Have you noticed drafts around one or more of your windows? Maybe your energy bills are creeping higher and higher. Or perhaps your old wood windows are getting difficult to open and close. If any of these situations sound familiar, it may be time to consider replacing—or repairing—your window. 

But where do you start? If you’ve done any amount of research, you’ve likely seen that vinyl is the industry standard for window replacement. Vinyl windows can be used in a lot of scenarios, including placing them into existing wooden frames (assuming the frame is still in good shape). Are vinyl windows actually good? And are there other window replacement alternatives you should consider for your wood windows? There absolutely are other solutions, like those we offer at Fenster Components, so keep reading to find out more about vinyl and your other options.

Are Vinyl Windows Good Quality?

Some are and some aren’t. The quality of vinyl replacement windows depends on a lot of different factors, including the type of vinyl window you purchase and what you’re looking for in a window. Let’s take a look at vinyl windows pros and cons related to efficiency, durability, longevity, and aesthetics. 

Are Vinyl Windows Energy Efficient? 

Vinyl windows are quite energy efficient, so using them may result in your home better retaining both heat and cold. The added bonus of vinyl here is that they don’t require much upkeep, so you’ll see energy efficiency without a lot of continued maintenance. With that said, many other varieties of windows are energy efficient, too. Well-maintained wood windows can even be slightly more efficient—though they require some occasional maintenance. In short, if you’re looking for energy efficiency out of your replacement window, vinyl is an excellent choice—but so are other options!

Are There Different Grades of Vinyl Windows?

Yes, there are three different grades, or types, of vinyl windows on the market: virgin vinyl, recycled vinyl, and combination vinyl. The type of vinyl window you purchase can greatly impact quality and durability. Spending a little more money will likely get you higher quality vinyl windows.

• Virgin vinyl, otherwise known as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), is brand new vinyl that hasn’t been used to make other products previously. Virgin vinyl tends to be the most durable type of vinyl window , and as such is often the priciest of the three grades.
• Recycled, or reground, vinyl is—as you might guess—manufactured from recycled PVC. Although more environmentally-friendly, recycled vinyl windows tend to be less durable, and you may get less life out of them.
• Combination vinyl windows are made up of a mixture of virgin and recycled vinyl. When shopping for combination vinyl windows, keep an eye out for the ratio. Typically, the higher the percentage of virgin vinyl the more long-lasting your vinyl replacements will be.

What Is the Life Expectancy of a Replacement Window?

Speaking of durability, it’s common to consider how long your windows will last when shopping around for replacements. So what type of window lasts the longest? Well-maintained wood windows are among the longest lasting options; they can last for 30+ years. Vinyl windows, on the other hand, typically last for between 15-20 years. Life expectancy is one of the disadvantages of vinyl windows.

Are Vinyl Windows Attractive?

Generally speaking, vinyl windows aren’t necessarily the most aesthetically pleasing window option. Plastic is plastic, and for a lot of homeowners it simply isn’t as attractive as other materials like wood—especially if you’re going for a more traditional feel. Colored vinyl (any color other than white) also has a tendency to fade in direct sunlight, which may cause a bit of an eyesore. If aesthetics are your number one concern, vinyl may not be the best choice for you.

What Are the Best Replacement Windows in 2022?

So after all that, should you go with vinyl or look into other alternatives? As we said above, it really depends on what you’re looking for. But if you’re looking to replace a wooden window in particular, there is another option you should know about: sash replacements and window component parts to repair your existing window.

What’s that mean, exactly? Often, it’s not the entire wood window that needs to be replaced. Rather, it’s that one or more parts of your window is damaged and just that part needs to be replaced. At Fenster Components, we offer custom sash replacements and sash packs that allow you to replace the sash (the operable part of your window), as well as other components like jambliners, balances, sash frames, glass, and more. Essentially, you’re swapping out the parts that are damaged for new, custom built replacement parts. Only replacing the parts that need it can save you time, money, and the hassle of installing a brand new window.

Fenster Components: The Best Replacement Windows for the Money

Sometimes, the best replacement window for the money isn’t a replacement at all—it’s a repair. At Fenster, we believe that new isn’t always better. Repairing your window, when possible, maintains architectural design integrity and consistency, especially if you’re concerned about ensuring that your windows all look the same. What’s more, depending upon the repair, you can DIY the installation in as few as 30 minutes!

At Fenster, we want to remove the uncertainty and help you gain control of your window repairs. Learn more about our products, including customized replica parts built right here in the US, and reach out to us with any questions you may have!