Window Notes

Last updated June 2, 2022
By Emma Howland

Manufacturers:

  • Pella- top fiberglass window manufacturer and noted as most affordable.
  • Marvin- middle of the road price ranges and has a large selection of fiberglass windows.
  • Andersen- noted to have some supply chain issues, but otherwise trusted and popular brand.
  • Milgard- most recommended by contractors in the area for reliable supply chain timeline and high quality products. Can be more expensive than other brands.

Frame Options:

Wood

  • Typically oak, cherry, walnut (hardwoods), Pine, juniper, cedar or fir (softwoods)
  • many appreciate the look of natural wood the most, however, this is a very expensive option (double or sometimes triple the cost of vinyl)
  • Prone to water damage and cracking
  • does not conduct heat and with proper care and maintenance can last a long time
  • maintenance- requires regular painting/ staining to prevent rotting (especially near bodies of water)
  • Wood Clad: wood adhered to aluminum or steel- interior has the look of wood without having the wood on the exterior
  • Wood Composite: twice the strength of vinyl and cheaper of wood window options. Made with resin and fiberglass- get the wood look without it actually being wood

Fiberglass

  • Most durable, expected to last 50+ years. Resists warping and cracking more than Vinyl.
  • maintenance free, except for peeling/ fading paint
  • manufactured using fibers and resin- these materials do not react to temperature fluctuations and are reliable in all climates. They provide excellent thermal performance
  • Most fiberglass is made from recycled glass and the process of manufacturing does not produce harmful chemicals or off-gassing.

Aluminum

  • Thermally broken frame is required
  • cost-efficient option (a lot of bang for your buck)
  • anodized finish will never need to be repainted (maintenance free)
  • Lightweight and easy to customize
  • slim profile
  • Disadvantages: high U-value even with a thermal break, it does not compare to vinyl or fiberglass.
  • Aluminum is prone to condensate and cold to the touch in winter
  • Corrosion is a concern in salt air climates.

Vinyl

  • The most cost-efficient option (10% to 30% less expensive than wood or fiberglass)
  • Vinyl can expand and contract with fluctuating temperatures
  • Vinyl is slightly flexible and easier to install/ forgiving with slight measuerment discrepancies. also easy to find in standard sizes at home improvement stores
  • cannot be painted