8 Vinyl Window Myths Debunked

If you’ve been shopping for replacement windows, you may have heard a few things about vinyl windows, especially when compared to wood or aluminum. Maybe you’ve read that vinyl windows warp from heat, that they aren’t durable, or that wood windows are just “better”.

Today, our window experts are setting the record straight and busting some myths about vinyl windows! If you’ve ever considered vinyl for your home, but aren’t sure what’s true and what’s not, read on. We’ll explain everything here.

Debunking Vinyl Window Myths

1. FALSE: Vinyl Windows Warp

A common misconception is that vinyl windows warp, especially when they’re exposed to excessive heat and sun. This misconception comes from the fact that vinyl windows are made from a type of plastic called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC isn’t your run-of-the-mill plastic, though. It’s extremely durable and used in a wide range of building materials, including PVC pipes. It won’t warp, no matter how high temperatures climb or how much sun your home gets.

Vinyl windows won’t warp when exposed to moisture, either. Where wood windows are susceptible to swelling, shrinking, and warping from moisture and changes in humidity, vinyl windows are moisture resistant.

2. FALSE: They’re Not Durable

Because vinyl windows are so light, many people believe they’re not durable. This couldn’t be further from the truth! The material vinyl windows are made of (PVC) is extremely strong and durable. They can protect your home from inclement weather including snow, storms, and heavy winds. Even with inclement weather, most vinyl windows have a lifespan of 15-20 years, even longer if they’re well-maintained.

Comparatively, wood windows have a lifespan of 10-20 years, but can need to be replaced after just 3-5 years if they are a cheaper model or if you live in a humid climate. Aluminum windows can last as long as 25 years, but they are highly susceptible to dents and dings, meaning you may not get the full life out of them.

3. FALSE: Vinyl Windows Have Less Glass Space

Many people believe vinyl windows are bulkier, giving you less glass space. This comes from the fact that some installers don’t completely remove the frame, they simply place the new vinyl window inside the frame of the old window. When replacement windows are installed this way, there will be a loss of glass space.

But when your old frames are completely removed and replaced, you will not lose glass space. In addition, several of our window styles offer ample glass space and panoramic views, like the 3-lite slider below.

4. FALSE: Vinyl Windows Don’t Look as Good As Other Materials

When vinyl windows first hit the market, they were only available in white. Because white doesn’t match everyone’s decor, a lot of people found them unattractive. If you’re in this camp, you’ll be happy to know that vinyl windows are now available in a variety of beautiful colors and wood-look finishes! No matter what your decor, we have a color to complement your home.

5. FALSE: They’re Not Customizable

Along with the fact that they were once only available in white, vinyl windows were originally only available in certain styles. With limited window styles and only one color, people were underwhelmed with the lack of customization.

Today, vinyl windows are not only available in a wide variety of colors, they’re also available in several different styles. From double hung to charming garden windows, bay and bow to practical awning windows, they’re all available in vinyl!

6. FALSE: Vinyl Windows Are Bad for the Environment

Since vinyl windows are made of plastic, it might be easy to jump to the conclusion that they’re not environmentally friendly, especially when compared to a natural material like wood. After all, plastic takes hundreds of years to break down in landfills.

While that is true, vinyl windows are actually an eco-friendly choice for a few reasons:

• Vinyl window frames are easily recycled and can be turned into new window frames or other PVC building materials.
• Vinyl is a great insulator, it increases your home’s energy efficiency, allowing your HVAC system to work more effectively.
• Vinyl windows have such a long lifespan, you won’t need to replace them as often. Less frequent replacements means fewer resources are used to create and install your windows.

We’d say those are three great reasons to choose vinyl if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly window!

7. FALSE: Wood Windows are the Best Replacement

While wood windows are beautiful and charming, they’re far from the best replacement. As we mentioned, they are highly susceptible to warping, swelling, and shrinking when temperatures and humidity levels change. This significantly shortens their lifespan and leaves your home open to drafts, mold, and pests.

Yep, don’t forget about wood-destroying pests like termites, carpenter ants, and powderpost beetles! These little critters do millions of dollars of damage to homes every year, and wood windows aren’t immune to them.

Wood windows are also more expensive than vinyl, leaving you paying more for windows that won’t last as long and are prone to problems that other materials aren’t.

8. FALSE: Replacement Windows Don’t Impact Energy Efficiency

Most people think of home renovations like energy-efficient appliances or solar panels when they think about increasing their energy efficiency. But vinyl replacement windows can have a huge impact on how energy-efficient your home is! When your windows are more energy-efficient, your HVAC system works more efficiently, saving you money month after month and keeping your home more comfortable year round.

Vinyl windows are among the most energy-efficient on the market. Window World Replacement Windows have earned the Energy Star certification and feature warm-edge spacers and low-E glass to maximize your energy savings. According to Energy Star, replacing double pane windows saves the typical home up to $127 per year and prevents up to 2,001 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.

Update Your Home With Vinyl Replacement Windows

Vinyl windows combine affordability, energy efficiency, and style to give you the most bang for your buck. If you’re ready to start saving money every month, it’s time to upgrade your home with vinyl windows! Start your renovation by scheduling your free estimate today!