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Yes, I agree that there is a painting issue which is why I would prefer to avoid vinyl. My trim and windows now are painted bright white so it is not a problem for me, but could be for future buyers. The other problem is vinyl windows encroach upon the viewing area. I really do love my original wood windows which is why it is a big decision - the replacement windows I want would be very expensive and I'm not sure it's worth it. The storm windows I have were high end at the time of installation and still work very well.
I would love the convenience of tip-in windows for cleaning, though . . . hard to decide. Thanks for the comment.
Why do vinyl windows encroach upon the viewing area? I think you're referring to replacement windows in general. Just by nature, they make your viewing area smaller. You can however get new construction windows installed (wood or vinyl) which will not, but it's more work and more money.
Yes, I agree that there is a painting issue which is why I would prefer to avoid vinyl. My trim and windows now are painted bright white so it is not a problem for me, but could be for future buyers. The other problem is vinyl windows encroach upon the viewing area. I really do love my original wood windows which is why it is a big decision - the replacement windows I want would be very expensive and I'm not sure it's worth it. The storm windows I have were high end at the time of installation and still work very well.
I would love the convenience of tip-in windows for cleaning, though . . . hard to decide. Thanks for the comment.
You brought up another issue, vinyl is a weak material for a structural component like windows, so they have to make the frames very thick to give them strength, which also cheapens the look. It's not the first thing I tend to notice in terms of curb appeal though. I think most newer windows have the cleaning feature you're after regardless of brand or material, at least typical double-hungs.
Why do vinyl windows encroach upon the viewing area? I think you're referring to replacement windows in general. Just by nature, they make your viewing area smaller. You can however get new construction windows installed (wood or vinyl) which will not, but it's more work and more money.
See my other message on this. Vinyl gets weak and is susceptible to warping, especially in the summers, so they make them a lot thicker than fiberglass for example (less glass surface area).
You brought up another issue, vinyl is a weak material for a structural component like windows, so they have to make the frames very thick to give them strength, which also cheapens the look. It's not the first thing I tend to notice in terms of curb appeal though. I think most newer windows have the cleaning feature you're after regardless of brand or material, at least typical double-hungs.
Can you post a picture as an example? I think you might be confusing this with vinyl-sided houses that use giant vinyl mouldings around the windows to fill gaps.
I'm sitting here looking at my vinyl windows right now and there's more glass area than my wood windows ever had.
Can you post a picture as an example? I think you might be confusing this with vinyl-sided houses that use giant vinyl mouldings around the windows to fill gaps.
I'm sitting here looking at my vinyl windows right now and there's more glass area than my wood windows ever had.
I'm just talking about two windows of equal strength. Your original wood windows may have been thicker than modern options for a variety of reasons.
But this is all very common knowledge among all window vendors and most window shoppers. A good window salesman will sell all material types and be able to show you examples of what you'll get at each price point. A guy who sells only vinyl will probably (oops) forget to tell you about all the downsides to vinyl.
This is not the best comparison but it shows the difference of similar model by same brand, vinyl vs wood. Fiberglass tends to look even better than wood.
Not saying vinyl is the wrong choice for everyone, it might have been the right one for you.
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