Best Window Materials for Philadelphia Area Homes

Whether you are selecting windows for a new home, an addition, or replacing existing windows, you’ll find no shortage of window materials to consider.

The goal of windows is to provide inviting views, natural light, and consistent airflow while also ensuring energy efficiency, security, and positive curb appeal. Selecting the appropriate materials to satisfy these objectives while also staying within budget can be daunting. We’ll break down the pros and cons of all available window materials you may find on your window search. We also explore how the popularity of different window materials has evolved over the decades, driven by innovation and shifting homeowner preferences. Our focus will be on the frame and sash material. We will have another blogpost highlighting the different glazing/glass options.  Since Matus Windows services the greater Philadelphia region, our answers will be skewed towards applications within the Pennsylvania climate.

Some common questions we hear often and answer are:

-          What are the best window materials for a Philadelphia area home?

-          What is the difference between vinyl and fiberglass windows?

-          What type of materials are best for cold weather in Pennsylvania?

Vinyl Windows

Since the 1980’s, vinyl window popularity has exponentially grown in the United States and especially Pennsylvania. Rising energy costs during the 1970’s led to increased demand for energy efficient replacement windows. In the following decades, constant innovation helped vinyl claim its market dominance. Even though vinyl windows do not have the longest building material history, today they claim the top  spot as the most popular window material in the country.

Vinyl windows offer exceptional insulation performance while also providing low maintenance at an affordable price. PVC compounds are extruded into thermally broken profiles to make almost any size window. The process of constructing windows from vinyl extrusions is less expensive than constructing windows with fiberglass or wood. Since the vinyl extrusions are made into hollow, multi-chambered profiles, windows have a natural thermal break and, in some cases, can be filled with enhancing insulation. This process of making vinyl windows has been mastered by window manufacturers and can produce windows quicker than most other types of windows. In addition, vinyl is a relatively lightweight material. This allows for easy operation and in some cases easier installation and transportation.

Some downsides with vinyl windows can be attributed to the strength and visuals of the material. Compared to materials like wood, aluminum, and fiberglass, vinyl is more prone to expanding and contracting with fluctuating temperatures. While a good quality vinyl window can help mitigate overall movement, tensile strength will be lower in vinyl due to the nature of the material. Expansion and contraction after years and decades of use can lead to looser seals, harder to operate windows, and ultimately a shorter lifespan of the window. Due to the more reactive nature of vinyl to extreme temperature changes, it is not recommended to include a darker painted exterior finish when avoidable. Darker colors can absorb more heat and shorten the life cycle of a vinyl window. Darker colors will be more prone to fading on vinyl windows as well. Visually speaking, vinyl windows are inherently glossy. Typically made with white vinyl on both sides, white vinyl has slightly more sheen than a painted finish and can stand out on a house. When looking at vinyl windows up close, you will notice the corners are typically fuse-welded together. The precision and sharpness of fuse-weld corners vary from manufacturers.

Pros:

-          Low cost

-          Energy efficient

-          Fast production time

-          Low maintenance

Cons:

-          Shorter lifespan

-          Heat sensitive with darker exterior colors

-          Glossy vinyl finish

-          Fuse-welded corners

In summary, vinyl windows make sense for a homeowner that prioritizes energy efficiency, is price conscious, and wants low maintenance. It is vital to find a vinyl window company that mitigates the downsides of vinyl windows. Make sure the vinyl window manufacturer offers a strong warranty on the frame construction and the glass. In addition, inspect the quality of the vinyl window construction. Signs of high quality vinyl windows are multi-chambered extrusions, a foam insulated frame, clean welded corners, and easy operation. The ProVia Endure window is a perfect vinyl option to satisfy these demands. ProVia’s Endure vinyl window line is robustly made, shows attention to detail, and offers a great warranty.

Fiberglass Windows

Across the residential window industry, fiberglass has emerged as the fastest-growing material. Originally developed for insulation pre World War II, fiberglass has widened its usage and applications ever since. Fiberglass is lightweight, strong, non-corrosive, and practically weatherproof. These attributes led to its widespread adoption in aircrafts, ladders, bathtubs, and boats. In 1994, Marvin Windows revolutionized the window industry with its introduction of Ultrex, their patented pultruded fiberglass used in windows. Marvin’s fiberglass innovation kickstarted the growth of the fiberglass window market today.

Fiberglass windows represent the next evolution beyond vinyl. The tensile strength of fiberglass is just as strong if not stronger than steel while being much lighter. Fiberglass’ rigidity allows for minimal expansion and contraction rates. Unlike materials such as vinyl, temperature-related movement is insignificant and nearly equivalent to that of glass. Over years of use and weathering, fiberglass will keep its color, shape, and strength. Material stiffness allows for continued smooth operations. The thermally set resin in fiberglass makes it more resistant to thermal transfer as well. This allows for very energy efficient and non-conductive windows. Like vinyl, there is no maintenance needed with fiberglass on windows. Fiberglass windows are available with fiberglass, wood, or aluminum interiors to spruce up and stylize the inside of your homes. An all-fiberglass window has very narrow sightlines and maximizes glass. A fiberglass window with wood interior adds a more traditional charm. A fiberglass window with aluminum interior transforms the space into a modern or industrial style. Fiberglass is a perfect material for a painted exterior finish. Window manufacturers offer a variety of colors to choose from. Even factory-applied darker colors resist fading. In addition, fiberglass can be painted by a homeowner later if desired. Due to the long lifespan and energy efficiency, fiberglass windows are often considered the most environmentally friendly type of windows.

Although fiberglass window production has grown substantially over the past three decades, costs are still significantly higher than vinyl. Slower manufacturing and more material intensive processes contribute to fiberglass windows’ higher costs. Due to the more complex nature of fiberglass production, there are also limits on the number of options. The longest lasting color finish on fiberglass will come from a factory applied baked on acrylic finish. Depending on the manufacturer, there may only be a handful of color options. If a desired color is not available by the manufacturer, more labor must be required to paint the windows. More production limitations include the ability to make a wide variety of designs. Roundtop and non-rectangular shaped windows can be restrictive.

Pros:

-          Very strong and stable

-          Energy efficient

-          Low maintenance

-          Narrow frames

-          Durable paint finishes (even dark colors)

-          Paintable

Cons:

-          Higher cost than vinyl

-          Limited factory finishes

-          Limited design options

For homeowners ready to move beyond vinyl, fiberglass windows offer a premium upgrade. Fiberglass windows have a noticeable step up in durability and performance. They are a perfect match if you want to maximize the amount of glass in an opening, apply a factory finished color on the exterior, or add wood to the interior for improved aesthetics. Be aware of manufacturers that mislead consumers with a name that sounds like fiberglass but is inferior. Fibrex is a material made of sawdust with vinyl polymers and advertised by Andersen to sound like fiberglass. In reality, Fibrex is much weaker and less stable than pultruded fiberglass.

Wood Windows

Dating back to Colonial America in the 1600’s, Pennsylvania homes relied on wood windows. Wood was abundant and easily customizable. The idea of a wood double hung sash window was brought over from England but became iconic and defining of American architecture. Craftsmen could locally construct windows to match any style, shape, or detail desired for a home.  When America industrialized, manufacturers started making wood windows faster and with more standardization. Pre World War II, practically all wood used in window construction was with old, slow-growth lumber. In the decades following WWII, windows were predominantly made with faster growth, plantation raised lumber. The wood was less dense and more prone to rot. This change in the wood window industry coincided with the rise of all-aluminum windows and then vinyl windows. By the 1990’s, wood windows were re-engineered as a premium and high performance construction material. Manufacturers started treating wood with water-repellent preservatives, producing wood windows with an exterior cladding, and including endless option possibilities.

A well manufactured wood window is the gold standard of residential windows. Wood windows are widely regarded as the most architecturally faithful and visually striking option for a home. The interior aesthetics showcase wood craftsmanship while the exterior wood or cladding display sharp lines and beautiful design. Divided lites or muntins with wood interior cast shadow lines that cannot be replicated with removable grilles or grilles between the glass. The options to choose from can truly be limitless. Some wood window manufacturers offer options on wood species, stain finish, paint finish, clad color, hardware style, design, etc. The endless customization allows architects to freely design homes and renovators to exactly match 100+ year old historic windows. Modern wood preservation techniques combined with protective exterior cladding have greatly enhanced the durability and longevity of wood windows. If windows are well maintained and cladding is applied from a quality manufacturer, wood windows should last a lifetime. The improved weather-stripping and drainage help preserve tight seals for much longer than any other type of window. Energy efficiency and ease of use are sustained for decades.  Oftentimes multiple homeowners live in the same house with the same wood windows. Wood windows can be painted or stained to match everyone’s personality and style.

The biggest drawback with wood windows is often the cost. Wood windows are typically more expensive than fiberglass or vinyl. With unlimited options come unlimited potential extra costs. Large sizes, unusual shapes, and exotic wood species can increase the price of wood windows the greatest. Upfront costs are higher, but the benefit is wood windows typically last longer than other windows. With so many design options, wood windows typically have longer lead times for production as well. Wood windows have many components and are very labor intensive. Since wood is an organic material, it will require maintenance to maximize its lifespan. Exterior cladding and treated wood will help protect from rot. Even with the added protection, homeowners should inspect and maintain the wood windows regularly.

Pros:

-          Architecturally accurate/Curb Appeal

-          Highly customizable from the factory

-          Ability to repaint or stain after installation

-          Long lifespan

Cons:

-          Higher cost

-          Maintenance required

-          Longer manufacturing lead times

Homeowners who prioritize architectural character, are willing to invest in aesthetics, and are thinking for the long-term, are a perfect match for wood windows. In the Greater Philadelphia area, residential architectural styles are dominated by houses that flourish with wood windows. Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, and Cape Cod homes are among the most common architectural styles in our region of Pennsylvania. While window requirements vary by architectural style, wood windows consistently complement and elevate each of these homes. In our region it is most common for homeowners to select the wood with aluminum clad windows over the all-wood windows. The harsh summers and winters in the Philadelphia area lend to extra protection needed for windows. The extra protection of the exterior cladding helps limit the amount of maintenance required. The Marvin Ultimate wood-clad window line is a great option for homeowners who want the beauty of wood while minimizing the upkeep. Marvin Ultimate wood-clad windows include an extruded aluminum exterior as the default on the exterior of the window sashes and frame. Not all exterior window cladding is equal – extruded aluminum is the strongest option as opposed to vinyl or roll-form aluminum. Window cladding that will stay rigid and not allow water leakage in both the sash and frame are critical.

Alternative Materials

All-Metal Windows

In the early 20^th century, steel windows rose in popularity as the entire steel industry boomed. Steel was able to maximize the amount of glass in an opening and give a more industrialized look. By the mid-20^th century, all-aluminum windows entered the market and started replacing the market share of the steel windows. Aluminum windows were lighter, cheaper, and less corrosive than steel windows although neither were an energy efficient option. By the time of the energy crisis of the 1970s and 1980s, homeowners demanded a more practical window for the Pennsylvania climate. Vinyl, wood, and eventually fiberglass stole virtually all market share away from all metal windows. Today, all-metal windows are most commonly found in commercial construction.

Composite Windows

When wood fibers and polymer resins are blended together, the result is known as a composite window. This process varies from a fiberglass window which mixes glass fibers. Composite windows are stronger than vinyl windows but have less rigidity, tensile strength, and higher expansion rate than fiberglass windows.