Wood and Vinyl Windows: Why Do They Usually Warp?

The lifespan of your double-hung, sliding and casement windows hugely depends on their material. Many homeowners prefer wood and vinyl windows because of their appeal, versatility and cost. Wood windows bring warmth and beauty while vinyl windows come in various options and are easy to maintain.

All materials come with pros and cons, and a major downside of wood and vinyl windows is that they tend to warp. Keep reading to find out what usually causes this issue. 

Why Do Wood and Vinyl Windows Warp?

Vinyl

The flexibility of vinyl windows makes them vulnerable to sagging and limits their size and glass weight. When exposed to high temperatures, this material can twist, bow, warp and soften. It isn’t as sturdy as other replacement window options. Old vinyl windows are more likely to lose color, especially after exposure to weather extremes.  

Vinyl windows can start sagging as it gets older. This issue will cause the units to look unsightly and become hard to operate. Once the frame sags, the windows can get jammed or become difficult to open. When choosing this material for your window installation, consider its downsides first. 

Wood

Warping is a common issue in wood windows, causing them to bend and distort. Once this occurs, gaps might form around the affected units. As a result, they won’t look as beautiful as they used to, and your home will lose energy efficiency. 

Wood windows can warp in several ways, and the most common is bowing. You’ll know your windows are bowing if they bend along their faces. Crooking is when windows bend along their edges while kinking only develops in a single part of the sash. Moreover, wood windows can also cup inwards or outwards and twist on their edges. 

Wood windows usually warp due to excess moisture. This material tends to absorb and collect moisture, resulting in warping and rotting. Warping occurs when the wood absorbs moisture unevenly and causes stress. This stress pushes windows to expand and contract. If your windows retain moisture for extended periods, the warping will be more apparent. Your casement windows might need replacement if it experiences this kind of damage. 

Other factors – such as installation, ventilation temperature and grain orientation – can also affect the likelihood of wood warping. Your wood windows have a higher chance of warping when constantly exposed to high moisture levels. Drastic temperature changes can also cause expansion and contraction in wood windows, resulting in bending and poor operation.

What Can You Do About This Issue?

Temporary Solution: Repairs 

You have two routes to choose from when dealing with warped windows. Repairs are an option, but they won’t permanently fix the problem. It means that, after a while, the issue is likely to occur again. Warped windows don’t fit properly on the frame, affecting how they operate. 

Permanent Fix: Invest in More Durable Window Material

Whether you have casement or double hung windows, the best solution to warping is to replace the affected units. With new windows, your home will stay protected against the elements and whatever nature brings. They can also boost your home’s curb appeal and improve your indoor comfort. 

It always pays to invest in high-quality windows from reputable manufacturers. At Renewal by Andersen® of Cincinnati, we install windows featuring our exclusive Fibrex® material. You can count on it to stay durable no matter the weather as it is twice as strong as vinyl. Unlike vinyl, Fibrex isn’t prone to expansion and contraction due to changing temperatures, meaning it’s less susceptible to bowing and glass seal failure. 

Choosing Fibrex for your window installation project will add more beauty to your home. You don’t need to worry about constant maintenance or scraping and painting. It is also guaranteed not to rot, warp, decay or develop mold. 

Together with our High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass, Fibrex windows will help keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter due to its superior thermal insulating properties. You can expect more savings on your energy costs with energy-efficient windows. Another great thing about our windows is that they come with one of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry. 

Ready to upgrade your home’s windows? For high-quality casement, sliding and double hung windows, turn to Renewal by Andersen of Cincinnati. Call us at 866-609-5033, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We work with homeowners in and around Cincinnati and West Chester Ohio.