Vinyl vs. Wood Replacement Windows

House windows primarily consist of two aspects: the glass and the frame. And nowadays, there’s a variety of frame materials to choose from, but two options that typically stand out from the rest are vinyl and wood. After researching different choices and asking friends and family for their suggestions, you’ve found that you like what both of these replacement window types have to offer. As you narrow it down and decide on the right ones to have installed on your home, let’s compare them and dive deeper into both their similarities and differences.

Similarities

Perhaps the biggest reason why vinyl and wood stand out as window materials is because they’re both exceptionally strong. Neither option can be considered flimsy, as they both prove to form a sturdy window frame. This is a key factor for many homeowners because windows can potentially serve as a main entry point for break-ins.

Another shared trait for vinyl and wood windows is the fact that they can be color-customized. For vinyl, it can typically be painted in various color options while wood can be stained into various finishes. This is a big plus for homeowners because it allows them to better match their windows to their homes and suit their personal preferences.

Differences

Despite some similar traits, vinyl and wood are definitely two distinct materials. Vinyl frames are often crafted to be hollow and insulated with a type of foam, whereas wood frames are solid pieces. These factors heavily influence the energy efficiency of the window, which is an important feature for the comfort of your home and price of your monthly energy bills.

Additionally, while vinyl and wood replacement windows are both durable options, neither one is completely indestructible. Wood frames can rot over time and vinyl frames may warp or bend if exposed to too much heat. This may lead you to wonder: Is there another, more durable window material available? In fact, there is.

Fibrex^® Frames From RBA of Greater Wisconsin

As a leading window company, RBA of Greater Wisconsin makes it our mission to provide homeowners with the best possible products. As part of this commitment, we install replacement windows from our parent company, Renewal by Andersen^®, that are crafted from an exclusive composite material: Fibrex^®. This stands out from all other types of windows because it is crafted with real-wood fibers and thermoplastic polymer, therefore making it:

• Two times stronger than vinyl
• Perform better when exposed to extreme temperatures
• Resistant to flaking, fading, rotting, and peeling

What’s more, our incredible Fibrex^® windows can be customized in a variety of styles, exterior colors, and interior finishes. So, not only will these replacement windows provide you with years of reliable use, but they’ll also beautifully complement your home.

Put our Fibrex^® frames into the running for your window replacement project. The professionals at RBA of Greater Wisconsin would be happy to help you design the perfect new windows for your home. Contact us today to learn more about our windows and our process.