Windows are one of the most integral parts of any home or multifamily property, so choosing the right material is essential. Many homeowners opt for vinyl windows or composite windows, but understanding the differences between the two can be challenging.
As a long-standing, trusted home improvement contractor, Minnesota Exteriors has been installing windows for decades. We can help you understand the differences between vinyl vs. composite windows, their materials, and the pros and cons so you can feel confident in your decision.
Learn more about window installation and what sets Minnesota Exteriors apart.
What Are Composite Windows vs. Vinyl Windows?
Before making a decision on the type of window to invest in for your home, it’s essential to understand the differences between the two types of windows. Vinyl windows are popular and affordable, while composite windows are durable and great for hot temperatures. Since both materials have their strengths, the right choice depends on your home’s needs, your aesthetic preferences, and your long-term budget.
What Are Composite Windows?
So, what is a composite window? These windows are made of a combination of various materials, including metal (like aluminum), fiberglass, and wood fibers. These windows offer fantastic durability compared to vinyl windows, and they are also easy to customize to specific aesthetics.
These windows are often best suited for hotter climates, as vinyl can easily warp in the humidity or intense temperatures. And, since they’re easily customizable for any style, they’re also recommended for those who want the look of wood windows without having to commit to the constant upkeep or higher price tag.
Explore composite replacement windows from Minnesota Exteriors.
What Are Vinyl Windows Made of?
Vinyl windows are a popular choice for many homeowners. These windows are made of a single material called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is a type of durable plastic known for being cost-effective, low-maintenance, and resistant to rot and pests.
There are many vinyl windows pros and cons to take note of, such as how affordable and easy they are to maintain compared to most other windows on the market. However, they aren’t nearly as environmentally friendly as other window options, and their design options are very limited compared to composite windows.
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How to Choose Between Vinyl vs. Composite Windows
When comparing vinyl windows vs. composite windows, it’s important to weigh factors like durability, energy efficiency, maintenance, cost, and appearance. In the Midwest, where weather can be extreme and unpredictable, insulation performance and material stability are especially critical.
Some considerations, like durability and curb appeal, may matter more depending on your goals, where you live, and what kind of home you have. Thinking through how each factor aligns with your home’s style, age, and exposure to the elements will help guide your decision.
Some of the most important factors to consider when choosing between composite windows vs. vinyl include:
- Cost
- Durability and Longevity
- Ease of Maintenance
- Appearance and Customization
- Energy Efficiency
- Home Value Impact
- Environmental Impact
Get a free window replacement estimate from MEI to compare the costs for your home.
Cost
While both vinyl and composite windows are generally more affordable than wood or fiberglass options, they still have different price tags. Due to the ease of manufacturing PVC material, which vinyl windows are made of, they tend to be significantly cheaper than composite windows.
While the initial composite windows cost is a bit higher, they are also a bit more durable than vinyl windows, meaning the cost evens out over the additional decades of use.
- Composite Windows: Have a higher initial installation cost but are more durable.
- Vinyl Windows: Are one of the cheapest window options on the market that still last for decades.
Durability and Longevity
Vinyl and composite window frames both offer exceptional longevity for your home, especially if you live in a colder climate, such as the Midwest.
Since both windows offer great durability, it can be difficult to choose between the two options. However, for long-term performance, composite windows stand out, thanks to their resistance to moisture, rot, and thermal expansion. Vinyl windows, while still durable and low maintenance, are more susceptible to warping in high heat and may become brittle or crack during extremely cold conditions.
- Composite Windows: Built to last 30–40+ years
- Vinyl Windows: Lifespan of about 20–30 years
Ease of Maintenance
While both vinyl and composite windows are low-maintenance, vinyl windows are general considered the best option if you’re looking for easily maintained windows. The PVC material is easy to clean and difficult to get dirty in general, and they won’t ever need to be repainted or stained, even with intense winters or other stormy weather.
On the other hand, composite windows are also very easy to maintain, but they do require a bit more upkeep, especially if you decide to paint them to match your home’s aesthetic.
- Composite Windows: Slightly more upkeep but still easy to maintain.
- Vinyl Windows: The easiest window type to clean and maintain.
Appearance and Customization
All homeowners have a different style that speaks to them, and their windows can play a big part in that. If you’re looking to create a specific aesthetic for your home windows that involves painting or staining, composite window trim is a better option, as they are easily customizable and can be tailored for your home. While vinyl windows come in a variety colors, their options are much more limited. They also cannot be painted or stained to your liking.
- Composite Windows: Easily customizable and can be stained, painted, and even made to look like authentic wood windows.
- Vinyl Windows: Come in a few colors but otherwise are limited in design choices.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is crucial for any home, as it can significantly impact your monthly energy bill and the amount of hot or cold air your home loses daily. This is especially true for the Midwest, where homes need to keep as much of the cold air out as possible during the long, cold winters.
Both windows provide exceptional energy efficiency, but due to composite replacement windows having slightly more durability, they may be the better option in the long run.
- Composite windows: Provide excellent insulation and resist thermal expansion.
- Vinyl windows: Offer good efficiency but may not perform as well in extreme cold.
Resale Value Impact
Resale value impact refers to the value that the windows add to your home after installation. Both vinyl and composite windows will increase your home’s overall value after installation, as they both offer a high return on investment with their durability and energy efficiency.
However, due to the fact that composite windows last for another 10-15 years (on average) compared to vinyl windows, they’re generally considered the better resale value window.
- Composite Windows: Have a high resale value due to their longevity and durability.
- Vinyl Windows: Still increase the value of your home, but not quite as much as composite window options.
Environmental Impact
As concerns around climate change are on the rise, many homeowners are looking for windows that help reduce their home’s environmental impact. Vinyl windows tend to be the weaker option compared to composite, as vinyl window production releases more harmful chemicals into the air. Also, they are not biodegradable.
However, while composite window production isn’t as eco-friendly as it could be, these windows are often made with recycled materials. They also don’t have to be replaced as often as vinyl windows, creating a more eco-friendly impact.
- Composite windows: Last longer and may contain recycled materials.
- Vinyl windows: Petroleum-based and not biodegradable, though energy-saving features help offset this.
Choose The Replacement Windows That Feel Like Home
Now that you have all the information about vinyl vs. composite windows, you’re equipped to decide which type of replacement window best fits your home and priorities.
If you choose vinyl, composite, or still need help deciding, our team at Minnesota Exteriors can help you create the home of your dreams. Whether you’re wondering what style you want for your home, who makes our composite windows, or have questions about additional services, we can guide you through the process and ensure that your home stays protected and looks stunning for decades to come.
Feel the Difference in Vinyl vs Composite at MEI’s Showroom
Our family-owned business has been helping families in the Twin Cities and beyond since 1947. Our exceptional window replacement services and expertise in window installation are unparalleled, and you can be sure we’ll be there whenever you need us.
Reach out to our team today to schedule a home remodel showroom so we can walk you through every part of the process.
Composite vs Vinyl Window FAQs
Here are a few commonly asked questions that our team receives about composite vs. vinyl windows. Additionally, we can answer any questions you might have about windows, doors, roofs, and more.
Which Is Better for Cold Weather: Vinyl or Composite?
While both windows will protect your home during the winter months, composite windows are often better for cold weather due to their heightened durability.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Vinyl Windows?
The pros of vinyl windows include their affordability and how easy they are to maintain. On the other hand, some cons of vinyl windows include their limited customization and their higher environmental impact.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Composite Windows?
Some of the pros of composite windows are that they’re very durable, are easily customizable, and have a high resale value impact. However, their cons consist of a higher upfront installation cost and slightly more intensive maintenance needs.
Are Composite Windows Worth The Cost?
If you’re planning to live in your home for decades to come and wish to customize your home to your specific aesthetic, composite windows are definitely worth the higher initial cost. However, if you are planning to move relatively soon or want easy-to-maintain windows, vinyl windows might be a better choice.