Materials for Replacement Windows

If you want to boost style, open up a view, or simply replace worn out units, new replacement windows will make a dramatic difference in your home. They will cut down air infiltration and reduce your energy bills by as much as 40 percent too. All of which are great benefits. However, the process isn’t exactly easy.

Manufactures have expanded your options, which is both good and bad. You have more options to choose from, but you also have to navigate a lot more information. A good place to start is the framing material. There are four main types. Here are some basics you need to know about wood, aluminum, fiberglass, and vinyl replacement windows in Agoura Hills, CA.

Wood Replacement Windows

While they used to be vastly popular, wood windows are slowly losing ground. They are classic, undeniably beautiful and they are still often thought of as the gold standard of windows. But they often cost the most as well. The one thing most people do not anticipate is the up keep. Periodically, wood windows must be stripped, repainted or stained to stay looking good. They are also more prone to chipping, scratching, warping, and rotting.

Aluminum Replacement Windows

Aluminum frames are the bottom rung of replacement window options. They are low cost and low maintenance, but also major heat conductors. The high U-value of these metal frames is not good, especially for summers in Agoura Hills, CA. If scratched or chipped, the metal beneath will show through these windows frames. And while the frame is thinner and has a more modern esthetic, the style works best for large commercial buildings. Aluminum can also corrode and rust.

Fiberglass and Composite Replacement Windows

Some of the newer options in replacement windows, these are made from materials similar to those in car bumpers. These windows are strong and resilient, maintenance-free and energy efficient. Unlike vinyl, you can repaint fiberglass windows. If that isn’t enough, fiberglass windows are about 60% glass and are considered greener because they can be recycled. If you are looking to replace your windows for the long run, these are a clear choice. However, because they are so new, few people choose this option.

Vinyl Replacement Windows

These are often the most affordable option, at almost half the price of wood frames. Honeycomb chambers help boost the insulating abilities. The extra spaces make them some of the most energy efficient replacement windows. Manufactures can make these windows fit any opening and there are a variety of colors to choose from to match the interior and exterior design of your home. The material will not warp, chip, rot, or fade. Because vinyl windows are so resilient, you will not need to repaint or refinish.

Don’t rely on frame material alone in your decision. When looking at replacement windows, you also want to consider the hardware. Look at how the locks, lifts, and cranks operate. You also want to think about the resale value, even if you don’t plan on selling the home right away. Want some help navigating all the options? Call Quality Windows & Doors at (310) 456-3979or visit us at 1430 S Oxnard Blvd. Oxnard, California 93030.