Can’t Decide on Which Style of Window
Is Best for Your Home?
|
Window Comparison by Type of Frame |
||||
|
|
Aluminum |
Vinyl |
Fiberglass |
Wood |
|
Advantages: |
Narrow, sleek appearance Maximum glazing area Maintenance-free Least expensive |
Energy-efficient Maintenance-free Relatively inexpensive Best value in terms of energy-efficiency |
Energy-efficient Stronger than alumnum, vinyl, or wood Paintable (looks like wood) Impervious to insects Greatest resistance to seal failure (frame expands and contracts at same rate as glass) Multiple grid and hardware options Least environmental impact |
Energy-efficient Paintable and stainable Multiple grid and hardware options Pella offers between-the-glass shades and retractable screens |
|
Disadvantages |
Thermally-inefficient Color limitations Grid limitations (usually internal only) Hardware limitations |
Heavy (“clunky”) appearance Color limitations Shiny finish Grid limitations (usually internal only) Hardware limitations |
More expensive than aluminum or vinyl Not available in arch configurations |
Most expensive Requires some maintenance |
Read on to see how vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum windows stack up to one another. Please include relevant pics of windows for every section.
Vinyl Windows
The ultimate package of energy efficiency, looks, performance, and affordability.
An urban myth says that vinyl in hot temperatures will damage or melt. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
Most vinyl windows are now coated with ultraviolet inhibitors, which prevent heat and sun damage. So vinyl windows won’t melt on even those 115 degree days.
Vinyl is one of the most durable materials on the market, and requires almost zero upkeep.
The MILGARD Difference
Builder Magazine has rated MILGARD’s vinyl windows as the industry leader on eight separate occasions.
Why?
MILGARD vinyl windows are made with a secret polyvinyl-chloride formula, so they’re guaranteed to perform for a lifetime. And they’re loaded with features such as their patented SmartTouch® hardware, PureView® enhanced visibility screens and glass-breakage warranty that ensure their long-term ease of operation and aesthetic appeal.
MILGARD’s Quiet Line™ vinyl windows offer optimal sound control performance in situations where noise from low-flying airplanes, street traffic or a neighbor’s barking dog presents a problem.
MILGARD’s custom vinyl recipe translates into maximum performance and durability. The result is a perfect combination of looks, performance, energy efficiency and affordability. No wonder Builder Magazine has rated Milgard’s vinyl windows “Best Quality Vinyl Window in the Nation”… 8 times!
Fiberglass Windows
The beautiful look of wood—without the maintenance hassles.
Fiberglass gives the look of wood, but is much more durable. Fiberglass is an excellent insulator and requires minimal maintenance. Unlike wood, fiberglass never warps, rots, splits, or corrodes and is also immune to insect-related damage.
And because it's made of glass fibers, fiberglass frames expand and contract at the same rate as the insulated glass they hold. This puts less stress on the seals, reduces the chance for seal failure and results in a clear, fog-free window that lasts for years and years.
Fiberglass is also the most environmentally friendly option in windows. It’s made of sand which is more plentiful than lumber, and manufacturing this product results in low emissions and ozone depletion. And, overall, fiberglass requires less energy to produce into a finished product than aluminum or vinyl.
The MILGARD Difference
The fact that MILGARD produces their own fiberglass pultrusions gives them the ability to use proprietary designs that are more technologically advanced and to better control quality.
Available with either a prefinished white or wood veneer interior, MILGARD fiberglass windows also offer a simulated-divided-lite option for grids and come with a lifetime glass-breakage warranty
MILGARD fiberglass windows are designed to match the beauty and profile of solid wood windows, while providing the strength, durability and performance only fiberglass can give.
Aluminum Windows
The Perfect Combination of Durability and Value.
Aluminum typically lacks the insulating properties of vinyl and fiberglass, so it’s less expensive than frames made with other materials.
But if you want tough windows that can be used in a wide variety of situations, aluminum is a great choice.
The MILGARD Difference
MILGARD aluminum windows, available with both standard and thermally-broken frames, offer many advantages usually available only in much more expensive lines — features like Low-E glass, positive action locking systems and sealed, mechanically joined corners which stay square and true over years of use, and are guaranteed for LIFE.
Want to Learn More About Your Window Options?
Call (602) 233-1981 right now to have our receptionist, Angie, set up a convenient time for your FREE consultation and estimate. This is an easy, pressure-free way to get all of your questions answered.
