Whether replacing your old windows or installing windows in a new home, you’ll need to choose a material for the frames. The two most popular and durable materials are wood and vinyl. Here are some of the reasons to choose PVC vinyl over wood frames.
1. Low cost
PVC vinyl windows are cheap to manufacture and widely available, making them much more cost-effective than wood-framed windows. In fact, with the fluctuating price of lumber, wood windows are almost double the price of vinyl ones. Moreover, fewer manufacturers make wood windows, making them more expensive and harder to find.
2. Superior efficiency
Wood and PVC are both excellent insulators. However, wood can crack and rot over time, creating leaks and gaps that decrease efficiency. Vinyl doesn’t warp or split in even the harshest climates insuring superior efficiency.
3. Enhanced appearance
Owners of stately homes often prefer the timeless look of wood. However, today’s vinyl can be manufactured to look like wood without the effort and cost of staining or painting it. While you can’t paint vinyl windows, their sleek, clean look fits almost any decorative style.
4. Low maintenance
Vinyl windows are virtually maintenance-free. Wood, on the other hand, must be regularly sanded, stained or painted to prevent it from deteriorating. This periodic maintenance drives up the long-term costs of wood-framed windows. With vinyl windows, you don’t have to worry about upkeep.
5. Simplified installation
Vinyl is a lighter material than wood and is easier to install, saving you money on installation costs. Additionally, wood requires sanding, staining or painting, while PVC windows are installed as-is and require no further work.
6. Increased durability
Both PVC and wood windows have long life spans. Wood window manufacturers say their windows will last up to 50 years, which is true if you regularly and meticulously maintain them. Unfortunately, not everyone has the time or the money for the upkeep and the windows can easily fall into disrepair. Vinyl windows can last 20 to 40 years with little to no maintenance.
7. Straightforward repairs
Vinyl windows are less likely to need repair than wood windows. Poorly maintained wood frames can break, rot or crack and need total replacement. Typical vinyl windows repairs include inexpensive hardware, such as latches and cranks.
PVC windows in Ottawa
At Canadian Comfort Windows & Doors, we carry a complete line of durable, customizable and energy-efficient North Star PVC windows. We also offer timely window installation for residential and commercial customers in the Ottawa area. We guarantee our work for 10 years. Contact us today to learn more about our products or get a free estimate.