Replacement Window Materials: Compare What’s Inside Different Types of Windows

Wood

Wood windows are a classic choice, especially for older homes where preserving a specific architectural style is important. These windows are typically clad on the exterior for protection from the elements but feature a wood interior that can be pre-finished or stained to match your home’s decor. Wood offers a warmer look and feel than other materials.

Price

Clad wood replacement windows can be quite expensive depending on their size, style, and the species of wood you choose. The home improvement experts at Angi estimate that the average cost to replace one wood window can range from $650 to $1,900.

Strength and durability

New wood windows are exceptionally strong. All wood windows require ongoing maintenance to prevent water absorption, which can result in warping and rot over time.

Energy efficiency

Wood windows can be an energy-efficient choice, provided they are well made and properly installed. A poor installation can lead to gaps between windows and frames, allowing for unwanted airflow and heat transfer. This can be exacerbated over time, as wood windows are susceptible to expansion and contraction when subjected to extremes in temperature and humidity.

Maintenance

Wood window interiors require regular upkeep to maintain their good looks. They can be more difficult to keep clean than some other materials. Sealing, staining, patching, and painting wood windows can be time consuming for homeowners with busy, active lifestyles

Appearance and design flexibility

Wood windows have a classic, timeless beauty. They are generally available in all window types (double-hung, single-hung, casement, etc.), but it may be difficult and expensive to customize wood into a unique shape or design. However, you can change the appearance of wood over time by sanding and refinishing with stain or paint, allowing you to change the appearance of your windows as you update the style of your home’s interior.

Vinyl

Vinyl windows are popular with many homeowners for their affordability, ease of installation, minimal upkeep, and energy efficiency. They are typically available in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles. That said, you may want to take an “off-the-shelf” approach to window replacement when choosing vinyl, as customization may increase the cost. Also, if you are replacing windows in a historic home, check local regulations that may dictate the type of building materials and styles that can be used for remodeling and renovation.

Price

Vinyl is generally the most affordable window replacement material. Its ease of installation can help keep labor costs to a minimum. Budget-conscious homeowners typically look at vinyl first because of the attractive price tag. However, homeowners should be aware that low-quality vinyl windows and rushed or shoddy installation will likely cause problems which can lead to more expense in efficiency and repairs in the long run.

Strength and durability

A well-made vinyl window can perform well for years, but vinyl is not as strong or durable as other window replacement frame materials. Vinyl can be more susceptible to breaking and cracking, especially under extreme cold temperatures, and is generally not available in darker colors due to warping in heat.

Energy efficiency

Here again, quality construction and proper installation are key to the energy-saving benefits of replacement windows. High-quality vinyl windows, installed by a professional team, will do a good job of reducing unwanted heat transfer and air infiltration.

Major brands like Pella® (with their Encompass by Pella® product line) and Milgard® (Style Line® Series) market specific vinyl collections as energy-efficient, featuring advanced glass coatings and tight seals. However, the reality is that energy performance and construction quality can differ greatly—not just between brands, but even within product lines from the same company.

Low-cost, low-quality vinyl material may provide a substandard defense against heat and cold. And often, companies are not transparent about the quality of their vinyl material, making it risky to go with just any window replacement company. Energy performance can vary widely, so carefully vet the specifics of any window you’re considering.

Maintenance

Vinyl windows are often promoted as maintenance free, and you’ll see this highlighted in marketing from top brands like Marvin®, Jeld-Wen®, Pella, and Milgard. No painting, staining, or sanding—just an occasional wash to keep them looking fresh. It’s a big reason why so many homeowners choose vinyl, especially when simplicity and convenience are the goal.

But here’s the catch: if a vinyl frame gets damaged—whether it’s from an accidental bump, hailstorm, or temperature stress—it’s notoriously tough to repair. Most of the time, fixing a broken or cracked vinyl window isn’t really possible, regardless of the brand. More often than not, you’re left replacing the entire unit, which will cost even more time and money.

Appearance and design flexibility

Vinyl windows are available in a wide variety of colors and styles. However, vinyl is the least customizable of all window replacement materials. If you’re looking for a specific color, vinyl is typically not the best window replacement material, as it’s more limited in its color options. In addition, because of their greater susceptibility to temperature extremes, it can be difficult to find vinyl windows in dark exterior finishes like black or dark bronze.

Aluminum

Like vinyl, aluminum windows are an affordable replacement option. This lightweight material can be easier to customize than others and is a popular choice for homes with modern, contemporary designs. Aluminum is used extensively in the southeastern U.S. and other areas prone to high humidity. However, it is not particularly resistant to salt air and may not be the best choice for coastal areas, as it can corrode over time.

Price

Aluminum window replacement costs can vary greatly. Forbes estimates that it costs less to install aluminum replacement windows than other materials, but may not be as energy efficient as other window materials. When considering aluminum windows, it’s particularly important to get multiple quotes and consider your investment over time.

Strength and durability

When exposed to air, aluminum window frames form a thin oxide coating that helps protect them from rust. According to This Old House, aluminum windows can last 20–25 years. However, the enamel finish on aluminum can fade more quickly in sunlight compared to the dyes in vinyl.

Energy efficiency

Depending on where you live, aluminum windows can be an energy-efficient choice. It’s best to choose aluminum windows that are “thermally broken” with an insulated barrier inside the frame for better performance.

Homeowners often complain that their aluminum window frames feel hot to the touch in hot weather and very cold to the touch in colder winter weather. Mary, a homeowner in Florida, said about her aluminum frames: “When the sun comes in, you touch the window during that part of the day, and it's very, very hot.” When Renewal by Andersen replaced the aluminum-frame windows with Acclaim® Impact windows with our Fibrex® composite material, she didn’t experience this problem.

"My house had the old aluminum windows and we could immediately tell
a difference in the temperature and how much quieter it was. Beautiful.”

– Brittany, a homeowner from Detroit

“The demonstration, which showed how much heat can penetrate through
the window, was amazing to see. The massive amount of energy wasted
using aluminum was astounding. Truly impressed by the quality
and the demonstration.”

– Camille, a homeowner from Mississippi

Maintenance

Aluminum is easy to maintain and, like vinyl, never needs painting or staining—just periodic cleaning. Like vinyl, if your frames get scratched or dented, they often require full-frame replacement and quick fixes aren’t an option.

Appearance and design flexibility

Aluminum window frame materials fit in well homes with modern, contemporary design. Aluminum is sleek and shiny, and could look out of place in more classic construction. While aluminum may require little-to-no surface maintenance, once you’ve chosen the color of your frames, they can’t be painted or otherwise refinished to change with the changing look of your home.

“The Fibrex window is superior to an aluminum-clad window from a
strength and appearance standpoint.”

– Larry, a homeowner from Philadelphia

Fiberglass

Fiberglass windows are a strong and reliable option that strikes a balance between performance and minimal upkeep. Crafted from glass fibers and resin, these frames handle everything from big temperature swings to daily wear and tear.

Price

Fiberglass windows typically land in the higher range, often costing more than vinyl or most composites, but less than top-tier wood options.

Strength and Durability

Fiberglass is generally very strong and doesn’t warp, swell, or shrink with temperature changes. It resists rot, corrosion, and pests, and it’s less prone to expanding or contracting than wood or vinyl—meaning you’re less likely to notice drafts or sticky sashes down the road.

Energy Efficiency

Fiberglass does a fantastic job minimizing heat loss and helping keep your home cozy throughout the seasons. Its structure naturally limits thermal transfer, and many fiberglass windows are filled with insulating foam for extra efficiency. Thanks to their stability, these windows also maintain tight seals that help keep those pesky energy bills in check.

Maintenance

Fiberglass frames are generally lower maintenance than other window materials. They don't require regular painting.

Appearance and Design Flexibility

Fiberglass windows offer a clean, modern profile with excellent versatility. They’re available in a variety of styles and can even be finished to mimic the look of painted wood. While custom shapes are possible, extreme design customizations may be limited compared to composite materials.

Composite

Composite replacement windows combine the beauty and charm of wood, the maintenance-free nature of vinyl, the customization of aluminum, plus the added benefits of durability and assistance in energy efficiency. Composite windows are not the least expensive choice for a remodel or renovation project, but the “pros” of going with composite frame material can end up saving you money over time.

The Andersen-exclusive Fibrex® composite material is a unique composite window replacement material. Think of it as the best of both worlds in window technology: it combines the natural strength and insulating properties of wood with the low-maintenance qualities of vinyl. Renewal by Andersen Acclaim® and Accclaim Impact windows are made with Fibrex material—which is twice as strong as vinyl.

Price

Forbes estimates that composite windows are right in the middle when comparing window replacement costs, with wood and fiberglass being the most expensive options, and vinyl and aluminum being the most budget-friendly choices. When thinking about the price you’ll pay for replacement windows, it’s important to take the long view. Over time, a high-quality window will last longer and perform better than a less expensive, low-quality window.

Strength and durability

In their window replacement buying guide, Consumer Reports notes that “composite windows replicate the look of a solid wood window while providing an underlying structure that’s more stable.”

Composites utilize the strengths and benefits of a variety of materials and join them together to create a material that resists extreme weather, damage, warping and cracking, breakage, and changes in shape and appearance.

Unlike vinyl frames, Fibrex composite material is built to withstand decades of sun, heat, and cold without warping, cracking, or fading.

Energy Efficiency

Composite material has minimal expansion and contraction caused by temperature fluctuations, helping composite windows keep their shape and provide excellent insulation against heat and cold. When comparing the energy efficiency of different replacement windows, be sure to look at the performance of the window as a whole versus a single component.

Maintenance

Composite window replacement material requires little to no upkeep, and composite windows maintain their good looks for years without taking time out of your busy schedule for extensive maintenance. Keeping composite windows clean is all that’s needed to keep them looking fresh and new.

Warranties

The material used to construct composite windows should be warranted by the manufacturer for a specific period. Be sure you understand what is and is not covered by your warranty. Installation may be covered when composite windows are installed by trained professionals.

Appearance and design flexibility

Because composite material can be extruded into unique designs and shapes, you’re limited only by your imagination when it comes to window design. Composite material is the superior choice for custom windows, and, depending on the manufacturer, is usually available in a variety of colors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fibrex® composite material really better than vinyl?

Yes, in several key ways. Fibrex material is strong, durable, energy efficient, and offers better aesthetics with slimmer frames that maximize your view. While vinyl can have a lower upfront cost, Fibrex material provides superior long-term value through durability, performance, and warranty coverage.

How long do windows made with Fibrex material last compared to vinyl?

Fibrex material performs even after 20 years of exposure to extreme temperatures. Our testing shows these windows maintain their strength, appearance, and smooth operation for decades^*. Vinyl windows, while decent performers, typically have shorter lifespans and may need replacement sooner, especially in areas with extreme temperatures.

_{*Based on testing of 5 units per ASTM E2068 30 years after installation.}

Does Fibrex material warp or crack over time?

No. The nature of Fibrex material as a composite makes it highly resistant to warping, cracking, and fading—even in extreme heat and cold conditions or when using dark colors like black. Vinyl frames are susceptible to both warping in heat and becoming brittle in cold weather.

Are windows with Fibrex material more expensive than vinyl?

We'll be transparent with you: sometimes, yes. The initial investment of windows with Fibrex material can be higher than vinyl. However, when you consider the long-term value—superior durability, energy efficiency, minimal maintenance, and comprehensive limited warranty coverage—Fibrex material is often the more cost-effective choice over the life of your windows.

Plus, when you go with Renewal by Andersen, installation is included in the cost and covered by our Nation’s Best Warranty.

Why is Fibrex® composite a smart choice for replacement material?

Of all the composite materials available for window replacement, Fibrex material is strong and durable, energy efficient, low maintenance, and beautiful. Plus, its warranty coverage is unmatched as the Nation’s Best Warranty.

The chart below compares Fibrex material to other window replacement materials and clearly shows why Fibrex material should be a top consideration when choosing replacement windows made from composite (or any other) material.