Vinyl vs. Wood For Your Replacement Windows

vinyl replacement windows

When it comes to a home’s wall space, about 15% is taken up by windows. This means that not only do you want your windows to look nice, you want them to perform well too! Energy efficiency windows come in all sorts of styles and will help lower your energy bill every month. Whether it is better insulation of cool in the summer, or warm in the winter, having high performance energy efficient windows will put money back in your pocket in the long run. So, as winter slowly approaches us, your windows may be passed their heyday. This means that you might be looking at a window replacement. If you’re not sure, take care to call your local window and door company. No matter, in this article, you will find out why we think that vinyl replacement windows are the way to go.

 

Vinyl windows are made of out plastic, or PVC. One of the main reasons we think you should go with vinyl replacement windows is because of their relatively cheap cost. According to Fixr, It costs approximately $10,000-12,000 for the make and installment of wood windows, but only $7,000-10,000 for vinyl windows. The cost is relative, but that three thousand could really make a difference. This differential in cost is mostly due to the treatment that all the wood has to go through. However, cost is just one reason to choose vinyl replacement windows.

 

Vinyl windows and doors are also a lot more low-maintenance than their wooden counterparts. One of the reasons for the low-maintenance is because there is no painting or staining required with vinyl windows. However, if you have wood, you will want to at the very least seal the wood as a precautionary measure. Because there is no risk of rot, your vinyl windows can simply be washed with soap and water. However, vinyl isn’t perfect so it is important to note its shortcomings. Vinyl can warm in extreme heat. Due to the fact that vinyl can’t be repainted, you would have to replace the entire window frame. However, make sure you talk to your window and door supplier to find out if your new frames are under warranty, or if they have a policy on assisting in the replacement of a window frame due to weather.

How To Take Care Of Your Sliding Patio Doors

sliding patio doors

Sliding patio doors are a great option for any home. They are convenient to use and look great. They can also be energy savers. When you consider that 30% of your home’s heat is lost because of windows and doors, you can see how important it is to have those energy-saving sliding patio doors installed.

Getting the most out of your sliding doors relies heavily on how you care for them. With some simple steps, you can keep your doors functioning and looking great for years to come.

Caring for Your Patio Doors

Sliding patio doors Scottsdale residents enjoy for years are well-cared for doors. At no point should you have to jiggle, pull, shove or drag your door across the track if you take the steps to maintain your door properly.

The primary culprit in sliding glass door failure is the rollers. On the bottom of your sliding glass door there are rollers that roll along the track (the stationary part of your door frame). The rollers should slide smoothly across the track, but if there is dirt or debris built up they will not.

Typically sliding door materials are low maintenance, but not no maintenance. Every six months or so you should be taking the time to care for your door.

All you need is a few household tools and about 20 minutes to take care of things and make sure that your sliding doors continue to slide easily. Follow these steps.

Step 1

Use the hose attachment on your vacuum to remove loose debris on the track. Vacuuming the track on both the bottom of the door and the top of the door will help the rollers to move freely.

Step 2

Use a damp cloth, not a wet one, to wipe the track down. Let the area dry thoroughly and be sure wring out the cloth well.

Step 3

While you are waiting for the track to dry, it is a good time to clean the glass. You can use a glass cleaner to clean the glass. Wipe down the handles and the frame while of your vinyl patio doors while you are at it.

Final Step

Use a high-quality silicone lubricant spray on the track and the rollers. You will now have a sliding glass door that slides along the track effortlessly.