Wood vs. Vinyl Windows: Which Window Type Is Best?

Imagine a house without windows. Without natural light, it'd probably feel like living in a cave. Though you could most likely see with the help of electricity, nothing beats the warmth and atmosphere of the natural sun. 

A house without windows simply wouldn't feel inviting or comfortable. Aside from providing your home with much-needed sunlight, windows serve countless other functions. 

In fact, windows are much more important to a comfortable and functional house than you might think, and our experts are here to provide all the details!

New Windows Can Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient

By letting in the sunlight in the wintertime, the right windows can help heat your home, saving you money on utility costs. 

On the other hand, an open window in the spring or summer can improve air circulation throughout the house, which can, in turn, help to cool it. This can cut down on how much you pay for air conditioning.

Updating Windows Is a Chance to Update Your Home's Style

Just like siding, roofing, and other aspects of your home's exterior, windows come in countless styles and shapes. From massive bay windows that help light up a room to the ever-stylish casement windows, installing the right window can transform your home inside and out. 

Go from old-style and rustic to modern and chic in a snap with the help of window contractors in your area.

Modern Windows Help Keep Your Carbon Footprint Down

We've already talked about how windows can help heat and cool your home and how that can save you money. But have you imagined the effect this can have on the environment? 

When it's time for new windows, it's often obvious because your utility costs have increased, your home feels drafty, and/or it's hard to open and close your windows. All these factors can contribute to a carbon footprint you could be happier with.

Heating and cooling are responsible for a great portion of the energy expenditure of many households. With energy-efficient windows installed professionally, you can decrease your carbon footprint.

Finding the Right Windows for Your Home 

When you've determined it's time for window replacement, there are many things to consider, like:

• What style is right for your home 

• How important energy-efficiency is to you

• Knowing what your budget is

• If you need enhanced safety features or specific uses

• What type of warranty works best for your needs

• How much maintenance do you want to have

Windows also come in wood or vinyl. Which window type is best for your home? The style you select will affect what your windows can do for your home, from aesthetics to their influence on heating and cooling bills. 

Tony's Lifetime Exteriors is here to answer all of your window questions. As a window replacement company, we're proud to use vinyl windows for all the benefits they bring with them. 

Why Choose Vinyl Windows Over Wood Windows?

Vinyl windows are a fixture of many American homes today. Perhaps this is due to their versatility; Vinyl windows have high aesthetics, and from a functional standpoint, they exceed where other window types fail. 

Besides being a great fit for a variety of households, vinyl windows offer many benefits:

Stylish & Trendy

Though the words "vinyl" and "stylish" probably don't readily associate in your mind, vinyl means versatility when it comes to windows. 

Available in a wide range of colors (blue, white, brown, and green, to name a few) and shapes, there's a vinyl window for every style and every purpose. 

Bay windows? Casement windows? You name it, and vinyl frames can make them shine. 

Recyclable

Ready for a change? You don't need to feel guilty about throwing all your window frames in the trash. Vinyl is recyclable! (Check with your local recycling company for details.) 

Combine this with a window's inherent ability to help regulate your home's temperature, and you can feel good about your environmental impact.

Cost-Effective 

Compared to wood windows, vinyl windows are cheap to install and replace. They're also typically better insulators, helping your home maintain its internal temperature when the windows are shut and saving you money on heating and cooling.

Let's Talk Maintenance

Hands down, vinyl windows will be much easier to care for than wood. They require very little upkeep with cleanings as needed and don't need to be repainted or scraped, saving you time and money.

Insect & Rot Resistance

the last thing you want to deal with are infestations and rotting, and vinyl windows are superior when it comes to termite, insects, and moisture resistance. Even with its great aesthetics, wood can create an open invitation to warping and infestations because of its makeup and natural allure to insects. 

Why Choose Triple Pane Vinyl Windows?

Not all windows are created the same, and getting the highest level of performance means investing in windows that maximize your efficiency levels. Triple pane design adds an extra layer of protection because, similarly to double, they are surrounded by gases like argon and Krypton for extra insulation. 

They're an amazing option for the cold Minnesota winters, and they also have a lower risk for condensation, making them an excellent choice that can save on your monthly energy bill and increase your property value.

Tips For the Installation

So you've decided to upgrade your windows, and while this is an exciting renovation, taking a few steps can help make the process easier. 

Our experts recommend doing the following:

• Choose windows that work for your climate and energy efficiency needs. 

• Pick an expert team to have a professional and positive installation experience.

• If you have pets or young children, prepare the space to keep them and the workers safe.

• Trim any landscaping that can get in the way of the installation. 

• Understand the best ways to care for and winterize your windows to keep them in great condition.

Expert Window Installation in St. Cloud

Installing new windows is a great way to enhance your property value and curb appeal. Whether you need to repair or replace your windows or assistance choosing the best option for your project, our experienced Sauk Rapids team of window installers is ready and waiting to help. 

Tony's Lifetime Exteriors has been a trusted name for over 50 years, and we offer solution-focused and customer-friendly window services. Contact us online or give our office a call now at 320-252-9086.