"We are pleased to offer a promotional financing plan of $0 money down, $0 monthly payments, 0% interest for 1 year subject to credit approval." Visit our expanded showroom & see firsthand all of the windows and doors we have available. ”


Window Outfitters Blog

  • Pinterest Icon
  • linkedin Icon

4 Things to Consider When Choosing New Windows

‘Tis the season for window shopping…

Perhaps you’ve been checking out displays for holiday gifts, but maybe you’re in the market for replacement windows for your home before another Minnesota winter eats up your hard-earned cash wit high utility bills.

Choosing which windows are perfect for you and your home’s needs can be extremely difficult given the almost endless options that are available on the market today. You want to be sure that you are getting the best windows for your home.  We’ve got these four simple tips to help narrow down your selection tremendously. So, when you are investing in a replacement window project – consider these four things, as well as others for changing out your windows.

Aesthetic Appeal
Looks play a huge part in selecting the right replacement windows. You do not want to go too far away from your home’s style when choosing new windows. To maintain the character of an older home, you should stick with wood framed windows, or you can choose fiberglass windows that have a wood grain look. For a more modern home, you may choose to go with an aluminum frame. There are also vinyl windows that come in a variety of colors, but if you are looking to change the colors later on you might want to opt for a fiberglass window frame, since fiberglass windows can be painted while aluminum and vinyl can’t.

Strength and Durability
Depending on the weather elements,, different materials react in different ways. Fiberglass is the best material for any type of weather. However, it is generally the most expensive window frame material available. Wood is also a wonderful weather-proof material, but if you are not into keeping up with maintenance, you run the risk of  warping and rotting. Vinyl and aluminum will also hold up to severe weather and help keep out moisture, and these types of windows can be a more economical option.  However, aluminum can fail in extremely cold temperatures, and vinyl can warp in extreme heat (including homes that get quite a bit of direct sun in cooler temps).

Energy Efficiency
Evaluating energy efficiency of the windows you’re considering should play a major role your choice. Overall, a vinyl or aluminum window is not as energy efficient as wood or fiberglass.  Wood and fiberglass will help keep your home even more insulated and your energy bills low.  But you can choose options such as triple paned glass or gas filling that can make an aluminum or vinyl window more energy-efficient.

Cost Effectiveness
Of course, cost is important. You should look at your window replacement project as an investment. Vinyl will be the cheapest up front but can end up costing you more in the long run in maintenance and repairs and your energy bills. Wood, too, can cost you more in maintenance and repairs if you do not keep up on it over the years, but it is great for insulation. Aluminum is lower maintenance and an inexpensive option but have a lower energy efficient rating resulting in higher energy bills, too. Fiberglass can be expensive up front but will give you the best overall value for your dollar with low maintenance requirements and amazing energy efficiency.

No matter the type of window you choose, or if you still need help deciding which type of window is the perfect match for you or your home, the Minneapolis replacement window professionals at Window Outfitters are here to help you along the way.  We offer a wide variety of quality energy efficient windows in wood, wood clad, vinyl, and fiberglass from manufacturers such as Marvin, Pella, Lindsay, and Weather Shield. 

Share

Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.

Archives