We live in pretty amazing times. We can talk to anyone, anywhere. We can download information instantaneously from around the world. We have the answers to everything at our fingertips. But this also means there’s a lot of bull flying around. Name any topic, and you can easily find false information. The home-building industry is no different, and few products in this industry receive more scrutiny than vinyl windows.
Since they became a popular option beginning in the 1980s, vinyl has been the recipient of some harsh whisper campaigns: Do vinyl windows warp? Do vinyl windows look cheap? Ultimately what everyone really wants to know is: Are vinyl windows good?
The truth is that vinyl windows have come a long way since the ’80s. Modern manufacturing methods and window components mean you can stop wondering, “Why are vinyl windows bad?” and start wondering “Are they right for me?”
Vinyl windows pros and cons
Vinyl windows offer several benefits. They’re affordable, energy efficient, and require little maintenance. Vinyl resists moisture, so it won’t warp or rot over time, making it durable in different climates. These windows also come in a variety of styles and colors, making them a flexible and customizable option.
However, there are a few vinyl window problems. Over time, they can fade or become brittle with exposure to extreme temperatures. Some people also find vinyl less visually appealing than other materials. However, high-quality vinyl windows can overcome many of these disadvantages.
5 common vinyl window misconceptions
There are many misconceptions out there about vinyl windows.Yet if homeowners talked to experts and read vinyl window reviews, they’d know that vinyl has actually become the industry standard. If you’re still not convinced, let’s go over a few of these misconceptions and show why they’re inaccurate.
Misconception no. 1: Vinyl windows are not energy efficient
In this day and age, energy efficiency is a top priority. Whether it’s a desire to save money on energy costs or to do what’s best for the environment, homeowners and renters in the 21st century are more concerned with energy efficiency than previous generations.
Vinyl windows grew in popularity for this very reason. Among the most commonly used window materials – vinyl, aluminum, and wood – vinyl is the least conductive, which means it helps maintain interior temperatures better than the rest. Because it is a hollow, extruded material, vinyl window frames and sash feature many interior chambers that provide insulation and reduce air transfer into and out of the home.
Many vinyl windows today feature multiple energy-efficient glass options, like insulated glass units (IGUs). Dense gasses – usually argon or krypton – are pumped into the space between the glass in double- and triple-pane windows, blocking heat from escaping during the winter months and from getting in during the summertime. Most MI vinyl products are available as ENERGY STAR-qualified in all regions, and many require no upgrades to achieve the rating.
Furthermore, vinyl windows often have Low-E glass, meaning that there is a thin coating on the glass that reflects heat. Like IGUs, low-E coatings work in any season, as they reflect heat back inside when it’s cold and reflect it outside when it’s hot. According to some estimates, low-E coatings can reduce a window’s U-Value – a measurement of heat transference – by as much as 80 percent. With all these modern features, it’s safe to say that energy efficiency is not one of the problems with vinyl windows.
Misconception no. 2: There are minimal color options
This talking point is quickly dying off thanks to the current craze for black windows. With renovation shows like Chip and Joanna Gaines’ “Fixer Upper” inspiring people all over the country, black windows have become a particular fixation.
New technology in lamination, paint, and coextrusion has made black and other dark vinyl windows a reality. Now, if you want black vinyl windows to go with the white siding on your house, they’re readily available. The revolution in reflective pigment technology (RPT) in the industry means that plain, boring colors are no longer one of the disadvantages of vinyl windows.
Looking for brown, green, or tan? Also not an issue thanks to improvements in paint technology. Painted vinyl has undergone a revolution with the advent of inorganic reflective pigments.
To see just how popular the current trend has become, check out our Inspiration Gallery or blog article on black window ideas; you’ll be amazed at the creative ways people are using color in their vinyl windows.
Misconception no. 3: Vinyl windows are cheap plastic
One of the most common questions we get is, “How long will vinyl windows last?” Many people are concerned that vinyl isn’t as durable as other materials. But this misconception just doesn’t square with the reality of the product.
The popularity of vinyl has steadily increased over the past 35 years; vinyl is now the material of choice in 70 percent of residential window sales in the U.S. Clearly, a product that’s just “cheap plastic” would not continue to gain the trust of hundreds of architects and builders around the country.
Some manufacturers use recycled vinyl, which can compromise the integrity and color of their products. However, high-quality vinyl windows like those from MI windows are manufactured with 100% new vinyl to ensure top-of-the-line quality. Modern engineers have designed vinyl windows and doors that are sturdy and stand the test of time.
Misconception no. 4: You’ll have trouble selling your house with vinyl windows
Many homeowners worry that it isn’t just them wondering why vinyl windows are bad – potential buyers may think so, too. But like the idea that vinyl is cheap plastic, the idea that vinyl windows will be a hindrance when selling your house has not stood the test of time.
Millions of homes today have new or replacement vinyl windows. Again, vinyl windows are durable, energy efficient, and come in numerous colors – all positive selling points and resale value adders if or when you decide to put your house on the market. In fact, vinyl window replacement had the eighth highest cost recouped out of 23 renovation projects one company examined, when comparing the initial investment to resale value.
Misconception no. 5: Vinyl is more combustible than other windows
We’re not sure how this one got started, but there’s no truth to it. In fact, PVC (what vinyl windows are made of) is an inherently fire-resistant plastic since it contains more than 50 percent chlorine. Not only is it more fire-resistant than other plastics, vinyl windows are also far less combustible than wood windows. PVC also releases less combustion heat than other materials, and therefore contributes less to maintaining and spreading fire.
Transform your space with high-quality vinyl windows
So, are vinyl windows good? In today’s market, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” The days of low-quality, recycled vinyl are over, especially when you work with a company like MI Windows and Doors. We’ve been in the business of windows for decades, so you can trust that our products are the highest quality. Plus, we back them up with an industry-leading warranty. Get a quote online today or find a dealer in your area to talk over ideas and visit their showroom.
