We’re continuing our series on window materials. To review our earlier comparison posts, click on the titles below:
In this post we’ll discuss how wood windows compare with aluminum frames.
Replacing the windows in your Minnesota home or business is not necessarily cheap. That being said, you want to make sure that your choice for windows is the best for you and your needs, and for many that includes a price consideration as well as evaluating other features.
Many homeowners are searching for the elegance that wood windows give a home without the maintenance, making aluminum perfect for that. However, there are also homeowners that believe the beauty of real wood windows cannot be replaced. Both wood windows and aluminum windows are widely used and are very popular for different reasons. In this post, you will learn the differences between the two to make your decision on which material to go with a little bit easier.
Window Durability
Aluminum windows are highly known for being long-lasting, since the frames don’t deteriorate like wood does. Taking good care of them will help keep them going for many, many years.
Wood windows, however, are more prone to damage due to uncontrollable things like weather elements. They can expand in hot and contract in cold climates, and they can also be warped due to these same elements. They are also more prone to rotting damage from moisture as well. That could be problematic since here in the Minneapolis area we get both heavy snow and rain. Hail and humid summers compound the problem. Without protection such as a storm window, wood exterior window frames just don’t hold up well in our climate.
Home Value and Window Cost
Both types of windows will bring your home value up if increased property value is what you are in search of. However, when it comes to cost, it depends on the amount of windows you are replacing and the style that you are putting in. However, an aluminum tends to cost much less than a comparable wood window does. The economical cost of aluminum windows is one of the top selling points of this option.
Window Maintenance
Due to wood’s organic nature, it requires more maintenance versus aluminum. Without proper upkeep, wood windows will not last as long as they should. They are also prone to water damage (especially the lower quality wood windows), but with the proper installation and a high quality wood window, water damage shouldn’t be an issue. You will need to periodically repaint or restain, though, to keep that wood in good condition. Re-caulking every few years is also required.
If you are in the market for an economical window that requires little maintenance, aluminum windows are more for you. They do not warp with varying temperatures or moisture, and depending on the type of window you choose, they require minimal maintenance to keep them in good shape.
Window Frame Appearance
Here at Window Outfitters we can offer our customers the best of both worlds in terms of window material.
WeatherShield windows offer the beauty of real wood frames on the interior with aluminum cladding on the exterior. They are extremely customizable when it comes to wood types and colors. You can choose from seven different types of wood and dozens of colors for the aluminum exterior.
For those who prefer the traditional beauty of real wood, Weather Shield also offers an all-wood window line can also be customizable. You can choose from over fifty colors in wood windows from this product line.
No matter what frame material you choose, you can always count on the MN replacement window professionals here at Window Outfitters to give you the best quality products that you and your home deserve. We offer windows in many frame types, and we can help make the selection process easier and the installation process the absolute best!
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.
