Two very common replacement window materials are wood and fiberglass. As they care so popular, both offer a range of benefits. This may leave many homeowners lost, though, when it comes to choosing between the two materials. If you’re choosing between wood and fiberglass replacement windows for your Houston, TX home, you should definitely learn more about the benefits of fiberglass, and how it compares to wood.
Fiberglass replacement windows are 5 times more energy efficient than wood replacement windows. This is incredibly important if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or impact on the environment. Even if you don’t care about the environment, fiberglass replacement windows’ energy efficiency can help you save money on your monthly energy bills, as fiberglass offers better insulation for heat and cold, and better energy performance overall.
Fiberglass replacement windows are also really good for moisture resistance. They are molded without any breaks or seams in their outer coverings, making them impervious to moisture or leakage. Wood replacement windows, however, are very sensitive to moisture. They will oftentimes swell, peel, bow and otherwise become disfigured when exposed to moisture or high heat, like those hot Texas summers.
Another benefit of fiberglass replacement windows is their strength. They are resistant to dings, scratches, splintering and rot, which is ideal for families with young children, pets, or those in areas with high winds. Their strength also makes fiberglass windows better for security than their wooden counterparts.
Many wood replacement windows don’t come with warranties for sun damage, cracking, warping or peeling, meaning you don’t have many repair or replacement options. This is doubly sad, as wood replacement windows require a lot of maintenance. While all replacement windows, including fiberglass, need a little attention and care to maintain function and appearance, wood windows require almost constant cleaning, sanding, sealing and repainting. Fiberglass replacement windows, on the other hand, only need a cleaning every once in a while.
Lastly, fiberglass replacement windows are simply a better investment than wood replacement windows. The 2018 Cost vs. Value Report conducted in the United States found that replacement window installation is one of the best ways to increase home resale value, often reaching a payoff of 91.3% of the initial replacement cost. A lower initial cost, increased curb appeal, and low future maintenance, all of which are offered by fiberglass replacement doors, mean an even higher payoff.
When all factors are considered, including upfront costs, design, flexibility and long-term performance, fiberglass replacement windows are a much better long-term investment that wooden replacement windows. This is especially true for homes in Texas, where we face extreme temperatures and need to be able to count on our windows.
Do you want to learn more about fiberglass windows, or about any other kind of Houston, TX replacement windows? Just reach out to Milestone Windows & Doors.
