Homeowners here in the Twin Cities who are in the market for replacement windows probably know that there are so many options available that it’s almost overwhelming. So many decisions to be made, so where do you start? We suggest your first consideration should be determining what kind of window frame material you want.
photo courtesy of Weather Shield
Deciding to put new windows in your home does not have to be difficult to do, but you want to make sure that you choose the right window frame material. Comparing the main types is a good place to start.
Consider the insulation, cost, material type, and other factors before going with one window frame material or another. Choosing a higher quality window is important because you want to make sure that you have not only the right windows for your home but windows that perform the way you want.
Wood Frames: Once the traditional (and only) window frame choice, today real wood windows are usually not the go-to for many Minnesota homeowners, but there are times when these could be a good window solution.
Wood frames are unmatched in natural beauty and traditional charm, and wood is a good insulator. But they can require a lot of maintenance, even though they last a long time and are strong. Our weather can be hard on them, so we suggest if you choose wood windows you get ones that are clad on the exterior with a maintenance-free material. Another option is to protect them with high-quality storm windows, such as the ones we install from Mon-Ray.
Vinyl Frames: Vinyl frames are maintenance free, and all you have to do is wipe them off to keep them clean. They are relatively inexpensive to put in and can help with reduction in overall home energy costs if you choose ones that are EnergyStar rated. Vinyl is a durable material and can go with just about anything and any home. They can add value to the home and are one of the most commonly used window frames. And vinyl window frames are available in lots of colors.
Fiberglass Frames: A stronger window frame that the others on the market, fiberglass is a great choice to put in your home. Fiberglass windows are low maintenance and super strong, making them an ideal material to choose for Minneapolis homes. Fiberglass stands up to Minnesota weather very well.
Finally, there is no requirement that you put the same type of window frame material throughout your home. For many of our customers, we recommend a combination. We often install clad wood windows in rooms that are used during the day, such as a living room, and then install less-costly vinyl windows in rooms like bedrooms and bathrooms. On the exterior of the home the windows look the same – it’s only indoors that the frames look different. But that doesn’t seem to be an issue for our customers.
If you’re unsure of what type of window frame to put in your home, speak with our professionals here at Window Outfitters. We can ensure that you have the right frame for the home and the window you’re putting in your home. Call us today for a free in-home consultation. We can guide you through the process of picking out the best window frame material for your home.
Window Outfitters, Inc. is a licensed Minnesota home improvement contractor. We specialize in energy-efficient replacement windows, and we serve the greater Minneapolis metro area.
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.
