Window Replacement Resource Guide

Your windows are a key element in deriving joy and happiness from your home. Aging windows oftentimes come with many headaches like drafts, mold and condensation.

Replacing your current old windows with new replacement windows is an easy way to remedy some of the issues that creep up over time. Making the switch provides many benefits in terms of energy savings, lighting, ventilation, and the overall look and value of your house.

With so many different types of windows on the market it can get confusing real fast when deciding which one is best for your home. With that in mind let’s take a look at the most popular window types to help you get a grip on what to expect when it comes to window replacement.

Vinyl Windows

Without a doubt, the most popular windows homeowners choose when considering installing replacement windows in their home are vinyl windows. There are many key advantages in choosing vinyl windows for your home but there are also many disadvantages as well. Below we highlight the key factors to help you make an intelligent choice when it comes to window replacement.

For the cost-conscious homeowner, vinyl windows tend to be the windows of choice, primarily due to the lower relative cost of the windows when compared to other comparable windows. For example, for a standard size, double hung, energy efficient, vinyl window, you should expect to pay anywhere between $450 and $600 (including installation). In comparison, a comparable wood window would cost between $800 and $1,000 all in.

These are just rough estimates, to see the best prices for vinyl windows in your area, simply answer the questions in the box above.

Vinyl Windows Pros:

Vinyl windows are typically the most affordable on the market
Vinyl windows are energy efficient. The insulation vinyl windows provide not only keep the heat out during the warm summer months, but they also insulate from the cold during the cold winter months.
Vinyl windows are highly weather resistant. The PVC material won’t absorb any extra moisture under rainy/snowy conditions and takes twice as long for the sun to affect it vs. other window frame materials.
Vinyl windows are available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and styles.
Vinyl is a flexible material that expands and contracts easily. This inherent flexibility makes installing vinyl windows much simpler and faster as compared to windows comprised of other materials.

Vinyl Windows Cons:

Vinyl windows can not be painted
Over time, the vinyl in vinyl windows might start to discolor due to excessive sun exposure.
There is much debate as to just how eco-friendly vinyl windows are.

Wood Windows

For many homeowners, especially those in older more traditional homes, installing wood windows when looking to replace and/or upgrade their home is the obvious choice.

Windows that look as good as wood windows and that tend to significantly increase your home’s property value when properly installed, come at a price. Wood windows, on average, are much more expensive than other replacement window types.

The actual amount homeowners ultimately pay for wood windows really depends on various factors, including the quality of the wood, the size and style of the wood windows, the experience of the professional installing the windows and the part of the country the homeowner lives.

To see the best price for wood windows in your area, simply answer the questions in the box above.

Wood Windows Pros:

Wood windows are by far the most attractive windows period. So much so that other window types such as vinyl and fiberglass attempt to mimic the overall look of wood windows with their different finishes.
More so than any other window frame material, wood windows enhance the value of your home. This makes sense as nothing really compares to wood windows from a curb appeal aspect.
Wood replacement windows are, to some surprise, some of the most efficient replacement windows on the market. The wooden frame provides insulation that is really unmatched by comparable aluminum or even vinyl replacement windows.
Wood is a natural renewable resource, the very definition of eco-friendly. For environmentally responsible homeowner looking to “go green” there really is no other choice.

Wood Windows Cons:

Wood windows, on average, are much more expensive than other replacement window types.
Wood windows tend to more susceptible to weather conditions causing deterioration and other issues as they age. Moisture is one of the main culprits in the deterioration of wood windows, so for those that live in areas with high levels of rain or snow, wood windows may not be a great fit.
Wood windows are vulnerable to insects, especially (but not limited to) termites.

Fiberglass Windows

While vinyl replacement windows continue to occupy the top spot in terms of popularity, fiberglass windows hold several advantages over the market leading replacement window with only one major disadvantage.

In terms of pricing, fiberglass windows tend to cost more than most other popular window replacement types. On average, fiberglass replacement windows will cost around 25% more than comparable vinyl windows.

To see the best price for fiberglass windows in your area, simply answer the questions in the box above.

Fiberglass Windows Pros:

Fiberglass windows are super strong, roughly ten times as strong as vinyl windows.
Fiberglass windows are energy efficient.
Fiberglass windows are extremely durable and require very little maintenance. These windows are highly resistant to scratch, dents and do not become brittle.
Fiberglass windows are recyclable and have a low environmental impact, and as a result, are widely used in green buildings to reduce the carbon footprint of the entire complex.

Fiberglass Windows Cons:

Fiberglass windows tend to cost more than most other popular window replacement types. On average, fiberglass replacement windows will cost around 25% more than vinyl replacement windows.
There is a tendency in fiberglass windows, that they may might leak on the sides; hence a proper sealant must be used to effectively seal the window.
The lead time of a fiberglass replacement window is typically longer than the others because the production process is very labor intensive.

Aluminum Windows

Aluminum windows continue to be a viable option for homeowners seeking moderately priced replacement windows that are bound to increase the property value of your home.

Pricing for aluminum windows vary. I’ve seen estimates for as low as $300 per window to as high as $1,200 per window installation. The actual amount that homeowners ultimately pay for their aluminum windows depends on many factors, including the quality of the materials purchased, the size and style of the windows, the experience of the person installing the windows and the part of the country that the homeowner lives.

To see the best price for aluminum windows in your area, simply answer the questions in the box above.

Aluminum Windows Pros:

Aluminum windows are very light, but also very strong. Their strength easily allows for any shape and size of arched or regular window.
Aluminum is super versatile when it comes to shapes, sizes, and color. Aluminum can be any color and will match any color scheme or design of your home, enhancing its curb appeal and allowing for a greater array of siding options.
Aluminum windows, especially those with cladding, are excellent at reducing the transfer of noise between the home and the great outdoors.
Aluminum windows are 100% recyclable, making it a fantastic choice for environmentally conscious homeowners who want to be as green as possible.
Aluminum windows are moderately priced.

Aluminum Windows Cons:

Aluminum windows are not energy efficient. The thermal conductance of aluminum is high,thus, aluminum windows may not work well in colder climates.
Condensation or sometimes frost can form inside aluminum windows and can present a variety of problems.