Have you noticed that pretty much all of the replacement windows sold in San Diego have vinyl frames? A hundred years ago, windows had wood frames, and later in the 20th century, windows with aluminum frames were everywhere. But now, the window market is dominated by vinyl windows. Of course, you can still get windows with wood frames, aluminum frames, or even fiberglass frames, but sales numbers for these types of windows pale in comparison to windows with vinyl frames. In this article, we’ll talk about why that is.
Vinyl is a Poor Conductor of Heat
As a material, vinyl does not conduct heat well, meaning it doesn’t allow heat to easily pass through it. This is a great characteristic for a material to have when it is used in replacement windows that are installed in San Diego homes! The vinyl frames help keep the heat outside—where it belongs—instead of inside a home. As a result, replacement windows with vinyl frames help regulate the temperature inside the home, so its occupants don’t have to use their air conditioner as often.
Aluminum, on the other hand, is a good conductor of heat. When used as the material for window frames, it does very little to keep heat out. This is the main reason that aluminum windows have fallen out of favor with most homeowners. The only time you really see new aluminum windows installed today is when a homeowner wants windows with very thin frames. The strength of aluminum allows the frames to be thinner, while still ensuring that the windows are structurally sound.
Vinyl is Cost-Effective
The second reason you see vinyl used in the majority of replacement windows installed in San Diego homes is because it is a relatively inexpensive material. When compared the prices of windows with wood, aluminum, or fiberglass frames, vinyl windows will almost always be the least expensive.
High-Quality Vinyl Is Durable
Good vinyl is also durable, but note that we said “good” vinyl. There are different formulas used to make vinyl and some of them are better than others. A good vinyl will not yellow in the sun or crack. Instead, it will look great for many years. So, make sure you don’t go with the cheapest vinyl window you can find, because they will likely use a cheap form of vinyl. Instead, work with a company that sells high-quality vinyl replacement windows in San Diego. You can also protect your investment by purchasing replacement windows with a lifetime warranty. That way, if the vinyl ever does crack, you can likely have it replaced at no cost to you.
Vinyl Requires Very Little Maintenance
Unlike wood windows, which need to be repainted or resealed every once in a while to keep them in good shape, vinyl windows need almost no maintenance. The only thing they require is an occasional wipe-down to keep them clean and looking their best. You also want to keep the tracks clear from dirt and debris on sliding windows, so they continue to open and close with ease. Finally, you want to keep the “weep holes” in your vinyl windows clear to allow any water to drain away from the windows.
Vinyl Comes in Many Different Colors
Did you know that you can get windows with vinyl frames in colors other than white? Most replacement window brands sell windows in a variety of colors, including black, tan, gray, and even colors like green and red! They never need to be repainted either. Again, just make sure you purchase high-quality windows, or the colors could start to fade after only a few years.
