When your electricity bill makes you grimace, the temperature in the house is never comfortable, and the noise outside becomes irritating, you probably begin to investigate those old windows on your home. Sure enough, they are probably difficult to open or close, air is likely seeping in around the edges, they are foggy in between the panes, or perhaps even noticeably warped or peeling. That’s when you finally force yourself to start thinking about replacing them.
But if you are unfamiliar with the replacement window industry, you might not even know about all of the options available. And how on earth do you decide which option is right for you? Here’s a basic overview of the different replacement window options on the market, and later we’ll delve into the benefits and disadvantages of each one.
Vinyl Windows
Vinyl windows are one of the most common types of windows on homes today. They are simple to install, and their inexpensive materials make them the most cost effective window on the market, generally speaking. They are often the window of choice for new construction starter homes, as well as for replacement on a home with a lower appraised value. Standard sizes can easily be purchased at a large distributor, such as Lowe’s or Home Depot, and many contractor companies will offer a vinyl window option for sale and installation, such as Don Young and Simonton.
Aluminum Windows
Aluminum windows are also a very common type of window. Again, the materials are relatively inexpensive, allowing for a price point that’s not much higher than for vinyl windows. They are generally a bit more durable than the vinyl windows in hotter climates, such as South Texas, and are often found on homes built after the 1960s. Large distributors will generally carry all the standard sizes, and some of the local San Antonio contractors’ aluminum window options are Don Young, Atrium, and General Aluminum.
Wood Windows
Wood windows have undoubtedly been around the longest out of all of the options on the market today. Wood is a plentiful material and has always been very easy to build with and craft things out of. Dating back to the days when the entire house was made with wood, these windows still provide an elegant and charming look for the home. They are very often found on historical homes or on higher-end custom-built homes. If this is the type of replacement window you think would be perfect for your home, here are a few contractor companies where you can find them: Jeldwen, Pella, and Marvin.
Composite Windows
There are a few different types of composite windows available today. A composite simply means that is composed of more than one material. They can often be mistaken for the look and feel of another type of window like vinyl or wood, but in reality, they are completely different. A type of composite windows to consider are fiberglass. Both are high-performing windows that are generally found on the mid-range to upper-end of the price scale. Some of the contractors who provide fiberglass windows include Marvin and Pella.
When your electricity bill makes you grimace, the temperature in the house is never comfortable, and the noise outside becomes irritating, you probably begin to investigate those old windows on your home. Sure enough, they are probably difficult to open or close, air is likely seeping in around the edges, they are foggy in between the panes, or perhaps even noticeably warped or peeling. That’s when you finally force yourself to start thinking about replacing them.