Vinyl vs. Wood for Windows

You can use many different materials like Fibrex, vinyl or wood for windows in your home. But which one of these materials are actually the best?Pros and Cons of Vinyl for Windows Pros: Vinyl is easy to manufacturer as it can be molded in to many more shapes than wood windows can. Vinyl is beneficial to the homeowner as there is little maintenance involved with them.They also are a favorite of both homeowner and manufacturer because they are less expensive to make and install as compared to other window material options.Cons: Once vinyl windows break they have to be replaced. Due to the material and the way they are made, there are very few times where a vinyl window can be repaired when there is an issue.Vinyl comes in a very limited number of boring colors. Which leaves the homeowner with little choice than to just live with the colors, as vinyl cannot be repainted. This also means that when the vinyl windows fade from sun exposure, and they will, that the homeowner has to replace them.Vinyl is made from materials, namely petroleum, that are not renewable resources. The vinyl can be recycled, but poses a hazard to our air and water when the material is processed.Pros and Cons of Wood for Windows Pros: Wood has been used for windows for as far back as anyone can remember. It is a durable material that is still used today because it has been shown to be reliable.Wood windows can be fixed when they break. They can also be painted when it is time to change the color of your home or if the paint has faded or chipped away.The wood is also a natural insulator and can keep condensation low.Cons: Wood windows require much more maintenance than vinyl does. If a homeowner doesn’t keep up with maintaining their wood windows, the wood can rot and fall apart.Wood windows also need to be painted and stained more than their vinyl counterparts do.Fibrex Fibrex is a material that is exclusive to Andersen. It was created by us in 1992 and is a combination of the best qualities of wood and vinyl put together in one material.Best of Vinyl: Fibrex can be made into any shape it needs to be, just like vinyl can. It can be shaped into round windows, curved windows, and specialty shaped windows. The only difference is that Fibrex windows are stronger than vinyl windows.Fibrex also shares the same low maintenance quality that vinyl does.Best of Wood: Fibrex has the strength that you would find in wood windows, but without the worry of rotting.Fibrex also has excellent insulating properties like wood. In fact, 40% of the raw material used to make Fibrex is reclaimed wood fiber.So, if you are in the market for replacement windows, you have a number of options to choose from. If you have any questions about whether Fibrex, vinyl, or wood for windows in your home is best; a Renewal by Andersen representative would be more than happy to answer them for you.Source: ehow.com