Tag: window materials

Vinyl windows are popular for good reasons: they cost less than most alternatives, they never need painting, and they insulate well. A 2024 market study by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance reports that vinyl windows represent 75 percent of window sales nationally. The main drawbacks are a fixed color, bulkier frames than aluminum and some […]

Wood windows look richer and can last for decades when they’re cared for, while vinyl costs less and asks almost nothing of you beyond cleaning. This Old House says wood windows last 30 years or more with proper maintenance, but they need repainting and sealing every three to five years. Vinyl needs minimal upkeep and […]

In a hot, humid Louisiana home, vinyl is usually the better all-around choice, and aluminum earns its place in a few specific situations. Vinyl insulates better, and This Old House says it generally lasts longer, up to 40 years against an average of 20 to 25 years for aluminum. Aluminum’s strengths are slim, rigid frames […]

For most homes in a hot, humid climate, vinyl wins on price and fiberglass wins on strength and lifespan. This Old House’s 2025 survey of 1,000 homeowners found vinyl averaged $558 per window and fiberglass $651. It also puts vinyl’s typical life at 20 to 30 years and fiberglass at up to 50 years or […]