Common Window Materials: Pros and Cons | Window Installers in Frisco, TX
Windows are made from so many different materials. Which of these offers the best insulative properties? Which is the most economical option? Which has the most aesthetical appeal? We’ll talk about all of this and more. Read on to find out what our expert window installers in Frisco, TX have to say.
Which material is the most energy efficient?
Energy efficiency is the hype these days. Take a look at the options available, and you’ll come across a horde of energy efficient windows. According to window installers in Frisco, TX, low E-coatings and argon filled glazing are the two most popular features which buyers often look for when buying new windows.
The best way to find out if a window is actually energy efficient is to check the labels. If performance levels are acceptable, the window should be stamped with an Energy Star Label. But labels along aren’t enough to help you qualify for the tax credit – we’ll talk about this towards the end. Our window installers in Frisco, TX state that the most energy efficient windows shouldn’t only have the Energy Star label, but also have a lower U-factor and solar gain coefficient values. Ideally, these are equal to, or less than 0.3. U-factor is a measure of insulative properties and solar gain coefficient measures the manner in which the window blocks heat transfers. You can find out all these values by reading the NFRC performance label.
Vinyl – the economical option
Our window installers in Frisco, TX state that 67% of windows sold for residential purposes are vinyl windows; a popular material among homeowners. What about vinyl makes these windows so preferable? Our window installers in Frisco, TX tell us that vinyl is the perfect combination of good performance, durability and reliability. Vinyl cannot be damaged easily and offers a resistance to moisture.
Vinyl also does a good job in terms of performance according to our window installers in Frisco, TX. The material is inert and acts a as a good insulator, while being strong and tough. And by the way, vinyl windows are often equipped with gas filled chambers which deliver a much better performance than standard vinyl windows.
So is vinyl all that good? There are some cons as well, the biggest of which is probably appearance. Vinyl isn’t attractive and has a synthetic look. Manufactures offer vinyl windows in limited colors which cover scratches quite well, but if you are buying a window off the shelf, then white and tan are the only options. If you preorder, then you can choose from grey, red, green and some other basic colors.
Fiberglass – the durable choice, finally getting noticed
Fiberglass windows are probably the least popular option right now. According to our window installers in Frisco, TX, this material only takes up 3% of the entire market. But nonetheless, its popularity is increasing as more and people realize that fiberglass is durable and doesn’t require any maintenance. Available in an affordable range but with prices higher than vinyl windows, fiberglass doesn’t crack or rot. If you want to improve thermal performance of fiberglass windows even more, then our window installers in Frisco, TX suggest filling the frames with foam insulation.
Like with vinyl, the offered colors are limited but your window installers in Frisco, TX would be able to paint them in any color you like. You may also come across fiberglass windows that mimic wood quite well.
Wood – the elegant and the most aesthetically appealing material
Wood offers the best insulative properties, but it can rot, isn’t durable and is affected by moisture and rain. Thus, significant maintenance is required to keep wood windows in their original conditions. But despite all this, wood is among the top-most window materials, even though it is the most expensive. After all, it has a class and elegance, and can take the décor to a whole new level.
Wood offers excellent insulation properties, can accept stains and paints, and can be customized for any application. Yes, it doesn’t stand up to the weather until you keep it maintained. Our window installers in Frisco, TX suggest that you should regularly inspect your wooden windows, watching out for signs of wear and tear. Should the frame crack, paint or caulk can help repair the structure. Talk to window installers in Frisco, TX, and they’ll come up with the most effective and economical solution.
So what is it that makes wood windows popular? Technology has worked a way around the drawbacks. Wooden windows are often cladded with aluminum or vinyl, retaining their insulative properties but offering a much better resistance to environmental factors.
Let’s talk a bit about costs
Window costs vary widely depending on the product that you choose, and then you also have to factor in installation charges. If you choose vinyl window with a double hung style and a low E-coating pane, you’ll have to bear costs around $150, provided the window size is 3 ft x 4 ft. Should you select an argon filled, triple pane glazing and pair it up with a fiberglass frame, then the cost will increase to $400 according to window installers in Frisco, TX. Add in other treatments like custom grills and special coatings, and the price shoots up to $800 or so.
Don’t forget the tax credit!
If costs are a concern, then our expert window installers in Frisco, TX advise that you should definitelymake the most out of tax benefits. Avail federal tax credit, applicable only to qualified products, and pay less in taxes. The credit amount is either 30% of the window costs or $1500, whichever is lower. Please note that there are no tax benefits for installation costs.
Another way to bring down the costs is to only replace the glazing rather than the entire window unit. Storm windows are another option that don’t incur significant expenses. Talk to our window installers in Frisco, TX Energy Window Solutions at and they’ll come up with an effective solution based on your needs and budgets.