White Gold: Why Vinyl Windows are so Popular

Vinyl windows are everywhere

I would estimate that they are present in 70%+ of homes built after 1980. Every spec builder uses them in their houses and they are installed into most multi family properties. Why is this? 

Cost

The number one reason why they are the most popular window type is because of their extremely low cost. If you are shopping for standard sized windows at a big box store you could buy windows for your whole house for a couple thousand dollars (if it’s a smaller house). I’m not advocating for big box store shopping, just simply getting my point across. When you start comparing the cost against other frame materials you will quickly realize it’s the most affordable option. Composite frames can be anywhere from 10-30% more. Fiberglass frames can be anywhere from 50-100% more and wood/clad frames can be anywhere from 100-400% more. 

Energy Efficient

If you’ve ever owned old single pane wood windows or aluminum windows then you know what a difference a new vinyl window can make. What makes it efficient is twofold: the vinyl (UPVC) frame and the glass (with integrated energy coatings and gasses). Vinyl doesn’t conduct cold or heat as much as aluminum does which makes it a better material. Combining the frame with energy efficient glass makes a tremendous difference in its ability to block out solar heat as well as reflect heat back into the home. A third honorable mention is it’s seals or weatherstripping is superior to older windows - whether old wood double hung windows with no gaskets/weatherstripping or 40-60 year old aluminum windows. Air infiltration is a major component in relation to home performance and windows (and doors but that’s a different subject) are the biggest culprit for air exchange. 

Aesthetics

Vinyl windows look much nicer than old worn out windows that have 50 years of UV damage or 10 years of moisture damage. Prospective homebuyers love seeing newly installed windows into a home not only because are they more efficient but because they’re much prettier to look at than aluminum. Most vinyl window manufactures offer two or three extruded vinyl colors. Always white and then usually a tan or cream color(s). A lot of them will even paint the exterior with one of their standard paint colors such as red, brown or bronze. A few companies offer “co-extruded” black or bronze colors which is a recent development due to the overwhelming demand for dark framed windows. A quick note on painted vinyl vs co-extruded… vinyl has a high thermal expansion rate meaning it expands and contracts a lot in depending on the temperature. Consequently, it can cause the paint to blister, peel or crack. Therefore I don’t ever recommend painted vinyl. Co-extruded vinyl is different since it actually part of the vinyl through-and-through it will last. You can also add “grids” to vinyl windows as a decorative option if you wanted to spruce things up.

Warranty

You won’t find a better warranty in the industry than from vinyl manufactures. Most offer a “limited” lifetime warranty against glass seal failures for the original owner of the windows. The brands I sell (PlyGem and Milgard) both cover glass and labor to swap the glass out. Most warranties have to deal with the glass seal failing which produces cloudiness or condensation between the panes. A 10 year hardware warranty is a pretty standard  across the board. A lot of the manufactures also have their own service crew so they will handle the claim and everything. Some of the big name competitors only have a 20 year warranty on glass and it doesn’t include labor. Now there is still reason to buy those other windows with the inferior warranty but that’s for here or now. 

Conclusion

As you can see there are many reasons why vinyl windows are so popular and so widely installed into households across the world. Would I recommend them, absolutely! However, I’d be lying if I didn’t say there are better products available but I’ll save that for another post.

Now you know why vinyl is by far the most bought window material. Because of its low cost, energy efficiency, aesthetics and warranty, some might even call it white gold.