Wooden vs vinyl windows

And what exactly are vinyl clad wood windows? If you had to make a decision on which window material to use solely based on energy efficiency, it would be a tough decision to make. Vinyl and wood windows actually perform similarly when it comes to energy efficiency. There are three other major factors that set vinyl and wood windows apart: window maintenance, window customization options, and the price of replacement windows. Wood windows require more maintenance than vinyl windows. Wood should be re-painted or re-stained every years to help protect them from the elements.

How do you give your windows a checkup? Watch the video below for the five things you should check on your windows each year.

Wood windows are more easily customized than vinyl windows. This is because they can be painted or stained. Unlike wood windows, vinyl windows can never be painted. This is not the case. Do you like the look of wood windows? Vinyl windows can also be outfitted in a woodgrain laminate that can be color matched to match your wood floors and cabinets. Realistic looking wood laminates are available in a variety of woodgrains such as oak, cherry, and maple. According to the Cost vs Value Report , vinyl windows are a better buy.

Wood windows recoup around A vinyl clad wood window is comprised of both vinyl and wood. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile.

Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Vinyl Windows Wood Windows Defined Plastic framed windows except for metal used for the operating mechanism. Interior wood with exteriors covered with extruded aluminum, PVC, or fiberglass. Colors and Finishes Mostly white, though some other colors are available. Bare wood or primed wood that can be painted any color.

Maintenance Easy to wipe down and maintain. Need regular painting on the outside, unless covered with metal or plastic.

Insulating Factor Poor to fair, especially if the frames are not insulated. Wood insulates well and is a great energy-saver. Nearly always more costly than vinyl windows. Appearance Fair appearance, though it helps to purchase windows that coordinate with the home or surroundings. Wood windows can be painted any color. Turnaround Excellent.

Vinyl windows are plentiful and usually are readily available. Might be slower to obtain than vinyl windows. Resale Value Excellent resale value. Slightly lower resale value than vinyl windows. Featured Video. Article Sources. Typically vinyl windows are white or tan in color. They require little maintenance and have a smooth texture that is easy to clean.

Vinyl is highly durable because it is water and rot resistant. Wood is the classic window material. Until just a few decades ago, the majority of windows sold in the United States were made of wood.

Wood has a warmth and beauty that is not easily replicated by any other material. Wood also requires regular maintenance in order to continue to function 1 , 2. Homeowners who neglect their wood windows may need to replace them much sooner than homeowners who take regular care of their windows. As with anything, there are many pros and cons to Wood and Vinyl windows and homeowners should understand their options 3 , 4 , 5. Both wood and vinyl are very energy efficient.

Wood is slightly more energy efficient if it is properly maintained. However, wood that has not been well maintained will leak and develop drafts just like any other type of window 6. Homeowners hoping to increase their home's efficiency with the installation of good windows can do so by installing windows with low-E coating on the glass. This type of coating can deflect heat to keep it out of the house during the summer and in the house during the winter. Low-E glass can significantly improve the energy efficiency of the home 7.

Whether you're buying wood or vinyl, it's critically important to purchase quality materials for your windows. Wood can last indefinitely as long as it is repainted or sealed on a regular basis, while vinyl can do the same if they're well-made 8.

Talk to your window installer to find out how long you can expect windows to last before having them installed. The cost of installing new windows can span a range depending on features, window type and other considerations. Shopping around and getting quotes from different installers can help homeowners get the best deal, but it's also important to take quality into consideration.

The cheapest windows are not always the best windows. Good quality windows can save the homeowner money over time through reduced utility costs and a longer service life. Wood windows need regular maintenance to stay functional.

Wood must be resealed and repainted before the old seal or old paint wears off. To repaint or reseal the windows, the old finish must be sanded down. Once the wood has been sanded and cleaned, the new finish can be applied. Repainting or resealing windows is painstaking work. Care must be taken to ensure that the window is not painted shut and that the paint is not allowed to dry on the glass.

Vinyl windows must be inspected and cleaned on a regular basis , but they do not require the same time-consuming maintenance routine needed for wood windows.