Key Things to Look for with Vinyl Windows

The moment you decide to purchase vinyl windows in Pinole, CA, you’ve made a great decision that can actually increase the value of your home, if you choose the right windows. You’re going to find a wide range of prices when it comes to vinyl windows. You might be able to purchase some basic double hung windows from your local home improvement superstore for just about $100 per window. Sounds great, doesn’t it, especially if they will fit the rough opening? 

But they’re not as great a deal as you may initially think. Those cheap vinyl windows are made from the lowest quality materials and don’t offer the same protection against the cold and other elements as higher quality windows will. 

Below are a few key things you should look for when it comes to vinyl windows for your home. 

Construction materials.

Vinyl is vinyl, right? Not exactly. Just as you could choose various types of wood for joists and wall studs, and each one will provide different quality (for durability, strength, and other factors), the type of materials used in vinyl windows can make a difference. 

Higher quality vinyl windows will protect against the temperatures outside, outdoor noise, and other aspects much better than cheaper windows. You will also need to look at how those vinyl windows are put together. Are they welded at the edges of the frame or simply folded over? That can make a difference in protecting against the cold air outside and in some cases the rain. 

Hardware.

Quality hardware is essential for just about any window you have, whether it’s a wood window or vinyl window. You could end up with cheap plastic components that make snap if you open the window too fast. 

Focus on hardware that will withstand the humidity in this part of the world. Humidity can corrode steel, brass, and other materials much too quickly, especially if you live closer to the shore. 

Durability.

Cheaper vinyl windows will not last as long as better constructed ones. That’s what durability is all about. Those cheap windows we mentioned that you could probably find at your local home improvement mega store might last 8 to 10 years while higher quality windows will last between 15 to 20, on average. What sounds better to you? 

Energy efficiency.

While we don’t have to worry about the kind of harsh winters people up north do, we still get some cold air moving through. That means you’re going to run your heating system to stay warm. 

For every dollar you spend heating your home during the late autumn and winter months, 40 cents is flying right out old, cheap vinyl windows. If you invest in higher quality vinyl windows, you’ll be able to save 60, 70, and up to almost 90 percent on your home’s heating and cooling expenses year round.  

If you end up saving $20 a month, on average, that’s $240 per year, which equals about $2,400 every 10 years, and that’s just based on current utility expenses. 

Now that you know some key things to focus on with regard to vinyl windows, you’re more likely to make the right decision for your home, your budget, and your family. 

Call A-Taylor Made Window today at 510-559-5530 or come by our showroom at 5327 Jacuzzi St. #5E, Richmond, CA 94804 for more information.