Vinyl windows are among the most popular type of windows on the current market. Since their inception in the 1970s, vinyl windows have been installed in more and more buildings until they’ve become as well known as their wood counterparts. Even so, there are myths about vinyl windows that abound. Some of these myths result from poorly manufactured windows while others are based on outdated information. However, myths about vinyl windows are often just that: myths.
Here, we will debunk some of the most common myths about vinyl windows that people worry about to put your mind at ease. Vinyl may be a newer type of window and it may be more affordable than other types of windows, but it is just as viable an option for your home as wood or fiberglass. Let’s set the record straight about some of these myths about vinyl windows.
#1. Affordability = Low Quality
It’s normal to be suspicious of any product priced lower than its competitors and to assume that you’re going to get what you pay for. It’s no surprise then that one of the top myths about vinyl windows is that they’re of poor quality. While you can risk the potential of low quality for something you’ll only use once or twice or that is easily replaceable, for something as important and as much of an investment as your windows, you want to ensure that your investment will pay off and that your windows will function properly.
Rest assured, just because vinyl windows are more affordable than other types of windows, this does not automatically mean that they’re low quality. As with anything, the quality of vinyl windows varies on the manufacturer. You want to ensure that you work with an experienced window manufacturer like Peak Windows in order to obtain high-quality windows. Vinyl windows typically have a lifespan of 15-20 years, on average, and are very energy efficient.
#2. Vinyl Windows Only Come In White And Brown
This is one of those myths about vinyl windows that actually was true in the past. It isn’t anymore, though. When vinyl windows first came out, they were indeed only available in white or brown. Sometimes, older vinyl windows had a blue tint to them, which was the result of a chemical used to increase insulation abilities.
However, they’ve come a long way over the decades. If you don’t want white or brown windows, there’s no need to turn to another window type. Vinyl windows come in a wide variety of colors. They can be anything from blue to green to red to grey and more.
Nowadays, you can even get vinyl windows with a woodgrain finish, so if you love the look of wood windows but don’t want to deal with the maintenance that comes with them, vinyl offers the perfect alternative.
#3. You Can’t Recycle Vinyl
Vinyl windows often get a bad reputation due to the fact that they are made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is a type of plastic. Plastic takes a long time to decompose, which raises all sorts of environmental concerns. However, just like your plastic water bottles, vinyl windows can be recycled. Vinyl can be melted down and then reused and reformed, which is part of why it is both so popular and so cost-effective.
In order to recycle your vinyl windows, you’ll need to separate the glass from the frames. Then, you can send the glass to a glass recycler and the vinyl to a vinyl recycler.
#4. Vinyl Isn’t Durable
People hear “vinyl is a type of plastic” and “vinyl windows are lightweight” and instantly worry about the durability of their vinyl windows. We understand this. However, it’s important to note that vinyl windows can withstand the test of time just as well as other types of windows. It’s also important to note how much proper installation factors into the durability of your windows. You could have the perfect window made of the most expensive materials in the world, but if it isn’t installed properly, it isn’t going to function correctly, and you will need to replace it sooner rather than later.
Vinyl is a very strong material that is made to be able to insulate your home and keep it protected from whatever Mother Nature throws at it.
Quality Vinyl Windows You Can Trust
Peak Windows knows there are countless myths about vinyl windows out there. While some are outdated, we know others result from poor manufacturing and workmanship. You never have to worry about those things with us. We take pride in the quality of our vinyl windows and always ensure to install them properly so that they can keep your home protected for years to come. Contact us today to learn more about our vinyl windows.