Window Buying Guide - Wood, Fiberglass, Aluminum,or Vinyl

In this Window Overview video I'll tell you the pros/cons of these frame types and give you some tips when shopping for new windows.
Best,
Matt Risinger
Risinger Homes is a custom builder and whole house remodeling contractor that specializes in Architect driven and fine craftsmanship work. We utilize an in-house carpentry staff and the latest building science research to build dramatically more efficient, healthy and durable homes.
Be sure to follow me on Twitter @MattRisinger

[lcoa]

matt is there an updated video on this topic you can direct me to?

[eldoradoboy]

the thing I recommend is not going to the low end of any manufacturers windows unless you have rotting out old windows and cant afford anything else..  I have found with all the reputable manufacturers they have good and bad windows in Vinyl, composite, or wood... If you can afford the marvin wood ultimate wood or andersen woodwright, i say those are the best out there... im not sure why anyone installs aluminum windows..  even with the "thermal break" there is still a portion of the aluminum in contact with the outside and inside...  anywhewre in the south where its constant moisture / coastal areas I'd put in a fiberglass

[armandopalmieri]

Hey Matt, first, I have to say.. I love the show. Like yourself, I am a building science nerd! I'm obsessed with it. However, I have to ask, why in the world would someone use a Fiberglass product? The finish is painted on and will require painting in the future to protect the fiberglass from UV delamination. Maintenance free is what we want. And what happens when fiberglass is left untreated, because the home owner doesn't keep up with the maintenance??? The fiberglass strands will be exposed to the elements. And in a freeze thaw condition. It will break down the fiberglass frame.. and when its exposed to direct UV. It will also deteriorate the frame. Clearly a recyclable composite it going to have the best value. Because it will be stronger than vinyl. Have the looks of a wood window, but maintenance free!!

[billybassman]

I've had my low E vinyl windows from Window World for 10 years now, no issues except the glass on one of the windows discolored and it was replaced free of charge. If I was going to get a better window, I would be focusing on the durability of the glass vs the framing. My next house I would like to get Hurricane windows with impact glass. Keep air from infiltrating your home is the best way to prevent it being destroyed in a bad storm.

[tsr]

Thank you Matt for another great video. I am, however, going vinyl because of cost and what I believe is a better thermal or U factor per unit on the Preservation line of windows which has triple panes with two of those having the Cardinal e366 glass (I believe). Modern high end vinyl window with fiberglass reinforcements are attainable for the average household and a very good window if not exceptionally beautiful. I am in the Kansas City area.

[briancorbett]

Matt, You have sooo much good information for us consumers...things that we would NEVER think of. Please....sell your home building business in texas and move to the midwest where its really cold and give us all good tips on how to build houses in cold climates. hahah long shot i know, but thanks again. 

[BellahWorks]

Hey Matt I know this is an older video and windows have come a long way. I work for a German window and door company that installs German windows and doors here in the US. I’d love to share with you what a we’ll engineered window really looks like. Im very new to your channel but love the build science👍🏻. Let me know I’d love to share. Henselstone Window and Door Systems.

[bigredbyrd]

Thank you!! We are getting ready to replace all the windows in a 1950's farmhouse. I keep asking which windows are best and I've gotten lots of different answers. This made my day much more productive.

[michaelpilliod]

I flip high end houses houses. Nearly every wood window with any age I've come across has been rotted, splitting, and peeling. Does Vinyl look expensive? No... Does it last? YES!!!

The coating and the sealing material between the glass "sandwich" is what seems to make the difference. Cheap sealing material leads to "fogged" windows. Replacing just the glass sandwich isn't very expensive and on a vinyl window is super easy.

Most of this is sales crap!!!! Colored window frames are "in" now, but white is timeless!! White Vinyl trim is also easy to come by. See a pattern???

It's not hard to design a very nice house with white trim.... Then sit back and watch your neighbors repaint and replace windows!

[Imwright]

I could tell this was an old video guy the way you sounded. Your much smoother now. They make hurricane windows out of vinyl, they must of improved them since you made this. You need .3 or better on the frame to write them off your taxes. I believe only vinyl meets those numbers. In south Florida they pretty much offer aluminum or vinyl

[joshhaughton]

What about triple pane windows? I have one manufacture telling me to have both voids filled with argon gas and another insisting that filling more than one chamber is a waste and doesn't yield any results.
The the distance or spacing between the panes make a difference?

[JoeLarge]

Great job Matt appreciate you give opinion without judgment. Nice review and highlight of the features to look for

[gonza]

What about the aluminum Home Depot windows?

[miniioe]

This may be an odd question but can I put drywall plaster on the edge of my window frame?

[Argumedies]

That's all fine for hot weather places like Texas but what would you suggest for colder climates

[mountainman]

I live near Chattanooga TN and will enclosed a screen porch (current floor is 5/4 planks) with 40 foot screen wall on outside wall that will have windows and a door with two side lites. Do the big box stores have anything I should consider? On the floor I will caulk the cracks between the 5/4 planks, add sleepers and advantek to raise height to level inside house (will extend current 3/4 oak planks throughout house onto screen porch. Want it to look like house was built this way and don't want someone to say "oh, I see you closed in your screen porch". Have two french doors from living area that now opens to screen porch. Will remove french doors when finishing job. Current windows for house are Anderson vinyl and think I will use something similar. Thanks for any comments.

[melmess]

Hi i have an idealCombi window where you press down the button to open or close but it's halfways locked now i can't open it's not fully closed ive been trying to open unlock it no chance since a week any tips, please ?? Would be great thanks a lot

[dustbat]

Are there any windows that look like the old windows with wide mutts? (mullons not sure about spelling)

[drgarrettlane]

So Marvin is better than Anderson. I have to choose in the next few weeks which company to go with. I’m willing to go with Marvin even if they cost more. Anderson 400 series versus Marvin?

[edbouhl]

Of course, now fire resistance is a big issue. Any suggestions?