Types of Replacment Windows - Vinyl, Wood, Aluminum, Fiberglass

Replacement windows are available in many styles and configurations. When buying new windows for you house you can choose from a variety of design styles, glass configurations and sash materials. Each type has their advantages and disadvantages. Some let more light in, some allow for better ventilation, some are more energy efficient, some are easier to clean and there can be a big difference in cost.

You hear a lot about energy efficient windows these days but the truth is, almost any window currently sold is much more energy efficient that widows sold only a few years ago. Advances in sash insulation methods and window seals have helped but the biggest advancement has been in the glass, or window glazing.

Double pane windows have been around for a number of years but recent advancements such as adding a non-toxic gas between the glass panes and adding Low-E coatings have had led to tremendous improvements in the energy efficiency of windows.

Whether you are building a new home or remodeling your current home there are many types of replacement windows to choose from. In addition to being environmentally friendly by using less energy, many windows are available that were manufactured using green building methods.

Choosing replacement windows

When choosing replacement windows you have a lot of decisions to make but they fall into one of the following categories

Window style
Sash material
Glazing – the number panes of glass
Glass treatments – such as Low E coatings
Window ratings – which energy efficient ratings are most important for your home

Popular window styles include:

The window style refers to the look of a window and how it opens. Deciding on a window style is largely personal preference but can also be dictated by the circumstances. For instance if window will never be opened a picture window is probably the best option because it will be more energy efficient because there is less chance for air or water leakage because there are no seals that can leak. If maximum ventilation is desired a double hung window is a great option.

Different types of windows are also better suited for particular architectural styles. Many windows have one sheet of glass and use snap in inserts to give the appearance of multiple panes. The inserts can be removed to make cleaning windows easier. Many windows are also available with thin inserts which allow more light in.

Window sash material

The window sash is the material that holds the panes of glass and is separate from the window frame and is actually the part that is inserted into the window frame.

Vinyl
Fiberglass
Wood
Aluminum
Wood clad (vinyl or aluminum on the outside, wood on the inside)

Vinyl replacement windows have become very popular for their affordability, low maintenance and thermal qualities and with the increased awareness of energy efficient windows, insulated vinyl windows are a great option. Vinyl windows never need painting but can be more susceptible to shrinking and warping in extreme temperatures.

Wood windows have long been desired for their beauty. Nothing can rival the warm and elegance of a wood window. When “maintenance free” vinyl windows came out many people have forgotten about wood windows but wood windows offer better durability than vinyl and as good or better energy efficiency. With the recent advancements in wood clad windows which have wood on the inside and a maintenance free material such as vinyl or aluminum on the outside, wood replacement windows are making a comeback.

The line is blurring between types of windows with the development of hybrid systems that combine two materials. Wood windows are available with vinyl or aluminum cladding on the outside providing the durability of vinyl or aluminum on the outside with the beauty of wood on the inside. Vinyl replacement windows with wood veneers on the interior provide the best of both worlds. Vinyl’s durability and performance on the outside and woods flexibility and attractive appearance on the inside.

Glass options

Single pane
Double pane
Triple pane
Quadruple pane

Glass treatments

Adding Low-E (or Low Emissivity) coatings can be added to windows to reduce the amount of radiant heat they let pass through. Low-E coatings are a transparent film applied to the inside (the side facing the other pane of glass in a double pane window). The coating reflects the radiant energy, keeping it on the side of the glass it originated on (the sun’s heat is kept outside in the summer and heat in kept inside your home in winter).

Low E coatings are available in the several levels including:

High solar gain
Moderate solar gain
Low solar gain

Window ratings

Windows are tested and rated in various performance categories to provide consumers un-biased and uniform information to compare replacement windows. The five replacement window ratings issued by the NFRC are:

U Factor
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
Visible Transmittance
Air Leakage
Condensation Resistance

Best replacement windows

Choosing the best replacement window is not completely straight forward and depends on several factors, including:

Your budget
Style of your home
Personal preference as to appearance
Importance of energy efficiency
Where you live and the orientation of your windows to the sun
Will you be replacing the entire window (including the frame) or just the sash

Installation

Installing replacement windows is potentially a do-it yourself project, especially if you are only replacing the sashes. Installing new windows and window frames requires a lot more work, skills and tools.

If you don’t feel comfortable installing new windows yourself consult our guide to hiring a replacement window contractor to help you hire the right contractor to install your windows.

Window manufacturers

Anderson
Milgaard
Pella
Marvin

Types of Replacement Windows