Wood windows are still a very popular option for replacement windows in the Madison area. This is true for many reasons, and we’ll dive into the advantages of wood windows — especially ones that are well made, with solid warranties — in this article.
That said, there are some potential drawbacks to wood windows, which we’d also like to share in order to help you make the best decision possible when deciding on replacement windows.
Let’s jump right in …
THE PROS OF WOOD WINDOWS
There are many reasons wood windows continue to be a popular choice for homeowners, including:
GOOD LOOKS
Wood is one of the nicest looking window materials. The gorgeous grain and tone of wood can add to the character of your home, while giving it a more natural feel than vinyl, aluminum or fiberglass windows.
VERSATILITY
To begin, wood windows have a multitude of customization options, which is great for homeowners who are looking for something specific, or who are looking to meet a particular budget. They can also be stained or painted for a perfect pairing with your home’s aesthetic. You can also choose from a variety of wood window styles, including bay, double hung, casement, awning, and bow windows …
EFFICIENCY
Wood window frames are well known for being great for insulation, ensuring the cold stays out in winter, and the heat stays outside during the summer. If you’re not sure whether or not you need to replace your windows, you can check out our article, How to Know When You Need New Windows, for tips on what to look for. If you find that your current windows meet one or more of the criteria for replacement, you’ll be happy to know that lower energy bills are possible with new, energy-efficient wood windows.
DURABILITY
The durability of wood can not be understated. When well cared for, it can last a lifetime, which makes wood windows an excellent long-term investment. This durability increases when the exterior of wood windows are protected with vinyl, aluminum or fiberglass.
THE CONS OF WOOD WINDOWS
THEY NEED TO BE MAINTAINED
Wood windows require more maintenance than vinyl, aluminum or fiberglass windows. Not a big deal if home maintenance is something you enjoy doing. But if maintenance is not your thing, it might be a good idea to talk with your window contractor about lower-maintenance options.
If they’re not maintained regularly, wood windows can experience issues like rot, termite infestation, cracking, and warping.
COST
When it comes to replacement windows, wood windows will typically come in at a higher price point than vinyl or aluminum. Note that the price difference is not huge, but there is a difference. Plus, long term, cost of maintenance of wood windows will be higher than with vinyl, aluminum or fiberglass.
“WHAT BRAND SHOULD I CHOOSE?”
We get this question a lot, as there are so many options to choose from. The four most important things to remember when you are considering hiring a window contractor to replace your windows are:
- Make sure you get more than one estimate.
- Make sure your windows installer is LOCAL, dependable and skilled. For instance, we are a Pella Platinum Certified contractor, which means we meet certain criteria — set by Pella — in order to be certified. This is important because poorly installed new windows can be problematic.
- Make sure you’re choosing a quality brand. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive option, but if the product is subpar, you may have regret.
- Make sure the warranty for your replacement windows is solid — and that you get it in writing!
Top Wood Windows Brands to Consider
To make things easier, here are the top four brands of windows we carry. Price point on each brand will vary, but you simply can’t go wrong with any of these options.
- Pella
- Anderson
- Marvin
- Provia
Learn more about these wood window brands here.
If you have questions about wood windows, or would like to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss what you’re looking for — including any of the above mentioned brands — feel free to get in touch with us anytime.
