If the windows in your home are starting to have problems opening and closing or are looking old and unattractive, it could be time to consider replacing them. One key decision you need to make when replacing your windows is the choice of window frame material. You have various options at your disposal, with vinyl being an excellent choice. Here is a look at some of the main reasons to select vinyl window frames for your home.
Maintenance
One of the key benefits of vinyl window frames is that they are very easy to maintain. You do not need to paint them periodically to keep the frame looking nice, as you do with wood window frames. Also, vinyl frames are not vulnerable to corrosion, which is not true of aluminum-framed windows, another possible option. Vinyl frames offer strong resistance to potential problems such as salt air and air pollutants as well. The only maintenance that is typically required is occasionally removing any dirt or grime with soap and water.
Energy
One of the problems with older windows is that they often do not seal properly, which allows cold air to enter your home. This requires you to leave your thermostat on higher setting, which in turn increases your energy bills. Vinyl frames solve this problem because they are energy efficient. They compare very favorably to aluminum frames in this regard, since windows with aluminum frames conduct heat easily.
Windows' energy efficiency is determined using a measuring standard called the U-factor. The lower a material's U-factor, the better it resists heat loss. Vinyl frames have a U-factor between .03 and .05, while aluminum frames have a factor that can reach as high as 2.0. This makes vinyl frames a strong choice for anyone concerned about energy efficiency.
Cost
Vinyl window frames can provide homeowners on a budget with cost savings when replacing their windows. They are typically less expensive than alternatives such as wood and fiberglass. They might cost 50 percent less than wood, for example. Although they may not be as cheap as aluminum frames, the benefits that vinyl frames provide when compared with aluminum, such as greater energy efficiency, still make them cost effective.
Replacing your home's windows can be an expensive proposition, but sometimes it's a necessity. If you have decided that the time has come to replace your windows, it is clear that vinyl frames are a terrific option. To learn more about this topic, contact a local window dealer like Alumaroll Awning & Window Co Inc.
