When comparing vinyl and wood windows, a lot depends on the climate, but wood windows generally need to be replaced about every 20 years. PVC is less susceptible to heat, cold or moisture, so vinyl windows can last 30 to 40 years before needing replacement, significantly longer than wood windows.
Throughout their lifespan, wood windows require regular maintenance to control insects and prevent rot. Checking the condition of a wooden window frame does not take much time, but it should be done annually. In areas with particularly hot summers or cold winters, repainting should be done every 5 years.
On the other hand, if you choose vinyl, you will have virtually maintenance-free windows. Vinyl frames may yellow slightly over time, but otherwise only need to be wiped with a rag when cleaning the glass.
When replacing one or more windows, it's worth considering replacing the rest of the windows in your home at the same time, no matter what material you choose. If some of your home's windows show wear and tear, it's likely that other windows of the same age also have flaws, even if they aren't immediately obvious.
Wood windows are more energy efficient than hollow core vinyl windows.
Although this is not always the case, many vinyl windows are hollow. Even if the seals around the window are intact, the air inside that room allows the cold outside to pass through more easily. This also means that heat can be lost from the inside. Some types of vinyl windows are filled with insulation, so it's important to check.
In contrast, windows that replace wood are massive, and the wood itself absorbs heat or cold very slowly. As a result, they provide significantly better energy efficiency than hollow core vinyl windows.
Many buyers also want to consider the environmental impact of both materials. Vinyl is a petroleum-based plastic. At the end of their service life, PVC windows take hundreds of years to decompose. Wood is a natural product that benefits the planet as it grows, and it is biodegradable.
Replacing vinyl windows is less expensive than replacing wood windows.
The actual cost depends on a number of variables (window size, finish and type of glass), but vinyl replacement windows are typically 30 to 50 percent less expensive than wood alternatives. This applies to both the windows themselves and the cost of installing the windows when hiring a contractor.
There are several reasons for this. The raw materials for vinyl windows are cheaper, consistent in quality, and often produced through automation, making vinyl windows less labor-intensive to manufacture.
Wood is a more expensive raw material to manufacture, and wood window production involves a lot of waste because each piece is grown rather than manufactured. Additionally, wood manufacturing processes require a higher level of skill, meaning that these types of windows not only take longer to produce, but also involve increased labor costs.