Angie's List: Installing Vinyl Windows
By Jim Donovan
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- If your windows are old and drafty and difficult to open and close, it might be time to consider replacing them.
Vinyl windows are the most affordable option, but that's not all. In this week's Angie's List report, Jim Donovan takes a look at some other benefits to vinyl windows.
Today's vinyl windows have come a long way.
"When vinyl windows first came out, they were generally an all-white product and that was the only thing available. Now they have many different exterior colors as well as interior finishes, including wood grains of various hues and solid colors on the inside as well to match interior trims of most modern homes," said window installer Mark Fadely.
They're also a sound choice for people who live in noisy neighborhoods.
"Noise reduction is one of the first things that customers notice when new vinyl windows are installed, and for the ultimate noise reduction, the triple pane glass with three panes to protect against noise transfer is the best way to go," said Fadely.
Another plus? They require very little upkeep.
"If you have older windows in your home, replacing with vinyl windows can be a really low-maintenance option for you, and they are easy to clean," said Angie's List founder, Angie Hicks.
And even though vinyl windows are among the most affordable, they can still help boost the value of your home.
"You can have a strong return of investment on your window replacement depending on the type of windows you are replacing with vinyl. You are not only going to get energy efficiency, but also some appreciation on the value of your home," said Hicks.
Whether you choose vinyl or something else, be sure you get several bids on the job and make sure the installer is familiar with the material you want.
Benefits of Vinyl Windows
Reduce heating and cooling costs
Boost energy efficiency
Noise reduction
Recyclable
Low-maintenance (no painting, no scraping)
Easy cleaning
Increase the value of your home
If you are unfamiliar with the replacement window industry, you might not know about all of the replacement options available. With that in mind, how do you decide which option is right for you?
4 Window Replacement Options
1. Vinyl windows. Vinyl windows are one of the most common types of windows on homes today. They are simple to install and their inexpensive materials make them the most cost effective window on the market, generally speaking. They are often the window of choice for new construction starter homes as well as the replacement choice on a home with a lower appraised value. Standard sizes can easily be purchased at a large distributor, such as Lowe's or Home Depot, and many contractor companies will offer a vinyl window option for sale and installation.
2. Aluminum windows. Aluminum windows are also a very common type of window. Again, the materials are relatively inexpensive, allowing for a price point that's not much higher than for vinyl windows. They are generally a bit more durable than the vinyl windows in hotter climates and are often found on homes built after the 1960s. Large distributors will generally carry all the standard sizes, and some of the local San Antonio contractors' aluminum window options are Don Young, Atrium and General Aluminum.
3. Wood windows. Wood windows have undoubtedly been around the longest out of all of the options on the market today. Wood is a plentiful material and has always been very easy to build with and craft things out of. Dating back to the days when the entire house was made with wood, these windows still provide an elegant and charming look for the home. They are very often found on historical homes or on higher-end custom-built homes.
4. Composite windows. There are a few different types of composite windows available today. A composite simply means that is composed of more than one material. They can often be mistaken for the look and feel of another type of window like vinyl or wood, but in reality, they are completely different. Two types of composite windows to consider are fiberglass and Fibrex. Both are high-performing windows that are generally found on the mid-range to upper-end of the price scale.