Get Your Quote

Composite Vs Vinyl Windows: What's Best for Your Home?

As you embark on the journey to upgrade your home’s windows, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is selecting the right material. With various options available, it can be challenging to determine which one best suits your needs. 

We’re here to simplify that choice by comparing two popular window materials: composite and vinyl. Each offers distinct advantages, and understanding these can help you make an informed decision.

Let’s explore the key features, benefits, and drawbacks of both composite and vinyl windows to find the perfect fit for your home.

Empty living room with wall of windows and wooden floors

Composite Windows

Composite windows are crafted from a blend of materials, typically combining wood fibers and thermoplastic polymers. This mix aims to provide the strength and aesthetic appeal of wood with the low maintenance requirements of vinyl.

Key Features

  • Durability: Composite windows are exceptionally strong and resistant to warping, cracking, and fading.
  • Aesthetics: They often replicate the look of wood, offering a high-end, elegant appearance.
  • Energy Efficiency: These windows provide excellent insulation, helping to reduce energy costs.
Pros Cons
  • Strong and durable
  • Low maintenance
  • Mimics the look of wood
  • Excellent insulation and energy efficiency
  • Eco-friendly, often made from recycled materials
  • Higher initial cost
  • May have fewer style options than vinyl
  • Less widely available compared to vinyl

Vinyl Windows

Vinyl windows are made from polyvinyl chloride, a type of plastic known for its durability and low maintenance.

Key Features

  • Affordability: Vinyl windows are budget-friendly and offer great value for the price.
  • Low Maintenance: They don’t require painting or staining and resist dirt and grime.
  • Energy Efficiency: Good insulation properties help keep your home energy-efficient.
Pros Cons
  • Affordable
  • Low maintenance
  • Variety of styles and colors
  • Good insulation
  • Easy to install
  • Can expand and contract with temperature changes
  • May not offer the high-end appearance of wood
  • Can fade over time if exposed to extreme sunlight
A worker is installing composite windows with tools lying nearby.

Considerations

Before making your decision, here are a few factors to consider for both composite and vinyl windows:
  • Aesthetic Preferences
  • Composite Windows: Ideal if you want the look of wood without the high maintenance. They offer a high-end, elegant appearance suitable for various home styles.
  • Vinyl Windows: Suitable for homeowners looking for a variety of styles and colors. They are perfect for modern and traditional homes alike.
  • Budget
  • Composite Windows: Typically more expensive upfront due to their durability and aesthetic appeal. They offer long-term value and may reduce energy costs.
  • Vinyl Windows: More budget-friendly initially, making them a cost-effective choice for many homeowners.
  • Maintenance
  • Composite Windows: Require very little maintenance and are highly resistant to common window issues like warping and fading.
  • Vinyl Windows: Also low maintenance, but can fade or discolor over time, especially with prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight.
  • Environmental Impact
  • Composite Windows: Often made from recycled materials, making them a more eco-friendly choice.
  • Vinyl Windows: Not as environmentally friendly as composite windows, but their energy efficiency can still contribute to a greener home by reducing heating and cooling needs.
Interior of modern living room with beige corner suite. Composite VS Vinyl Windows

Tips for Maintaining Composite and Vinyl Windows

Keeping your windows in top condition doesn’t have to be a hassle. Here are some simple maintenance tips for both composite and vinyl windows to ensure they stay looking great and functioning well:

Composite Windows Maintenance Tips

Regular Cleaning

  • Clean your composite windows at least twice a year.
  • Use a mild soap solution and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid abrasive cleaners that might scratch the surface.
  • Gently wipe down the frames and glass, then rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.

Check Seals and Caulking

  • Inspect the seals and caulking around your windows periodically to ensure there are no gaps or cracks.
  • Reapply caulking as needed to maintain energy efficiency and prevent drafts.

Inspect Hardware

  • Check the window locks, handles, and hinges for any signs of wear or damage.
  • Apply a silicone-based lubricant to moving parts to keep them functioning smoothly.

Avoid Excess Moisture

  • While composite windows are resistant to moisture, it's still a good idea to wipe off any excess water, especially after storms, to prevent potential issues.

Vinyl Windows Maintenance Tips

Regular Cleaning

  • Clean vinyl windows every few months to remove dirt and grime buildup.
  • Use a mixture of mild soap and water and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the vinyl.
  • Clean the frames and glass, then rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.

Inspect Weatherstripping

  • Periodically check the weatherstripping around your windows for any signs of wear or damage.
  • Replace any worn-out weatherstripping to maintain a tight seal and energy efficiency.

Check for Warping

  • Although vinyl is durable, extreme temperatures can cause it to expand or contract.
  • Look for any signs of warping or damage, especially after extreme weather conditions, and address any issues promptly.

Lubricate Moving Parts

  • Ensure that window tracks, locks, and hinges are clean and free of debris.
  • Apply a silicone-based lubricant to keep these parts moving smoothly and to prevent sticking.
Large and open living room den sun room with windows on two sides and lots of natural light flowing in. There is a window seat on one side and a leather couch and plant on the other.

Composite VS Vinyl Windows - FAQs

Composite windows are made from a blend of materials, including wood fibers and thermoplastic polymers, offering a wood-like appearance and excellent durability. Vinyl windows are made from PVC and are known for their affordability and low maintenance.
Yes, composite windows typically have a higher initial cost due to their durability and aesthetic appeal, but they can offer better long-term value.
Both composite and vinyl windows require minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is usually sufficient.
Yes, both composite and vinyl windows come in a variety of styles and colors, allowing for customization to fit your home’s design.
Composite windows are often made from recycled materials, making them a more eco-friendly choice compared to vinyl windows.

Closing Thoughts

Choosing between composite and vinyl windows depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Composite windows offer a durable, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing option, while vinyl windows provide a cost-effective, low-maintenance, and versatile choice.

At Windows For Life, we’re here to help you make the best decision for your home. Whether you prefer the elegance and durability of composite windows or the affordability and ease of vinyl windows, our team of experts is ready to assist you. Contact us at (615) 861-2315 today!