Replacement Window Materials: Compare What’s Inside Different Types of Windows

There are pros and cons to every window frame material, and each of these factors should be taken into consideration alongside the rest of the products and services. We’ve gathered information about clad wood, vinyl, aluminum, and composite replacement window frame materials to provide the key facts you should know about each category. Learn more about the average cost, durability, energy efficiency, and maintenance levels commonly associated with each type of material to help you choose replacement windows that are both beautiful and beneficial, inside and out.

Wood

Wood windows are a classic choice, especially for older homes where you want to preserve a distinctive style or architectural design. Wood windows are typically clad on the exterior for protection from the elements but have a wood interior that can be ordered pre-finished or you can finish to match your home. Wood has a warmer look and feel than some other window types. There are many different species of wood that can be fashioned into windows.

Vinyl

Vinyl windows are popular with many homeowners for their affordability, ease of installation, minimal upkeep, and energy efficiency. Vinyl windows are typically available in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles. That said, you may want to take a “off-the-shelf” approach to window replacement when choosing vinyl, as customization may increase the cost. Also, if you are replacing windows in a historic home, be aware of any local regulations that may dictate the type of building materials and styles that can be used for remodeling and renovation.

Aluminum

Like vinyl, aluminum windows are an affordable replacement option. Aluminum is lightweight and can be easier to customize than some other window replacement materials. Aluminum windows are a popular choice for new construction, especially in homes with modern, contemporary design. Aluminum windows are used extensively in the southeastern U.S. and other areas prone to high humidity. However, aluminum is not particularly resistant to salt and salty sea air and may not be the right choice if you live in a coastal area. Aluminum windows may be subject to corrosion over time.

Composite

Composite replacement windows combine the beauty and charm of wood, the maintenance-free benefits of vinyl, the customization aspect of aluminum, plus the added benefits of energy efficiency, and durability. Composite windows are not the least expensive choice for a remodel or renovation project, but the “pros” of going with composite frame material can save money over time.

Use the information below to compare each replacement window material and find the best solutions for your next home improvement project.

Compare replacement window materials

Wood

Price

Clad wood replacement windows can be quite expensive depending on their size, style, and the species of wood you choose. The home improvement experts at Angi estimate that the average cost to replace one wood window can range from $650 to $1,900.

Strength and durability

New wood windows are exceptionally strong, and much stronger than softer wood species like pine. All wood windows require ongoing maintenance to prevent water absorption which can result in warping and rot overtime.

Energy efficiency

Wood windows can be an energy-efficient choice, provided they are well-made and properly installed. A poor installation can lead to gaps between windows and frames, allowing for unwanted airflow and heat transfer. This can be exacerbated over time, as wood windows are susceptible to expansion and contraction when subjected to extremes in temperature and humidity.

Maintenance

Wood window interiors require regular upkeep to maintain their good looks. Wood can be more difficult to keep clean than some other materials. Sealing, staining, patching, and painting wood windows can be time consuming for homeowners with busy, active lifestyles.

Appearance and design flexibility

Wood windows can be exceptionally attractive. They are generally available in all window types (double-hung, single-hung, casement, etc.), but it may be difficult and expensive to customize wood into a unique shape or design. You can change the appearance of wood over time by sanding and refinishing with stain or paint, allowing you to change the appearance of your windows as you update the style of your home’s interior.

Vinyl

Price

Vinyl is generally the most affordable window replacement material. Its ease of installation can help keep labor costs to a minimum. Budget-conscious homeowners typically look at vinyl first because of the attractive price tag. However, homeowners should be aware that low-quality vinyl windows and rushed or shoddy installation will cause problems and lead to more expense in efficiency and repairs in the long run.

Strength and durability

A well-made vinyl window can perform well for years, but vinyl is not as strong or durable as other window replacement frame materials. Vinyl is susceptible to breaking and cracking, especially under extreme cold, and is generally not available in darker colors due to warping in heat.

Energy efficiency

Here again, quality construction and proper installation are key to the energy-saving benefits of replacement windows. High-quality vinyl windows, installed by a professional team, will do a good job at reducing unwanted heat transfer and air infiltration. Low-cost, low-quality vinyl material may provide a substandard defense against heat and cold.

Maintenance

Vinyl windows are virtually maintenance-free, and don’t require much upkeep to look good. However, damaged vinyl is difficult to repair and typically must be replaced.

Appearance and design flexibility

Vinyl windows are available in a wide variety of colors and styles. However, vinyl is the least customizable of all window replacement materials. If you’re looking for a specific color, vinyl is typically not the best window replacement material as it’s more limited in its color options. In addition, because of their greater susceptibility to temperature extremes, it can be difficult to find vinyl windows in dark exterior finishes like black or dark bronze.

Aluminum

Price

Aluminum's unique reactive properties make it a durable choice for windows. When exposed to air, aluminum forms a thin oxide coating that naturally shields it from rust. This makes aluminum windows a lightweight yet strong option that can last for years. However, compared to materials like vinyl, the enamel finish on aluminum can fade more quickly when exposed to sunlight.

Strength and durability

Aluminum's unique reactive properties make it a durable choice for windows. When exposed to air, aluminum forms a thin oxide coating that naturally shields it from rust. This makes aluminum windows a lightweight yet strong option that can last for years. However, compared to materials like vinyl, the enamel finish on aluminum can fade more quickly when exposed to sunlight.

Energy efficiency

Depending on where you live, aluminum windows can be an energy-efficient choice. For maximum energy efficiency, it's best to choose aluminum windows that are "thermally broken." This means they have an insulated barrier within the frame to prevent heat transfer.

Maintenance

Aluminum window replacement material is easy to maintain, and like vinyl, never requires painting or staining. You’ll get good-looking windows that will need to be cleaned periodically but shouldn’t require any other maintenance or upkeep.

Appearance and design flexibility

Aluminum window frame material lends itself most easily to homes with modern, contemporary design. Aluminum is sleek and shiny and would look out of place in more classic construction. And while aluminum may require little-to-no surface maintenance, once you’ve chosen the color of your frames, they can’t be painted or otherwise refinished to change with the changing look of your home.

Composite

Price

Composite windows are considered a mid-range option when it comes to window replacement costs, with wood and fiberglass being the most expensive, and vinyl and aluminum being more budget friendly. When evaluating the cost of replacement windows, it's essential to think long-term. High-quality windows may have a higher upfront cost, but they typically last longer and perform better over time compared to cheaper, lower-quality options.

Strength and durability

Composite windows combine the appearance of solid wood with a more durable and stable structure. By integrating the strengths of multiple materials, composites are designed to resist extreme weather, damage, warping, cracking, and changes in shape or appearance over time, making them a reliable long-term option for window replacements.

Energy efficiency

Composite material has minimal expansion and contraction during temperature swings, enabling composite windows to keep their shape and provide excellent insulation against heat and cold. When comparing the energy efficiency of different replacement windows, be sure to look at the performance of the window as a whole versus a single component.

Maintenance

Composite window replacement material requires little-to-no upkeep, and composite windows retain their good looks for years without taking time out of your busy schedule for maintenance. Keeping composite windows clean is all that’s needed to keep them looking fresh and new.ew.

Warranties

The material used to construct composite windows should be warranted by the manufacturer for a specific period. Be sure you understand what is and is not covered by your warranty. Installation may be covered when composite windows are installed by trained professionals.

Appearance and design flexibility

Because composite material can be extruded into unique designs and shapes, you’re limited only by your imagination when it comes to window design. Composite material is the superior choice for custom windows, and depending on the manufacturer, is usually available in a variety of colors and surface textures.

Why is Fibrex® composite a smart choice for replacement material?

Of all the composite materials available for window replacement, Fibrex® material is unmatched for strength and durability, energy efficiency, low maintenance and upkeep, appearance, design, and warranty coverage.

The chart below compares Fibrex material to other window replacement materials, and clearly shows why Fibrex material should be a top consideration when choosing replacement windows made from composite (or any other) material.

Have questions about window replacement and what’s best for you and your home? We have answers! Schedule a free consultation today and learn about your options for replacement windows.