Let’s cut to the chase and address the issue head-on: If you have doubts about installing vinyl replacement windows due to continuous criticism from a self-proclaimed authority on window replacement, it’s time to consider the facts:
Vinyl windows have withstood the test of time and are still the preferred choice for homeowners. They have an undisputed reputation for:
- Low Maintenance: Vinyl does not require painting, staining, or regular upkeep to maintain its aesthetic appeal. It offers a hassle-free solution for homeowners seeking convenience and ease of use.
- Durability: Vinyl windows are highly resistant to chipping, peeling, rotting, and warping. This inherent durability ensures long-lasting performance throughout the years, saving homeowners time and money. When it comes to practicality and cost-effectiveness, vinyl windows outshine the rest.
To better understand why a well-known brand invests heavily in advertising campaigns that create doubt about vinyl windows we need to discuss marketing and a fundamental principle called: “differentiation” – giving customers a distinct and compelling reason to choose your brand over others.
In this case, if everyone sells vinyl windows at a reasonable price, how can a company justify charging 2x to 3x more? By differentiating by introducing new window ‘material’ that no other manufacturer uses, give it a unique name like “composite” and sow seeds of doubt in homeowners’ minds that anything other than ‘composite’ is inferior.
Changing buyers’ behavior and convincing homeowners to question the use of vinyl and switch to something requires investing millions of dollars into campaigns that inundate the airwaves and digital platforms with advertisements. Homeowners who fall for marketing campaigns stating that “composite” is superior to a material that has been trusted for decades wind up helping to fund these costly campaigns by paying exorbitant prices ranging from $2500 to $3500 per window.
It’s worth noting that windows, like any other product, offer additional options to cater to consumer price or application preferences. For instance, all windows have a Design Pressure (DP) rating, indicating their ability to withstand heavy wind loads and resist external forces that could cause warping. Homeowners in high wind, or storm-prone areas, might choose a vinyl option with a higher DP rating.
Regardless of cost or environmental impact, it is unjustifiable to pay high prices solely to support a marketing campaign that aims to influence consumer behavior by discrediting the tried and tested durability of vinyl.
When it comes to replacement or new windows, vinyl is still a cost-effective option. Even with upgrades, top-of-the-line vinyl windows cost about 70% less than composite materials, including installation.
Don’t be fooled by clever marketing tactics or fancy naming conventions – they don’t justify the drastic price difference.
This isn’t to say that composite windows are bad; some are of decent quality. But it’s important to remember the “Buyer Beware” warning: Don’t get swayed by misleading campaigns that charge 2x-3x premium prices to support a company’s marketing budget.
If you’d like a side-by-side comparison of vinyl windows versus composite options, we invite you to contact our replacement windows team for a no-obligation in-home presentation and demonstration.
Call Major Homes at 877 656-2567. As a 4th generation, 104+-year-old family business, we continue to believe in vinyl and would not be in business if we sold and installed inferior products.
