“What type of window material should I choose?” is one of the most frequent questions we get asked. With so many choices and variety within the market, it can be tough to select which window material is right for your situation. At Guido Materials, we have alleviated some of the guessing by offering a curated and select list of window brands that are industry leaders known for their quality and reputation.

It can be difficult to know the benefits – and the disadvantages – of the various materials of which windows are made. Whether it be vinyl or steel, or fiberglass and wood, here are some pros and cons you should consider when choosing the right window material for your needs.

Vinyl Windows

Pros:

A long-lasting favorite, vinyl windows provide high performance for an affordable price. Jeld-Wen and Quaker both offer quality vinyl window products.

Typically featuring uPVC as its main material, a vinyl frame provides high energy-efficiency, as well as low maintenance. In fact, uPVC frames can now be designed to look like wooden frames and come in a variety of colors. Throw out your preconceptions and vinyl frames could surprise you.

Cons:

While some manufacturers use recycled materials, vinyl itself is made from chemicals. This means it is more affordable to make (which is why prices are relatively low), but it’s not a natural product and does have an environmental impact.

While generally low-maintenance, vinyl windows contract and expand in changing temperatures, which has an effect on their ability to seal. If exposed to hot sunlight, there is a chance vinyl could warp.

Because vinyl windows are more cost effective to manufacture, they’re the most popular window material on the market. However, this does mean they are the most likely to vary in quality. When selecting a vinyl material make sure you choose a brand that offers a strong warranty and is equipped with high performance glass.

Aluminum Windows

Pros:

A top feature of aluminum windows is that they offer slim frames and sightlines which is the best for maximizing light. Western Window Systems offers aluminum windows and doors exclusively.

Another benefit of aluminum windows is that it offers thermal barriers within the frames. This will ultimately help reduce heat loss, making your window more efficient. Quaker Opticore Aluminum windows has one of the highest energy performance ratings on the market for all aluminum products.

Weatherproof and durable (they won’t rust or flake), aluminum frames are great all-around, especially for those who love a black interior and exterior window!

Cons:

Compared to vinyl, aluminum is a more expensive material to produce and purchase. Naturally this is reflected in the price of a finished aluminum window.

Also, because of the way metal conducts heat, some aluminum windows are prone to producing condensation. To prevent condensation, make sure you choose an aluminum window with a large thermal break and good energy values as mentioned above. Our recommendation is to stay away from super cheap aluminum products or you run the risk of issues down the road.

Wood-Clad Windows

Pros:

Wood-clad windows have the interior surfacing of traditional wood but are often paired with a weather-resistant exterior like aluminum or vinyl, which provides maximum exterior durability and interior color flexibility. Marvin Ultimate series from its Signature Collection, among many great benefits, offers an aluminum clad window that features an industry leading 20 year exterior paint finish. Lincoln, another leading brand offered at Guido Materials, has both aluminum and vinyl wood-clad window lines to consider.

Aside from the look and feel of wood-clad windows, benefits include low maintenance, plenty of color choices, and interiors that can be painted. Also, much like all aluminum products, wood clad windows can often be made in very large sizes.

Cons:

One potential drawback to wood-clad windows you should consider is that the interior wood portion of the window will need to be painted by a professional once it is installed. In most cases, the interior can come primed and ready for your choice of paint colors. Another consideration for wood-clad windows is the expense. Wood-clad windows are often more expensive than vinyl and other composite windows.

Fiberglass Windows

Pros:

Stronger than vinyl windows – and not as prone to warping, contracting and expanding – fiberglass also boosts thermal efficiency. Because it is strong and durable, fiberglass frames can hold larger window panes…perfect if you’re looking to create large walls of glass to maximize sunlight.

Brands we carry, like Marvin, use patented high-density fiberglass to excel in complex, fluctuating and harsh climate conditions.

Marvin’s Elevate and Essential fiberglass collections are so dense, they even expand and contract at a similar rate as glass, which means the contact points that prevent water penetration will always be bonded.

Cons:

As the ingredients of fiberglass windows continue to rise in cost, fiberglass windows can often prove more costly than other window materials like vinyl.

Steel Windows

Pros:

Steel is the strongest material on the market for windows and doors, incomparable to supposedly similar products made of aluminum. So durable, steel frames can and often will last a lifetime.

But it’s not durability that steel windows have going for them – steel has a timeless elegance, and these windows come with some of the slimmest sightlines on the market.

Steel windows can also be environmentally friendly – some manufacturers use recycled materials, and there’s scope for plenty of bespoke orders. Steel offers flexibility when it comes to style and size. Explore our Rehme steel window collection to see how steel windows could be incorporated into your home.

Cons:

As a metal, steel is fairly heavy, which you might notice when opening and closing the windows. This weightiness can also have an impact on the installation costs.

Wood Windows

Pros:

Classic in look and feel, timber window frames are the highest performing when it comes to thermal conductivity because their natural properties absorb and retain heat.

You’ll typically have a choice of softwood (which is gaining popularity) and hardwood, and modern timber frames are now built not to bow or warp.

Wood frames also offer you the ability to choose your color of stain, which means you can repaint or restain if ever you feel the need to.

Cons:

Despite all the pros, wooden frames can be quite expensive. The average cost of replacing a wooden window is often slightly more than other window materials.

A wooden window also requires more maintenance than other window materials, as if left untreated they can be prone to warping, cracking and bug infestations. This should not deter you, if maintained, they offer a long life expectancy!

If you would like more information or are looking for inspiration, take a virtual tour of our showroom on our website or schedule a visit with one of our sales experts at one of our window and door showrooms in San Antonio or Fredericksburg.