Vinyl basement windows are often the preferred window for ground-level installation. The vinyl construction creates a window that will not swell and become sticky due to the close proximity with the ground. Mold and mildew often make a ground-level window difficult to operate, but by installing vinyl basement windows, this problem is eliminated. Wooden windows often rot in spite of waterproofing and painting, whereas vinyl basement windows last for many years with only minor maintenance. Since they are able to be painted and are many times more cost-effective than wooden windows, vinyl basement windows are often the best value in basement window selection.
By nature, vinyl basement windows installed at ground level are subjected to a harsh environment. Moisture and lack of sunshine in most cases provide a perfect environment for decay and rot of the typical wooden window. Water from rain, dew and condensation remain in the ground around a basement foundation for long periods of time. This water is detrimental to a window and often causes premature damage and impedes the function of a typical wooden unit. This type of damage is not applicable to vinyl basement windows due to the moisture-repelling characteristics of the vinyl components.
Cleaning of the window glass is made easy by the tip-in trait of most vinyl window designs. By simply flipping two levers, the window units are easily tipped into the basement, making cleaning a breeze. The failure to swell in moist climates allows the vinyl windows to slide freely on their tracks in most situations. The ability to seal the glass against the vinyl creates a window that does not fog or leak air under most circumstances. The use of the vinyl also promotes a better ecology system due to the reduction in tree cutting for wood window production.
Most manufacturers of vinyl basement windows use energy-efficient designs in the creation of their product line. In double- and triple-pane versions, gasses are trapped between the different layers of glass. This gas prevents air from passing through the window as well as reflects sunlight into the building to promote natural heating from the elements. The gasses often promote clearer vision by eliminating glare from the sun.
In the United States, the efficiency of vinyl basement windows can also lead to many rebates and tax credits for the homeowner. This is done to promote energy savings and reduce the waste of heating fuels. These savings are often accompanied by saving packages when replacing an entire home's windows.