When it comes to windows there is a lot going on with the home. In many cases, your home has a minimum of 8 windows to be looked after. As a homeowner, you want to make sure that your windows are providing you with energy efficiency and keeping the insects and outdoor elements out of the home. Also, it is important for a homeowner to know how old their windows are. You might end up needing to upgrade your windows. There are a variety of choices, so when selecting your window style, make sure they don’t have any issues. If you select vinyl windows, you need to make sure they fit your budget and do not have other functional concerns. Do vinyl windows warp? Yes, if the weather conditions present themselves to be too hot, a vinyl window can warp.
Let’s take a look below at the advantages and disadvantages of vinyl windows.
What Are Vinyl Windows
Most homeowners look at windows and think very little about what type of window they might be. As the years have gone one, window types have changed. The material being used gets more durable and stronger. This increases the longevity of a window in your home. Let’s take a look at what vinyl windows are:
- Half of the window market sales for residential homes.
- Vinyl windows were created as an alternative to wood and aluminum windows. They are a cheaper material. First came out in Germany in 1954.
- Vinyl windows first came out in the United States in 1964. In the 1970’s they became a popular choice for consumers. This was due to the energy-efficiency ratings that they provide.
- Vinyl is second to polyethylene as the most produced plastic in the world. Vinyl is used for many building and construction products and is the most produced plastic for those projects.
Don’t Be Cheap On Vinyl Windows
When you are looking to purchase a vinyl window option, you should always consider a more expensive version. The best vinyl windows will provide you with longevity and energy efficiency not matched by other materials. Also, buying cheap vinyl windows will get you into a lot of trouble. Let’s review:
- Too much heat exposure will warp the window.
- In the opening of the window you will notice expansion and contraction.
- You will notice the vinyl fades or turns yellow when in direct sun.
- In extremely cold temperatures you can notice cracking and brittleness of the window.
- You can lose energy between the window panes due to environmental conditions.
What Are The Advantages
Like with everything in a home, there are advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at the advantages of vinyl windows.
- Recyclable – vinyl can be melted and remolded for use as other products. Also, it does not lose its chemical composition. This makes it 99% efficient as a recyclable product.
- Energy-efficient – vinyl is a great heat insulator. Can keep your home warm in the cooler months and cool in the warmer months. It works better than wood or aluminum as an insulator.
- Low maintenance – vinyl does not need painting or sanding and can be cleaned with soap and water.
- Designs – because vinyl is so moldable, you can make it into a design. In addition, you can get vinyl in a variety of colors to match any homes paint color scheme.
What Are The Disadvantages
Now that we have reviewed the advantages of vinyl windows, let’s take a look at the disadvantages.
- Flexibility – vinyl windows have a problem with sagging due to their flexibility. Also, their sizes are limited due to their flexibility. It cannot support the weight of the glass.
- Elegance – many people do not like the look of a vinyl window. They aren’t as appealing compared to natural wood.
- Fading – the color can fade over time.
- Paint – painting is not a real option. Vinyl is so smooth that the chemical composition does not allow paint to stick.
- Frames – the window frames of a vinyl window are known to warp, soften, twist or even bow when in extreme heat temperatures. This reduces their strength and rigidity.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Now that you have an understanding of vinyl windows, you can begin to review other energy-efficient areas of your home. If you have a sliding door, you will want to make sure that it is also insulated. Just like your windows, energy can be lost through your sliding doors. Read up on how to insulate the sliding door.
Next, you will want to make sure that the windows you have picked out are designed properly for your home. In addition, as you continue your quest for energy efficiency, take a look and see if your windows are double-glazed. These types of windows will provide great energy efficiency.
Lastly, make sure to check on your HVAC system. If you are really concerned about energy efficiency in your home, this would be a great time to have your HVAC system serviced. Making sure that all parts are working properly is key. You wouldn’t want the system to break down in the middle of a summer heat wave.
When Do I Call A Professional
Anytime you are experiencing complications with your windows you should contact a professional. Keep in mind that hiring a window replacement and repair company can save you time and money. Also, if you don’t get your windows taken care of, you risk losing energy from your home and allowing insects to get in. Always remember, If you aren’t sure what repairs are needed on your windows you can hire your local home inspection team to come out and inspect.
They can provide you with a list of reputable window replacement and repair companies. In addition, your home inspection team can tell you the kind of damage that your windows have and the best route to take for replacement or repairing them.
Conclusion
If you are not sure if vinyl windows are right for your home. You should reach out to your local home inspection team. Also, they can inspect all of your windows and recommend the best product for your home. Not all homes can sustain vinyl windows due to the temperatures in your area. So, using a home inspection team first, will save you time and money. Call Alpha Building Inspections and they can help recommend the right style windows and a reputable window installer in Merrimack, NH, and surrounding areas.
