Vinyl windows have already won matches against wood windows and aluminum windows in the past but a new challenger has come forward: composite windows. They’re made of a combination of materials such as wood, metal, vinyl and plastic. Do they have the benefits of the other materials or are they a jack of all trades, master of none? Find out in composite windows vs vinyl windows.
To determine which window material is the best, we’ll look at several different categories including durability, maintenance, beauty and energy efficiency. From there, we’ll be able to determine which is the best window material for your home.
So sit back and relax as we determine who will win our latest window material grudge match: composite windows vs vinyl windows. Without further ado, let’s get started.
It’s no secret that vinyl windows are durable – they’re made to withstand even the harshest weather the Midwest has to offer. Rain, snow, hail and heavy wind won’t damage these windows. Plus, they won’t warp, rot or expand when exposed to moisture.
Composite windows have many similarities to vinyl when it comes to durability. They won’t warp, rot or expand and they’re durable enough to handle rain and snow. However, hail and heavy wind may cause a problem and dent your windows.
Another problem with composite windows is there are many different styles available from which to choose. This is because they’re made of different combinations of materials. That means that they vary in durability and you won’t know what you have until it’s too late to change.
That’s one point for vinyl.
Both composite and vinyl windows are very easy to maintain. They both can be cleaned easily and don’t get affected by the weather. That being said, we give the edge to vinyl windows for several reasons.
Vinyl windows are made consistently and are always easy to maintain. With composite windows, there are so many styles that you don’t know what you’re going to get. That alone should make you weary of composite windows.
Plus, the colors of your vinyl windows are baked into them when they’re made. You’ll never need to worry about them fading or having to paint and stain them. Decades from now, they’ll look as good as they did on installation day. We can’t say the same thing about composite windows.
Energy efficiency is a huge feature for windows. It helps keep your home more comfortable no matter the season by trapping heated or cooled air inside your home. They’ll also keep the outside weather from getting inside.
Making your home more comfortable isn’t the only thing energy efficient windows do. They also help you save money on your energy bills. By trapping the heated and cooled air inside, your furnace and air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to reach your desired temperature in your home. That means they’ll use less power to heat or cool your home which, as a result, saves you money!
With all of that being said, you should know that both of these window materials are relatively energy efficient but one stands head and shoulders above the other and that’s vinyl.
Vinyl windows have insulated frames that you can’t get with other window materials. They have foam insulation in the frames which makes them just as energy efficient as the double pane, argon gas-filled glass. Your vinyl windows will make your home air tight.
Composite windows are good, but they just don’t pack that same level of energy efficiency as a vinyl window. It may not seem like much but when you’re paying more money to keep your home at an uncomfortable temperature, you’ll see the importance.
Which Window Material Is Easier to Customize?
Composite window are pretty customizable. Since they are made of so many different materials that there are many different styles of composite windows, for better or for worse. You’ll definitely find a window that’s right for your home.
Vinyl is no slouch in the looks department either. Since the colors are baked into them, you won’t have to worry about the colors fading. Speaking of colors, there are a wide variety available including wood grain finishes.
Both window materials have grid, glass and style options as well. You’ll surely get the perfect window for your home either way so we’re calling this one a wash.
It goes without saying that one of these windows will improve the value of your home: vinyl windows. They improve your home’s energy efficiency, look great and are extremely durable. What homeowner wouldn’t want vinyl windows?
Window replacement has one of the highest return on investment of any home remodeling project. With up to a 70% return on investment, you want to make sure you’re getting the best windows. If you choose composite over vinyl, you won’t be getting that same return.
Not only do vinyl windows save you money on your energy bills and have a higher ROI, but they cost less money too. It’s true. Composite windows have a much higher price tag than vinyl windows which is almost baffling.
If you’re looking for the best window investment for your home, we think you know which windows are the best.
That’s it, there’s a clear winner in composite windows vs vinyl windows. Without a doubt, vinyl windows take the cake. They’re more energy efficient, durable and affordable. The only place composite windows could compare was in beauty and it was still a tie.
Feldco is the Midwest’s leading vinyl window provider. Our product specialists will make sure you get the perfect replacement window for your home. Get a free quote now and see why over 400,000 homeowners have trusted us with their replacement window projects.