Which Replacement Window Material is Optimal for your California Home?

In the beginning, there were wood windows and there were aluminum windows—neither of which were ideal once they were challenged by the environment. Aluminum windows proved to be wonderful conductors, bringing whatever temperature was outside right into the home. Needless to say, aluminum is rarely used in new home construction today.

Wood windows looked nicer, but had the problem of warping and rotting after exposure to moisture, eventually becoming difficult to open, and more drafty as they aged. Advances in technology have improved the functionality of wood, making it still a viable option for home window replacement today.

Next came vinyl, which had been the preferred choice for years, but vinyl too has its downsides. In recent years, Fibrex® material emerged as a leading resource for high quality replacement windows in California and throughout the US. But when choosing replacement windows, how can you decide what is right for your Sacramento home?

When considering which type of replacement windows to choose for your home renovation project, consider how each type stacks up against the four critical factors of energy efficiency, lifespan, aesthetics, and cost.

Evaluating the energy efficiency of replacement windows

It’s imperative to evaluate the overall construction of the window along with the trim material. Since the majority of the window is glass, the quality and material of the glass also plays an important role in the evaluation process. Over the years, most of us have grown accustomed to poorly insulated windows that don’t offer as much as is possible in terms of keeping temperatures and noises outside where they belong. Today, dual paned windows are the leader in providing serious insulation value.

Not only do the two panes keep more noise and weather out, the space between the panes is actually filled with argon, a non-toxic, colorless, odorless gas that acts as a thermal buffer from the elements. The most energy efficient replacement windows are those that have earned the Energy Star rating like the Renewal by Andersen window. In addition to being dual paned, these windows are made with Low-E4 glass that also works to increase energy efficiency.

Lifespan of various replacement window materials

Every material has a lifespan, though it’s not often something homeowners ponder when browsing through the beautiful replacement windows on the showroom floor. But lifespan is the area where different window materials really further differentiate themselves from one another. Vinyl frames are known for warping over time—especially when constantly exposed to the hot daytime California heat and cool nighttime air typical in Sacramento.

Wood windows on the other hand are susceptible to rot and decay. In the California heat, they can become dry and brittle and eventually loose their ability to insulate well. Offering the best of both worlds is Fibrex® material that looks and acts like wood in strength, but is impervious to rot and decay, and resists expansion and contraction in heat or cold which greatly increases longevity.

Aesthetic Value – Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

When it comes to aesthetics, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In general, the look of wood windows tends to be more elegant and is often found in more upscale neighborhoods. And though many people choose wood windows for looks alone, they are often surprised to find that wood windows require a lot more upkeep than anticipated to prevent warping and rotting over time.

It is for this reason that many homeowners and builders today are making the shift to Fibrex® material for their windows. Though it looks like wood, it’s actually composed of wood fiber and thermoplastic polymer, making it incredibly durable. In Sacramento’s hot, dry climate in the summer. Fibrex ® material replacement windows won’t dry out or crack like wood windows. As an added benefit, the strength of the Fibrex® material allows windows to have 35% more glass surface than that of wood or vinyl, another feature that many homeowners find highly aesthetically pleasing.

Comparing costs of replacement windows

Comparing the cost of different replacement windows can be tricky because you’re not always comparing apples to apples. What may appear as a cost savings now can actually turn out to be much more expensive in the future. One of the greatest cost savings associated with replacement windows is the future savings on energy bills.

With higher quality insulation materials comes lower energy consumption costs. Any replacement window that has earned the Energy Star rating like Renewal by Andersen has proven itself in its ability to reduce energy costs. Additionally, when you purchase replacement windows with the Energy Star rating, you’ll also enjoy a tax credit of 10% of the purchase price up to $200 total credit.

Another factor to consider is the increased resale value of your home after adding replacement windows. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2003 "Cost vs. Value" survey, Sacramento homeowners that installed replacement windows realized a 72% increase in home value.

Replacement windows are an outstanding choice for a home upgrade for a number of reasons. However, by doing a little research and comparing your options against these four critical factors, you can maximize the cost savings of your replacement windows and enjoy the benefits for years to come.