Replacing your windows is an excellent investment in your home. However, it’s not the sort of project homeowners deal with very often. There are a lot of different types of windows out there, so when it’s time to consider having your windows replaced, it’s important to take the time to do some research to make the best choice.
Vinyl replacement windows are one of the most popular types of windows around. If you’re considering having vinyl windows installed in your home, it’s totally understandable that you might have a few questions about them. If you have questions, we can help! Here are answers to a few of the most common questions people have about vinyl replacement windows and about the process of having their windows replaced.
When Can Vinyl Windows be Installed?
Anytime! Windows are a hugely important part of your home and if you need to have one (or all of them) replaced, there’s absolutely no need for you to wait for a specific time of year. Although many homeowners prefer to wait until the spring or summer to replace the windows in their home, vinyl windows can be installed all year round.
Do Vinyl Windows Need Any Special Maintenance?
One of the top reasons why vinyl replacement windows have become so popular is because people love how low maintenance they are. You never have to worry about wood rot or having to scrape or paint your windows, which are things you’d have to deal with if you had wood windows. Vinyl window frames can easily be cleaned with ordinary soap and water, so you don’t have to buy any special cleaners or use harsh chemicals to wash them. At most, you might want to apply some lubricant to the hardware parts of your windows once a year and make sure the window tracks are kept clean to make sure they continue operating smoothly.
How Do Vinyl Windows Compare to Other Types of Windows?
Out of all types of replacement windows, vinyl windows are one of the most affordable options available. But that lower price tag doesn’t mean they’re lower quality. They’re an extremely durable type of window and hold up extremely well through all sorts of weather conditions, including high heat. Unlike wood windows, vinyl windows won’t warp or swell in humidity. Since vinyl doesn’t conduct heat, they’re inherently a better insulator than aluminum windows. Vinyl windows are durable enough to last for decades.
Are There Color and Style Options for Vinyl Windows?
Vinyl windows are extremely versatile. No matter what style of window you’re looking for -- picture windows, casement windows, bay windows, double-hung -- vinyl windows can be used. Although many people think vinyl windows are limited to either white or beige colors, there are other options available, too. You can even get vinyl windows with a faux wood finish so you can have the look of wood without having to deal with the hassles that come with maintaining real wood windows.
How Do I Know When it’s Time to Replace My Windows?
Windows can show signs of failure in several ways. If you touch the pane of glass and can feel heat or cold from the outside or feel a draft when there are no signs of worn caulk or weatherstripping, it may be time to replace that window. Is your window hard to open or close? It could be a sign that your window frame has become warped or that your house has shifted, pulling the window frame out of alignment. If you’re consistently seeing frost or condensation on your window or in between the panes, you may need to have a seal fixed. Sometimes you can have the seal repaired without replacing the whole window, but if the seal was broken by something like the house shifting, you may need to have the window replaced.
Do I Have to Replace All My Windows at Once?
No. If you’re only having a problem with one window, you certainly don’t have to replace all the windows in your home if you don’t want to. However, since new windows can have an impact on the appearance of your home’s exterior, many homeowners prefer to replace multiple windows at a time to create a more consistent look, particularly if the window would be visible from the front of the house.
