Choosing Replacement Windows

With heating and cooling costs always on the rise, outdated windows can really create a dent in your budget.  If you find your windows are drafty and ultimately costing you money, its time to think about choosing replacement windows.  Not only will you add value to your home, you’ll save yourself money in the long run.  There are many styles and types to choose from, and all bring different advantages and disadvantages with them.

Clad windows give you the look of wood inside your home with the durability and quality of weatherproof aluminum on the outside.  They are the most expensive of the replacement windows but are really the best of both worlds.  Clad windows come in two options for the outdoor side, aluminum or vinyl.  Vinyl is wonderful for upper floor since they are nearly maintenance free.  They insulate better than most, so if you live in an extreme climate they will have the biggest impact.  Scratches don’t usually show since the color isn’t just on the surface, it penetrates all the way through the material.  Aluminum is better for mild climates since it doesn’t insulate as well as vinyl.  But they do outshine vinyl by a mile when it comes to being resistance to damage and overall durability.  They do need more maintenance, as scratches will usually need to be painted over.

Pure aluminum is also popular when choosing replacement windows.  Since they are not liable to split, warp, or shrink they are a good investment.  They are also lightweight, which is great for do-it-yourselfers.  The biggest disadvantage is that they are not good for insulation against condensation, so definitely not a proper choice for your beach house.

If you have unlimited funds on your quest for choosing replacement windows, you can’t get a much better option than steel.  They are mostly used in commercial projects and are very expensive.  But they are by far the most durable and resistant to weather than anything else.  Steel will outlast any other choice by many years.

Fiberglass windows are among the newest on the market.  Because of this your options for color, style of size may be more limited.  Despite this they outrank every material besides steel in terms of durability and overall quality.  If you have large windows fiberglass is your best choice.  They are especially capable of supporting very large panes of glass.  Even if you can’t find the right color, it can be painted without warping or peeling so feel free to invest with no reservations.

Regular vinyl windows are unlike clad windows because they are hollow inside, while stile being strong.  They are sturdy but keep in mind that they can warp in extreme heat or cold.  They are the most affordable choice and will certainly provide many years of quality for your home.