What Are the Best Material Options for Exterior Replacement Windows?

From time to time, you’ll need to determine the best material options for exterior replacement windows for your home. Maybe your previous windows were broken from a storm or from an errant baseball thrown by the kids down the street. Or maybe you want to renovate your home and replace exterior windows with new, energy-efficient models.

In any case, you’ll need to choose the right material for your exterior windows so your new ones are exactly what you need. Let’s break down two of the best materials to consider: vinyl and wood.

Best Material Options for Exterior Replacement Windows: Vinyl Windows

Vinyl windows are among the best exterior replacement windows on the market for several key reasons:

• Vinyl windows are typically affordable, making them great for homeowners on a budget
• Vinyl windows are usually low maintenance, so they remain durable without requiring tons of upkeep
• Vinyl doesn’t chip, peel, rot, or fade in the sun, so it may last for decades without any issues
• Vinyl windows are also energy-efficient, offering a wide range of energy-saving features including UV coatings, triple-paned glass, foam-filled frames, and more

One thing to note, however, is that you cannot usually repaint vinyl windows without voiding the manufacturer’s warranty. Because of this, you should choose your vinyl windows in a color that you’ll appreciate for years to come.

Wood Windows

Wood windows have many of the same benefits as vinyl windows but are typically considered a higher-end product.

• Wood windows are considered a higher class and aesthetically pleasing to many, especially if a home’s broader frame/siding is also made of wood
• Wood windows can be refinished or tweaked using sanding or polishing, allowing you to adjust the look of your home with more specificity
• Wood windows boost the curb appeal of your home, which may help you sell it for a higher value in the future
• Wood windows can also be energy-efficient if you pair them with high-quality glass and other energy-saving features that can be built into the window

That said, keep in mind that wood windows are also prone to rotting, chipping, and warping compared to other materials, so they require extra maintenance and care. Furthermore, wood windows are usually more expensive than vinyl windows or other exterior window material options.

Things to Consider as a Homeowner

Picking between these two material options for exterior replacement windows can be tough. As a homeowner, you should consider:

• Your total budget for replacement windows. This will often be affected by how many windows you wish to replace
• The surrounding materials of your home (i.e. does your home use wooden or vinyl siding?)
• Whether you want to maintain the windows yourself or if you want something a little less hands-on
• Are there local or federal tax incentives, rebates, or discounts from your local electric company for replacing your existing windows with those that meet energy-efficient ratings

Does Energy Efficiency Really Matter?

We’ve talked a lot about energy efficiency, and for good reason. The more energy-efficient your windows are, the more money you’ll save on your utility bill because:

• Energy-efficient windows don’t bleed heat outdoors in the winter as much
• Energy-efficient windows don’t heat up as much in the summer, forcing you to run your AC more often

Energy-efficient windows are comfortable, classy, and they save you money in the long term.  Better yet, you may be able eligible for rebates or discounts from local utility companies or your city.

Best Material Options for Exterior Replacement Windows: Which Exterior Window Material Should You Choose?

Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine which exterior window material is right for your needs and your budget limitations.

If you’re still unsure, you can contact Como Premium Exteriors for more information. We can answer additional questions, walk you through the estimated price for windows of either vinyl or wood materials, and help you determine the perfect installation date for your needs.

When it comes to choosing the best material options for exterior replacement windows, Como Premium Exteriors can help, so give us a call today!