While some Kansas City window replacement companies will try to tell you that there is a single best material for a window frame, the truth is the right choice depends on what you want to get out of your windows and how much you want to spend.
Each choice of window material has advantages and disadvantage. If a salesperson or consultant tries to tell you there is only one right solution, look for someone else who is willing to discuss your options.
Here is a guide to the 3 most common window materials, with advantages of each and what to pay attention to when making a selection.
Vinyl Replacement Windows in Kansas City
Before getting into the advantages of vinyl windows, it’s crucial to note that not all vinyl windows are the same. If you go with super-cheap, inferior vinyl windows, do not expect them to hold up over time. They will chalk, fade, and sometimes leak and permanently fog up because moisture has penetrated between the panes.
Take care to avoid windows made from recycled vinyl or windows with a price that seems too good to be true. Also avoid vinyl windows that have non-fusion welded corners, or poor U-Factor and SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) ratings.
That’s what to avoid. There are, however, some superb vinyl windows out on the market. Some proven brands include Simonton, Alside, and PlyGem.
Vinyl windows have many things going for them; they are energy-efficient, durable, and generally have good warranties (although always read the fine print!).
Vinyl windows are also attractive, although they are usually not as beautiful as fiberglass or wood/composite options. The trade-off is that vinyl windows are more affordable than the other options.
The bottom line for vinyl windows: they’re affordable, and if you select a quality choice from a contractor that you trust, you’ll be satisfied with the results.
Fiberglass Replacement Windows in Kansas City
Fiberglass is a superb, energy-efficient material for constructing windows. It is also super-strong – anywhere from 3 to 8 times stronger than vinyl or vinyl/wood composites. This means that it can hold more glass with less framing material, giving you better views with more glass.
Fiberglass also gives more color flexibility than vinyl because is paintable. You can also get finishes that look great and resist fading, chalking, cracking, and peeling.
The other advantage of fiberglass is that it remains stable in extreme temperatures and expands at nearly the same rate as glass. That means these windows stay air tight over time, giving them a longer life expectancy than typical windows.
One word of caution: watch out for imitations or claims that a window is fiberglass when you can’t be sure. To avoid problems, select a brand like Marvin Integrity® Windows that is from a proven manufacturer.
Perhaps the biggest advantage of fiberglass replacement windows is how attractive they are. They rival wood windows in appearance, but without the drawbacks of wood. For the quality-conscious Kansas City homeowner, fiberglass replacement windows are an exceptional choice.
Fiberglass windows generally cost more than vinyl windows, but many homeowners feel the upgrade in appearance and strength is worth it.
Wood Replacement Windows in Kansas City
If you want the beauty of real wood, your best choice is likely a wood interior with a clad or fiberglass exterior. Look for a brand like Marvin Integrity Wood-Ultrex or something of similar quality.
The advantages of this kind of window: you get the beauty of wood on the inside with the rigidity and durability of fiberglass on the outside. You can choose a stainable/paintable wood that you love and that matches the interior of your home, while also getting the color selection of fiberglass for the outside of your home.
The one thing to be wary of is wood composite windows with inferior construction methods or that use poor composite materials. Virtually anything could be called a composite. Again, protect yourself by hiring a reputable Kansas City window installer and select a proven brand.
Wood windows are more expensive than vinyl, although the extra money does upgrade the appearance and value of your home.
If you are a quality-conscious homeowner who wants the high-end, superior-quality replacement windows for your Kansas City home, wood windows make a terrific choice.
For more information, we suggest finding a replacement window company in the Kansas City area willing to spend the time to educate you on your options and make a customized window material recommendation for you.
Our window team has been selling and installing replacement windows in Kansas City, KS, Kansas City, MO, Leawood, Lenexa, Merriam, Mission, Mission Hills, Olathe, Overland Park, Prairie Village, Roeland Park, Shawnee, and Shawnee Mission for over 40 years!
If you have any questions or need some help choosing the Best Windows for your home, give our expert installation team a call at (913) 782-2878 or fill out our contact form. We’d be honored to help!
