What are the Differences Between Fiberglass, Aluminum, and Vinyl Windows?

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You may not have given your windows much thought, but did you know that choosing between fiberglass, aluminum, and vinyl windows is important for your home?

They all have different price points, maintenance needs, and aesthetics. At Craftsman’s Choice, we understand the predicament you may find yourself in when you cannot decide on the best windows for your home improvement project, and we are here to help.

Are You Considering Fiberglass, Aluminum, and Vinyl Windows?

Fiberglass, aluminum, and vinyl windows are the most popular choices, particularly in Minnesota.

People choose the window material based on their budget and personal preferences. The window you choose will depend on the style of your house, the scope of your remodel project, your budget, and our Minnesota climate.

There isn’t a wrong or right choice between window materials, as each one has its own pros and cons. You just need to choose the best option for your situation.

Fiberglass Windows

Fiberglass is a dimensionally stable product that is made out of glass. That means it expands and contracts at the same rate as the glass it is attached to. This makes it a fantastic option in our humid Minnesota climate, as it is moisture-resistant and will not swell or expand. It also doesn’t contract during the cold winter months.

Here are a few more reasons to love fiberglass windows:

  • Fiberglass can be glazed, painted, shaped, and pre-finished in various colors.
  • Because it doesn’t contract or expand, you can use a darker finish on your fiberglass windows because the finish will hold for longer.
  • Fiberglass windows have a low profile while still offering good insulation.
  • They are strong and light.
  • They have versatile design options that give your house great curb appeal.

If you are trying to decide between fiberglass, aluminum, and vinyl windows but are concerned about your budget, fiberglass is the middle-of-the-road option between aluminum and vinyl.

Aluminum Windows

Aluminum is the most expensive window option, but it is also one of the stronger materials you can use. They offer a high-end finish and are incredibly versatile. With aluminum windows, you have unlimited design options because they combine the strength of aluminum with a wood interior.

You need to ensure that the windows you choose have a good thermal break to handle our Minnesota winters. This ensures that the cold does not conduct inside your home.

Vinyl Windows

Vinyl windows are the most popular option, but that has more to do with their price point than their quality. Vinyl windows are the cheapest option, but they have design limitations.

Although they perform pretty well initially, they break down faster over time than fiberglass and aluminum windows. However, for the price, they do provide adequate insulation, and they are low maintenance.

Vinyl windows can fade with sun exposure and tend to crack and warp with our extreme Minnesota temperatures. Vinyl windows are also thicker, which gives your house a more traditional look.

Talk To Us About Fiberglass, Aluminum, and Vinyl Windows for Your Project

If you need help choosing between aluminum, fiberglass, and vinyl for your home renovation project, then call us, and we can help you decide which option is best for you.

At Craftsman’s Choice, we have the expert knowledge to assess the needs of your home. We can help you design the right windows in the suitable material for the style of your home and the size of your wallet.

We have the experience and knowledge to install fiberglass, aluminum, and vinyl windows, so chat with us about choosing the best windows for your project.

Ben Juncker

Author

When Ben Juncker was sitting in his high school career planning class, siding installer was not on his list of potential career paths. As with most people in the construction industry, certain questionable life choices led to a point where they were wearing a tool belt, working with their hands. His path started just this way and he would not change a thing. Those early years in his business of scraping and clawing their way to profitability and stability, have helped him to build a culture of hard work and perseverance at Craftsman’s Choice. Ben started his company in 1998 and they installed their first James Hardie job in 2000. Since that time Craftsman’s Choice has become one of the nation’s top James Hardie Remodelers. They have won James Hardie’s prestigious President’s Club award every year since it’s inception in 2015.

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