Community Chat

[Vamp]

We are getting ready to replace the windows in our home. I have talked to a couple of neighbors about who they've used, what kind of windows they got, etc. and have heard conflicting information. Some say we must get wood frames; others say no to wood frames. What are the pros & cons? Does anyone have any advice or knowledge on the subject?

Thanks in advance!

[occasionalrain]

I would choose wood because to me the others, like vinyl siding, look cheap.

[RedTop]

We replaced our double pane wood windows for vinyl windows 10 years ago. Our wood framed windows worked great when they were first installed when the house was built, but over time, several of the inside seals failed, the windows began to have condensation on them and the moisture began to affect the oak finish on the wood trim. We dealt with Windows Direct, and had someone come to our house to show us their product. They brought a small window with them so you can see what you are buying, instead of choosing from a brochure. This company makes your windows to your measurements, and installation for all 14 of our windows took one day. They took the old windows away for us, and we found them to be very efficient. We have a lifetime guarantee on all the windows as long as we are the homeowners. When our house was burglarized and a window was broken for entry, we called Windows Direct, told them what window sash was broken, and they were here within 4 working days with a replacement sash. I would prefer to get my information directly from the company who makes and installs the windows, rather than from my neighbors. In the 32 years of living in this house, we have had both wood framed windows, as well as vinyl windows, and our choice hands down is vinyl. Best wishes to you with your decision.

[yellowrose]

Good timing on this question vamp, we have a window guy coming over tomorrow to give us an estimate. Hubby just wants to buy the windows and put them in himself, but this company doesn't deal with just selling. We have a log house so I would want to keep wood frames, but have no idea what my choice of windows will be.

[Vamp]

Thanks for your responses. I do plan on talking to a couple of different companies, but I also wanted to get a feel for what home owners say since obviously they are not trying to sell me anything.

[151949]

We replaced our metal windows in our Pa home with vinyl and they looked so wonderful, and were so much more efficient at keeping the weather out. Now we are unhappy with the windows the builder installed in this Florida home and we are planning to replace next fall. One of the things I am looking for are windows that both top and bottom can be opened and ones where you can bring the outside inside to wash the window. Those were things I had in Pa home and truely loved.

[scotttie]

WE went with vinyl and are very happy with it. They can make it that looks like wood but I don't know what your house looks like so I guess only you can say if it would look right.

[151949]

As for the wood vs vinyl issue - it really depends on the home - why would someone expensive pella windows on a less expensive home or put less expensive vinyl on a mc mansion? You should put what is appropriate for the home they are going on.

[glb613]

On 4/7/2014 happy housewife said: As for the wood vs vinyl issue - it really depends on the home - why would someone expensive pella windows on a less expensive home or put less expensive vinyl on a mc mansion? You should put what is appropriate for the home they are going on.

That's what I did. The windows I liked were $400-$500 a window plus installation. With 17 windows to replace, it was too much money.

[Vamp]

We definitely don't live in a McMansion but not a cheap home either. I would call this an upper-middleclass neighborhood. Homes in our sub have both kinds of windows, and I honestly can't tell the difference at a glance. I only know that there are both kinds in the neighborhood from asking my neighbors what they put in. I'm sure there is a difference between Pella & Anderson and, say, Wallside Windows. I just wonder if spending $27,000 on Anderson windows (which my neighbor across the street did last summer) is worth it. That's an awful lot of $$.