A: Generally, we install vinyl windows. They’re 100% virgin vinyl frame windows. Double pane, double strength glass, Argon gas-filled, half-screen standard, foam wrapped around the jam with a lifetime warranty.
Buying replacement windows in San Antonio is one of the best investments you can make for your home. New windows add curb appeal, increase energy efficiency, comfort, and boost the value of your home. Traditionally, windows were made of wood, or wood frames wrapped in aluminum. While you can still buy wood windows, they are expensive and not too durable. When you need durability in addition to energy efficiency, vinyl windows are a perfect balance.
That is why our standard windows are made of 100% virgin vinyl—they are the most energy-efficient windows we offer. Although window companies in San Antonio may offer wood windows and composite windows as well, vinyl is the most popular.
Vinyl windows look modern, are effortlessly smooth, and come in a wide range of styles and embedded colors. What’s even more appealing is that they also cost significantly less than wood or composite windows. This makes them a favorite choice for homeowners in San Antonio who want a balance of durability, efficiency, and value.
So, let’s talk about the popularity of vinyl replacement windows in San Antonio and why they are better. What advantages do they offer? How long do they last? All these questions and more will be answered as you read on. But, let’s start with the basics first.
What Are Vinyl Replacement Windows?
You may already know what vinyl is but probably by a different name such as polyvinyl chloride or PVC. Popular for use in plumbing and many other industrial uses, vinyl was first modified to be flexible in the 1920s.
Over thirty years later, the first vinyl windows were manufactured in Germany and became popular in the US in the ’70s. However, the vinyl windows sold today are far more superior to those sold back then. Of course, due to the limitations of early generation vinyl replacement windows, vinyl windows still get an unfounded bad rep sometimes. Even with those unfounded claims that modern vinyl windows are mediocre, they continue to be the overwhelming choice nationwide.
The reason is that the current generation of vinyl replacement windows are very versatile and have advanced mechanisms. Additionally, unlike older generations, new vinyl windows come in a wide range of colors. Let’s not forget also that our windows made with virgin vinyl, can last upwards of 50 years and come with a lifetime warranty.
What Are The Advantages Of Vinyl Windows?
With so many material options available for replacement windows in San Antonio, what makes vinyl such a valuable option? If you don’t feel like reading, just know this—it comes down to three things—durability, variety, and low cost of ownership. Now, if you want to dig into the details, read on.
Durability
The life span of replacement windows is an important deciding factor for all homeowners. Our vinyl windows are incredibly durable lasting upwards of 50 years. To add to that performance, we also include a lifetime warranty on every window we install.
Vinyl can weather all conditions since it’s able to expand and contract with the temperature. Because vinyl is a type of plastic, these windows are not affected by moisture and are waterproof even in Texas storms. Also, since they aren’t wood-based, they aren’t vulnerable to insect infestations such as termites.
With all of the extreme weather cycles we go through in San Antonio, the durability of vinyl replacement windows is especially important. It’s no surprise then that vinyl windows are by far the most installed type of window in Texas overall.
Variety
Vinyl windows are available in many different finish varieties including textured, smooth, and simulated wood grain. They are also available in a wide range of colors to match any home exterior color scheme.
Low Cost Of Ownership
Vinyl windows are very easy to maintain, in fact, they require very little maintenance. If they’re installed properly, all you need to do is clean the glass, screens, and occasionally clean and lubricate the track. That’s all it takes, and you’ll have beautiful, long-lasting windows for decades.
How Do Vinyl Replacement Windows Compare?
Compared to other types of windows, vinyl strikes the perfect balance of cost and durability. Could you buy more expensive or less expensive windows? Sure you could, but is the tradeoff worth it?
Vinyl vs. Aluminum
Aluminum windows are similar in appearance only to vinyl, and even then, only from a distance. However, they aren’t even in the same league. Vinyl replacement windows look noticeably thicker and sturdier than aluminum—and they are.
While vinyl is resistant to cracking and fading, aluminum lends itself to fading and dents quite easily, especially with hail. And when they dent, the finish on aluminum chips off to reveal bare metal. It’s quite unsightly and requires repainting.
Vinyl vs. Wood
While high-quality wood windows can last a long time, they aren’t very convenient and are high maintenance. Additionally, they are vulnerable to termites and must be repainted often to look fresh.
Vinyl, on the other hand, needs no painting, aren’t vulnerable to termites, and unlike wood, their frames will never warp. Wood windows are also susceptible to rot and fungus growth whereas vinyl suffers from none of that.
Vinyl vs. Composite
The only window type that comes close to vinyl are newer composite windows. Made from a polymer-resin composite, they are as durable as vinyl and come in many colors as well. Here’s where the reality sets in—composite windows are insanely expensive in exchange for only minor upgrades such as looking a bit more like natural wood. Unless you have a designated historic home, this small benefit doesn’t justify the high price tag for most.
How Do Vinyl Replacement Windows Save On Electricity?
Vinyl windows are some of the most energy-efficient windows you can buy and can lower your utility bill significantly. Vinyl does not warp so severely like wood does nor does it dent like aluminum, this means goodbye to drafts. Our vinyl replacement windows are also filled with insulation in the frame offering efficiency you can’t get from wood.
Many of our San Antonio customers notice that once they switch from cheap single pane windows to vinyl that they feel the impact immediately. They notice their home stays cooler with less usage of their air conditioner. Also, their home tends to maintain that cool temperature even when it’s cycled off for a long time. That is the effect that an Energy Star rated window can have on your home.
In the long-term, customers find that their electric bill is reduced significantly over their first year having our windows. Naturally, other weak points in your home need to be addressed to get the full effect. Things such as leaking doors, under-insulated rooms, and insufficient attic insulation. However, if you have all those bases covered, our windows will add another level of efficiency.
Are You Looking For Vinyl Replacement Windows In San Antonio?
The one caveat about buying windows is you need to realize what you’re buying. Not all vinyl windows are created equal. Some are made with cheap hardware, shoddy springs, and low-quality recycled vinyl.
The difference between the two is that virgin vinyl is vinyl that is formulated from scratch, so it holds its shape and rigidity. Recycled vinyl on the other hand is created from discarded vinyl products such as fencing, doors, and other structures. The problem there is vinyl tends to have a sort of “memory.” This means it tends to return to its originally molded shape.
Windows made from this recycled vinyl tend to warp quickly and do not last long. Typically, when you see those “$99.00 windows” we’ve discussed, that’s the garbage you get.
That’s not the case at The Window Source Of San Antonio. Our windows are made from virgin vinyl which is far superior to vinyl “seconds.” These are not “$99.00 windows.” However, they do last upwards of 50 years versus two or three years.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and let us transform your home with our high-quality windows.
