Vinyl vs. Wood Windows: Which Is Right for You?

Summary: When the time comes to select replacement windows, it often comes down to Vinyl vs. Wood Windows. Both have several unique benefits and either will the right choice for the style of your home. The Window Experts has two recommended brands with stellar performance and stunning looks!

Vinyl Replacement Windows: A Deep Dive

Vinyl windows are very popular with builders and homeowners alike. They are normally the least expensive replacement window style but with plenty of upgrade options. If you choose white or tan colors, the color is mixed right in with the vinyl providing a solid color throughout which would hide scratches well.

If you choose from a manufacturers array of additional colors, the frames will be “painted”. Quality vinyl replacement windows from Anlin Windows use some advanced coating processes to coat the material with acrylic that is molecularly bonded to the vinyl. Anlin’s Capstock and Thermacoat technologies provide an available color palette that is durable and fade resistant.

Vinyl is a very good insulator. Here are some facts to consider:

Engineered for Efficiency: While vinyl itself is not as good an insulator as wood, modern vinyl windows are designed with energy efficiency in mind.
Multi-chambered Frames: Some vinyl frames have a hollow space which can be filled with foam insulation, significantly improving thermal performance. When insulated, vinyl frames can be better than wood frames in thermal efficiency.
Tighter Seals: Often, vinyl windows have tighter seals than wood windows, which severely limits air leakage and improves overall energy efficiency.
Low Maintenance: Vinyl windows beat out wood windows as they require minimal maintenance. Wood may need routine painting/staining.

Wood Replacement Windows: In-Depth Insights

Wood framed windows have been around for centuries. As far back as the Romans in 100 AD with technology and use of wood frame improving over the 16th and 17th century. In the US, wood was the ubiquitous framing material in the 1930’s and into modern decades.

Wood frames have some great performance numbers but, when exposed to exterior elements (rain, heat, sunlight, hail, etc.) can break down as water penetrates the pores. As a result, frequent refinishing is necessary. The wood windows we recommend from Sierra Pacific Windows are a “clad” window. Beautiful wood from a variety of species for the interior and a powder coated, durable finish on strong aluminum frames face the elements. This powerful combination creates a flexible (interior frame can be painted to match interior color themes) and durable exterior surface resistant to rot, fade, and zero maintenance.

What is the U-Factor and R-Value?

These two performance indicators are the key to choosing energy efficient windows and doors. You’ll see these numbers on the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) label on new windows. U-Factor is a materials performance number related to the prevention of air leakage. Vinyl performs well here with U-Factor being around .20 to .30 with the lower the number the better thermal performance. The R-Value of vinyl is typically 3.0 to 3.5 (higher is better for R-Value).

The U-Factor (.30 to .50) and R-Value (2.0-2.5) of wood, being a natural insulator will perform better than inferior vinyl windows handily. High quality insulated vinyl frames can out-perform wood in both measurements.

These numbers are for the frame material only. A window’s energy efficiency is really the result of the combination of features as well as the size of the window. So for thermal efficiency, vinyl vs wood windows come out pretty close to even.

Vinyl vs Wood Windows: The Choice Is Yours

The Window Experts have evaluated and chosen from the top tier of window manufacturers available. That’s why our claim of offering the Best Products is important to our clients. It’s through intense testing that we are proud to offer almost 2 dozen of the best brands around.

With your first contact with The Window Experts, you’ll experience dignity and respect. Your sales consultant will not be pushy and allow you time to evaluate the competition. Our claim of Best People means you’ll get friction-free, kind treatment that is rare in our industry.

Our other claim is the one that results in thousands of satisfied customers. Expert, professional installation teams trained for perfect installs, every time. We call it Best Processes for a reason. Each and every step of the transaction has been studied, refined, and perfected – it’s the reason we can offer the LifeTime Leak-Free Guarantee!

Whether you choose our line of Anlin Windows for the best in vinyl windows or Sierra Pacific windows for wood/aluminum clad windows, we guarantee complete satisfaction with the entire process-from first contact to final installation of your replacement windows.