Are Vinyl Windows Better than Fibreglass & Wood?

It likely doesn’t come as a surprise – one of the questions the Window Geeks hear most often is, ‘why are vinyl windows better than fibreglass, aluminum, or wood windows?’

If you’re looking at window replacement, it has probably crossed your mind too. There are clear differences, but the answer isn’t as straightforward as you would think and requires a grasp of the intricate details. We’ve broken down the main reasons why replacing wood, fibreglass or aluminum windows with vinyl is the right way to go for your renovation project.

Climate Control

Western Canada’s climate can be unpredictable and harsh at times. British Columbia was known for its generally stable climate with more than its fair share of rain and some frosty winters. Over the last few years, bigger swings in temperature and more extreme weather have become common. Alberta, meanwhile, sees some rather severe winters and very low temperatures. The right windows can really help in terms of comfort and saving on energy bills.

Wood frame windows often don't suit these climates as well as vinyl windows, for the simple reason that wood windows need to be treated to stand up to the temperature effects. In contrast, vinyl windows are designed to withstand these changes from the outset and act as a great barrier against the cold. Meanwhile, aluminum windows allow for more heat transfer, making them less efficient for freezing winters and boiling summers.

Aesthetic Appeal

One of the great things about vinyl windows is the variety of options for homeowners to choose from. There’s a tremendous amount of choice when it comes to colour and style. Whether you prefer a modern look or something more traditional, you’ll find what you’re looking for in vinyl and you have the ultimate design freedom. Given the low maintenance requirements in comparison to other types of frames, they’ll also stay looking good longer, lowering the risk of diminishing your home’s curb appeal.

Budget

It’s natural to hunt for the best deal and overall value, and this is an area where vinyl really blows away the competition. Wood windows tend to be more expensive because of the raw material and complex process involved in carving out the window. Vinyl windows are also a fair bit cheaper than fibreglass, and much cheaper than aluminum. When you’re thinking about replacing an entire home’s worth of windows, those savings add up in a big way.

Strength and Durability

In terms of strength and durability, wood windows are at the bottom of the list because they’re made from organic materials. Bugs and the weather eat away at them and they’re prone to rotting over time, and you will need to treat and re-treat the wood to avoid this deterioration. Vinyl windows are better when up against wood, and while they may not be as strong as aluminum or fibreglass windows, the cost difference makes up for this and you can still get a lifetime warranty to cover vinyl.

Vinyl windows are more cost-efficient, more energy efficient, and offer a lot of choice when it comes to style. Why would you go with anything else?

We are Your Certified Window Geeks!

We love to talk windows! We’re here to help, so if you have a question about your window project all you have to do is reach out. Contact us early in the process so that our experts can make sure everything is correct from the get-go.

For more information on this topic (and many more!) contact our local Employee Owners at 1-888-534-3333 or drop us an email at info@centra.ca. Join the club and become a Window Geek yourself by signing up for our Master Class, designed to make you an expert on all things windows & doors! Test your window knowledge by following us on LinkedIn and Twitter, and follow Centra on Facebook and Instagram.