Many homeowners around the Minneapolis area are beginning to plan their spring exterior remodeling projects. One of the most popular? Replacement windows. If it’s time for new windows for your Eagan MN home, you have a number of things to consider, such as shape, size, and material. Almost all window manufacturers offer different shapes, sizes, designs and styles. In the past, the only material that was used for window frames was wood, but these days you’re able to choose from many different options such as fiberglass, aluminum and vinyl. You can also choose wood or wood-clad as well still. There are also different types of glass to choose from to give you a higher energy rating. As you’re deciding on new windows, make sure to assess every aspect of the windows to find out if they would not only look nice in your home but also provide the benefits you’re after.
Vinyl Windows
Vinyl windows are able to offer the homeowner energy saving benefits. They are also affordable. They are made from a PVC material. It is a durable material, but the quality of the window varies among manufacturers. (Window Outfitters only offers vinyl windows from top-quality companies such as Lindsey, Hurd, and Unlimited.) Replacement window manufacturers have advanced the way these windows look as well as their engineering to provide a durable window that will last 15 years or more, depending on the climate. Keep in mind if you’re considering vinyl windows, however, that they can warp and become unworkable if they are not installed by a qualified Minneapolis window installer who is trained to follow the manufacturer’s installation specifications.
Wood Windows
Once the only choice, wood windows still remain popular. With care, they can last for 30 years or more, depending on the climate and type of maintenance that you do on them. Adding weather stripping can increase their energy-efficiency. If you have wood windows, at times repairing the old ones or replacing just the window itself with inserts can be the right choice, but it’s best to consult a window installation professional to be sure. Wood windows are durable, but they can be expensive if they are made of hardwood such as oak. Wood windows need to be repainted or restained regularly, and they require other maintenance such as caulking and oiling to keep the wood in good shape. Also, we often recommend that homeowners with wood windows have storm windows installed for extra energy-efficiency as well as protection for the wood frames.
Aluminum Windows
Aluminum is more affordable than a vinyl window. Aluminum windows generally last around 15 to 20 years. However, the energy efficiency of these windows is also much lower than the other options that are available on the market. That means up-front cost savings can be reduced by higher energy bills. Also, aluminum windows are not the best choice in areas that experience extreme cold (such as Minneapolis).
Consider the MN Climate When Choosing Replacement Windows
You should think about the climate that you live in while shopping for windows. You may want wood for insulation and natural appeal, but it is able to rot due to humidity. With our damp weather, they might not be a good choice. Heat transfer and loss mean that aluminum windows are not the best choice, either. Vinyl is a more practical option for Eagan MN homeowners needing replacement windows.
When it comes to choosing new windows in the Minneapolis area, you have to assess everything that goes along with them. Whether you’re buying new or repairing the old, make sure to find out more through our qualified professional window installers in the Minneapolis area here at Window Outfitters. We know windows and we offer many different brands such as Pella, with many different glass options to block out noise or up your energy rating. Check out the different styles that we have as well such as bay, double hung, single hung and so on. Call us today for an estimate at 952-746-6661. We can also arrange a no-obligation individual appointment at our Savage showroom.
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.
