Vinyl is a little less expensive than wood and that is the main reason it has started to replace wood in replacement windows. However there are several significant differences between Denver vinyl windows and wood vinyl window company windows when it comes to performance. Vinyl is really a partially organic material therefore it can expand and contract in the heat. However wood will warp in water otherwise thoroughly protected.
Your window company may sell you on the truth that vinyl is really a no maintenance product. This is true beyond cause problems, but if you are replacing wood windows the look is going to be significantly different. Vinyl doesn't split or flake paint, because they are not painted. Quite simply, Denver vinyl windows come only in black. Vinyl is actually less of an insulator than wood. On professional construction projects, architects rarely demand vinyl windows, not because of the energy savings, but due to their look.
Vinyl windows can't be custom-designed. Instead they come in only one style that does not seem like older windows. Therefore for historical buildings, I can never recommend replacement Denver vinyl windows. They're popular with apartment buildings and so on because of their standardization, easy install and low maintenance.
Wood windows have the benefit of being fully customizable. You can aquire a window company to create a wood frame and install glass at pretty much any dimension. The frame and muntins can match any building styles, and become painted to match. Due to this you spend with this premium. Wood frame windows may need occasional maintenance because as an all natural material, wood will warp and bend. You are able to mitigate this by cladding the outside window frame with metal. Most use aluminum that can be painted or baked on.
Some window companies are trying to make vinyl windows that imitate wood. The success is restricted, but this may be a good compromise. They have new styles, but vinyl windows still only are available in factory sizes. For those who have a custom frame you'll need installed you may be in a hard place. Many people use aluminum windows, but these are just as unattractive, and may flake like wood. Vinyl has no problems with water. You can just clean off the windows with water anytime without worrying about damage. Water just runs off vinyl, and that's why it can't be painted. Compared to metal, vinyl and wood tend to be better insulators.
Finding a vinyl replacement window company that provides is not as simple as it was once. This is because vinyl window company there are more brands and more options allow it to be harder to obtain the perfect one. With that said, allow me to offer a quick review of a few of the top brands I hold in high esteem.