Even if you often overlook them, windows are one of the most important aesthetic features of your house. If you choose the wrong style, it becomes noticeable each time you view the exterior of your house.
It is, therefore, important to consider your options carefully and think about the advantages and disadvantages of each type. The two basic types of windows in Arlington Heights are wood and vinyl.
Wood
Twenty-five years ago, wood accounted for almost half of all windows sold. Now, however, windows with wooden frames make up less than 20% of all windows sold. This doesn’t mean wood is a bad option, it just means that the market’s leading material, vinyl, has more advantages when it comes to price and maintenance.
Windows with wood provide a pleasant aesthetic to your home’s appearance, especially because natural wood grain appears on the inside and outside. Granted, protruding materials usually protect the windows.
The downside to wooden frames is their comparative cost and maintenance. Because demand for wood windows has declined, fewer companies now produce them, which has hiked the cost for this type of window. These windows also require painting, both at the time of installation and throughout their lifetime. This can be an exacting task. However, if your wood windows include an aluminum cladding, then they don’t need to be painted.
Despite increased cost, the big draw to wood-framed windows is their appearance. They can really take the appeal of your house to the next level when installed correctly. Also, well maintained wooden windows tend to increase your home’s resale value as opposed to their vinyl counterparts.
Vinyl
Vinyl windows pose almost opposite advantages to wood-framed windows. They are far less expensive and don’t need to be painted, saving time and maintenance costs.
The issue of concern with vinyl windows is an aesthetic one. Color is hard to add to plastics; it tends to fade quite quickly. This is why vinyl windows are mostly white or tan. You can purchase colored vinyl windows, but often at a premium price.
Overall, the choice between wood and vinyl window installation in Arlington Heights, IL, comes down to your budget and how you want your house to look. Both have advantages over the other. Simply go with the option you think best suits your home and Pocketbook.
Sources:
Vinyl vs Wood Windows, Homerenovations.com
How to Choose Replacement Windows, Consumerreports.com
