If you’ve ever thought about remodeling your home, you might have noticed that there are a great number of factors to consider. Furniture, cost, color, and style are all important considerations, and there are so many other details to iron out that it can be very easy to neglect a few of them. One example of this is the tendency for new homeowners to overlook the importance of choosing the right type of windows. While you wouldn’t think it, your replacement windows will play a key role in many factors throughout your life, namely your finances and comfortability. In order to ensure that your finances don’t suffer at the expense of being comfortable, or vice versa, it’s recommended that you consider vinyl replacement windows for your home improvement projects.
Vinyl is just one of many materials used in window frames, so what makes it so special? To get an idea, let’s first understand what your window frames do for you. Of course they hold the glass in place, but they also act as insulators and help to keep out water and air. Both wood and aluminum frames will accomplish this, but they have their drawbacks. Aluminum frames are typically poor at conserving energy due to how easily heat can transfer through the material. Wood and vinyl are much better insulators than aluminum, however given enough time wood can succumb to rotting, insect infestation, and even shrinking or swelling. Vinyl on the other hand is rot-proof, insect-proof, and weather resistant. It also requires much less maintenance, partially due to the fact that it doesn’t need painting. The pigments used in paint are nearly identical to those used in vinyl, except that vinyl’s color goes all the way through.
Of course, vinyl isn’t perfect. One drawback about vinyl windows are that they’re thermally unstable, especially if dark in color. Temperature changes will cause them to expand and contrast, giving rise to the potential for increased air leakage. However, this can be circumvented by choosing light colors and using heat-welded corners. Light colors will reduce any swelling or shrinking that might occur, and heat-welded corners will help to prevent additional air leakage.
As you can see, the effectiveness of each material varies, but ultimately vinyl is one of the best performers. Its durability and energy efficiency is perfect if you’re looking for replacement windows, as it’ll reduce annual heating and cooling costs by conserving energy while simultaneously preserving comfort within the household. By considering an investment in vinyl replacement windows, you’ll maintain not only financial stability, but the comfort that your family deserves.
Vinyl Replacement Windows – Ringer Windows is a proud manufacturer of energy efficient, vinyl windows within the Austin, Texas area. Our vinyl windows are built to last, benefitting both your environment and your annual finances. If you have any questions concerning our services or you’d like to schedule an in-home consultation, please call us at 512-989-7000.
