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Choosing Minnesota Replacement Windows: Why the Material Matters

People shopping for replacement windows for their homes here in the Minneapolis area usually consider a number of factors:  name brand, price, and style.  Some even read the labels to compare energy efficiency.  But one important factor that shouldn’t be overlooked is the material used for the window frames.

Does window frame material really matter?

The short answer is yes.  The longer answer is what we’d like to give you in this post.

Generally windows are available in these materials:

  • Solid wood – interior and exterior
  • Wood interior with clad exterior (usually aluminum or vinyl, but fiberglass exterior cladding is becoming more popular)
  • Aluminum
  • Vinyl
  • Fiberglass

Except for aluminum windows, we sell all of these.  Why do we offer so many different kinds?

Because no one window or window frame material is right for every situation.  What will work best for you depends a lot on what you’re looking for.  

For example, wood windows are generally more expensive than vinyl or aluminum, but if you want something with a traditional look, charm and warmth, wood windows are unmatched.  And if you want to be able to paint or stain the exteriors, wood is what you want.  And they’re often the best replacement window for an historic home.

But if your aim is for a maintenance-free window, vinyl and fiberglass are better choices because they won’t need any exterior upkeep.  No re-doing the exterior finish, because the color is fused into the frame material.  

Maybe you want the best of both worlds – a traditional look inside but a low-maintenance exterior. Then a wood window with a clad exterior will be right for you.

And if what you’re really looking for is an exceptionally durable window frame that will stand up to the abuse Minnesota weather can bring, we’ll suggest fiberglass windows.  They’re more expensive than the other options, but they are very long lasting, require no exterior upkeep, and will stand tough against Mother Nature.

On a budget?  Vinyl windows for the most part are an economical choice, and they’re usually less costly than the other frame materials.  But even the economical vinyl windows we install are still a good investment, because they’re high quality and energy efficient.

In addition, at times we recommend a combination of several different types of window frame materials for a particular home.  For example, we might install wood clad windows in the main living areas to provide the great look that only real wood can give, but then we would put in less expensive vinyl windows in the bedrooms to reduce the overall project cost.

To find out more about what type of window might be the best choice for your home, give us a call today and talk to one of our replacement window professionals.  We can help you find the perfect window frame material for you and your home.  We install quality replacement windows from companies like Pella and Andersen in the entire Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area.  We are a licensed Minnesota home remodeling company.

 

 

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Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.

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