Hear me out, I know windows don’t sound like the best item to spend your money on, however, upgrading your windows is a great investment for your home. Not only are they a key asset to protecting your home, but they also help keep hot/cool air in and add value to your home.
Comparing Material:
Vinyl Windows are made of PVC: Polyvinyl Chloride. PVC is commonly used to make plumbing pipes, electrical pipes, and other plastic items. Before, you could only get Vinyl windows in white, but now they come in an array of colors. Furthermore, these types of windows have a life expectancy of over 20 years!
Wood windows are still a great option, as they have high durability, and are great for visual appeal when properly maintained. The biggest issue with wood windows is the maintenance, where you’re going to have to constantly repaint and take care of the trimming.
Cost
Let’s get the big question out of the way: What is more cost-efficient? According to the 2019 cost vs value report, vinyl windows are a better buy, no questions asked. The average window replacement costs $4000 less than installing wood windows. Not only that, but vinyl windows recuperate 72.3% of their cost, while wood only recuperates 71.5%. Not much of a difference, but still worth mentioning.
Installation
Wood is much more complicated to install. Not only are they heavier than vinyl, but they also require modification on-site to fit into existing window openings. Furthermore, they also require sanding and staining/painting.
Vinyl windows are typically quicker and easier to install. They are lighter and generally don’t require as much finishing work as wood.
Maintenance
We’re in the state of Minnesota. We experience weather shifts from -50 degrees to 90 degrees, from hot humidity to storms, to snow. Wood windows require maintenance every 2 years depending on your climate. You’re not only going to have to constantly repaint and revarnish, but also check for damage from pests and weather.
With vinyl windows, there’s very little upkeep and maintenance after installation. Simply washing windows once a year and small touchups, and you’ll be as good as new!
With all this information, I hope you can make a decision of which style you want, and if you’d like our recommendation, shoot us a call at 651-382-0620 or email us at office@homestead-llc.com.
