We created Vinyl Verified to ensure the public has the facts about vinyl. It’s why we often have to correct press reports and agenda-driven organizations that spread misinformation about vinyl products. But in the interest of fairness, when they get it right, it’s important we highlight those moments, too.
In searching the online universe for vinyl references, we were pleasantly surprised to see a story on BobVila.com noting the many benefits of vinyl windows. The author, Donna Boyle Schwartz, makes a clear and convincing case why vinyl windows are a more compelling option over competing materials.
Schwartz addresses the versatility of vinyl windows. They can come in a number of different styles, which make them an appealing option for homeowners. She elaborates:
“[V]inyl window frames are typically thicker than aluminum frames and offer options of smooth, textured, or faux wood finishes. In fact, the wood-grain texture achievable with vinyl windows is a big plus for homeowners who like the look of wood but long for the durability of newer materials.”
Schwartz correctly points out that vinyl windows are more durable than their aluminum competitors. Vinyl doesn’t dent, corrode, or fade like aluminum. As a result vinyl windows avoid the major headaches for homeowners caused by these forms of damage:
“Vinyl windows, however, boast extra durability when it comes to dents and chips, too. In the rare circumstances that your frames were to be damaged, vinyl frames—which are constructed of the same material all the way through—would be less likely to show any chips or scratches than aluminum frames, where any damage to the finish will expose the raw metal underneath.”
Schwartz also notes that vinyl windows require little, if any, maintenance -- unlike other products that demand regular upkeep to prevent rust and corrosion:
“Vinyl is virtually maintenance-free...Aluminum windows aren’t too much more work to maintain, all things considered. Since they are prone to condensation—which can lead to rust or mold—aluminum should be cleaned with a special aluminum cleaner, rinsed, and dried semi-regularly.”
She also highlights that vinyl never needs to be repainted:
“Because vinyl is the same color throughout, there is seldom any need to repaint...Scratched or chipped aluminum can be repainted or re-coated with enamel paint, but it may be difficult to exactly match the original finish.”
And when it comes to performance, she correctly notes that vinyl windows insulate better than their aluminum counterparts. Vinyl does not transmit heat, while aluminum does:
“Vinyl windows excel when it comes to insulation and improving energy efficiency because the vinyl material minimizes heat transfer. Aluminum windows tend to conduct heat (and cold) and, therefore, are less energy efficient. You may look for more advanced aluminum options labeled “thermally improved,” or install special “thermal breaks”—insulation within the frame to prevent thermal energy loss—which just happen to be made of vinyl.”
Vinyl windows have better aesthetics, improved durability, greater performance, and reduced maintenance. With those attributes, one might assume they cost more than the competition. But as Schwartz points out, “...vinyl windows generally cost 30 percent less than comparable aluminum windows.”
Thanks, Donna, for making our job easier by delivering these important facts about vinyl.