Add Character to Your New Construction

While solid wood and fiberglass replacement windows may look quite similar in appearance, they will each offer their own unique set of pros and cons which must be considered. Taking the time to review both these positive and negative features outlined below will allow you to ensure you are choosing the replacement window option that is best suited to your particular needs.

Option 1: Wood Replacement Windows

Pros

• Easy To Customize - Wood is ideal for individuals who require custom sized or shaped windows. This is because wood can be easily cut and sanded to fit any window opening without compromising the strength of the window. This material also has the ability to be easily customized over the years through the use of different wood stains and paints.
• High Resale Value - The installation of replacement windows will inevitably raise the resale value of your home no matter what building materials you choose to use. However, homeowners who choose wood replacement windows will see a much higher rate of increase due to the universal appeal and impressive benefits these windows have to offer.
• Long Lifespan - With proper care, wood windows can easily last you a lifetime. For many homeowners, this benefit alone will make solid wood the better option when choosing replacement windows for their home.

Cons

• High Maintenance - Wood windows will require annual maintenance in order to protect them against moisture damage. This maintenance will typically include the need to sand and reseal the wood in order to block out moisture and prevent rotting.
• Susceptible To Pests - Wood windows can also be damaged as the result of a pest infestation. With many household pests, such as termites, making wood their preferred meal of the day, regular pest control can become a huge part of owning wood windows.

Option 2: Fiberglass Replacement Windows

Pros

• Lightweight - Fiberglass is one of the lightest window materials available. However, despite this fact, fiberglass windows are also incredibly durable. Consequently, these windows will often be ideal for homeowners who are looking for a window that is easy to lift, but also strong enough to stand up to frequent use.
• Easy To Maintain - Fiberglass windows do not require any in depth maintenance over the years. In fact, the only maintenance these windows should ever require is a simple cleaning from time to time.
• Resists Damage - Fiberglass is naturally resistant to many types of damages, including rotting, rusting, cracking, and warping. This natural resistance can help to greatly extend the life of you new windows.

Cons

• Limited Time On Market - While fiberglass windows have been around for many years now, they are still one of the newest options the market has to offer. Consequently, there are still some unanswered questions regarding how these windows will perform in the distant future.
• Difficult To Repair - Fiberglass is extremely difficult to repair. In fact, if your fiberglass windows do become damaged, repairing this damage may prove impossible. Instead, you will likely be required to replace the entire window.

The Bottom Line

There are a wide variety of factors that should be considered when choosing replacement windows for your home. For instance, you will need to consider your budget, your ability to commit to regular maintenance, and the climate that you live in. In order to further discuss how all of these factors can impact your windows over time, or to schedule the installation of your new replacement windows, be sure to contact a qualified window replacement contractor in your local area as soon as possible.