If you’re still debating on whether to go for fiberglass windows or wood after reading our earlier post, these two final points may help you come down to a final decision.
Maintenance
Wood windows need a fair amount of maintenance in order to keep them in great shape for as long as possible. In addition to annual or biannual inspection for leaks, they must have old paint scraped away, and then be standed and repainted or stained to keep the wood itself protected from the elements. These steps are necessary to avoid rotting, because the paint protects the wood while renewing the window’s appearance. If rot has set in, the windows will need to be replaced.
However, fiberglass windows don’t need any of those steps to stay in great shape, outside of the annual inspection. To clean the frames, you only need to use water and some mild soap. There’s no painting needed, nor any type of protective sealing. Once fiberglass windows are installed, the only regular care they really need is cleaning, which can easily be done as part of your spring cleaning routine. Their ease of care makes them the best choice if you want a set of low maintenance windows.
Value
When it comes to the cost of buying and installing windows, wood is generally more expensive than fiberglass. Prices can range quite a bit, depending on the species you’d like to use. However, once they’re installed, your home’s value goes up proportionally. Because their classic look is so much in demand, buyers are willing to pay more for what’s become a rare commodity.
Although fiberglass windows also add value to your Minneapolis home, wood still adds more because of its novelty and classic look. In this category, wood trumps fiberglass.
If you’re interested in either wood or fiberglass windows, Windows Outfitters installs both types from Marvin Windows and Doors, Pella and WeatherShield. We offer individual appointments at our showroom so that you can compare window types side by side.
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.
