or attract pests, so you can rest easy knowing your new windows will last without needing maintenance.

Cons of Vinyl Replacement Windows

There are undoubtedly many positive reasons to choose vinyl replacement windows. But there are a few disadvantages to these types of windows that you should be aware of.

Limited color options: As mentioned earlier, there are a few options available to match the color of your home. The problem is that, since vinyl can’t be painted like wood or fiberglass, you can be limited in options if you decide to repaint your home.

Lower resale value than other materials: People often want to replace their windows to increase the resale value of their home. While vinyl replacement windows will improve the value, it won’t be as much as other materials like wood or fiberglass.

Appearance: Lastly, although it’s a great and versatile material, vinyl is plastic and looks as such. That isn’t to say these types of windows aren’t pleasing to the eye, but it’s something to consider when making a purchasing decision.

Choosing Vinyl Replacement Windows for Your Home

When you want to replace your windows, it’s important to know and understand the positive and negative qualities of your options. While they do have certain disadvantages, vinyl windows are a great choice with plenty of benefits.

The low cost and long life without maintenance is usually enough reason to choose vinyl windows. If you decide to use vinyl replacement windows for your home improvement project, you won’t be disappointed.

If you have any questions about vinyl replacement windows or windows in general, ask Zen Windows St. Louis today. We’d be glad to help.