06 Jan Are Wood Windows Worth the Investment
For many years, wood windows were considered the benchmark for homes. Even as little as a couple decades ago wood represented roughly half of the windows in private homes. So what happened? Basically, vinyl came along and offered a less expensive and low maintenance option. While vinyl doesn’t offer the natural beauty or the variety of colors and styles that wood does, many homeowners view cost and maintenance as more important factors in their purchase decision.
When to Consider Wood
Window & Door Specialist
Depending on your situation, here are a few examples why wood may be a better choice than vinyl.
- Better Resale Value – While generally 25-30% higher in price, wood windows continue to have a higher perceived value than vinyl or aluminum alternatives.
- Better Insulating Value – Wood generally insulates better than vinyl and composite windows for better noise and temperature control. They’re generally considered the most energy efficient window.
- Longer Life – Wood windows, especially with exterior cladding, will often last for 30+ years versus 15-20 years for vinyl.
- Style Options – For style and color variety, wood offers more options than any of the vinyl or aluminum alternatives.
Wood Has Long Term Advantages
Wood is still more expensive than vinyl and that’s not likely to change any time soon. That doesn’t necessarily mean vinyl is always the better value. Wood windows tend to last longer and hold their value better. With exterior cladding, the maintenance on wood windows is no longer prohibitive either. The decision basically comes down to where appearance, durability and immediate cost fall in your decision. Over the long term, wood can give you a more attractive product while still saving you money in the end.