# Window Materials: Types, Costs & Options | Remodel Your Home

> Compare window materials by cost, durability, maintenance, performance, and other key factors to find the right option for your home and budget.

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## Window Materials Guide: Compare Your Options

## The Bottom Line

- Vinyl has the best cost-to-performance ratio for most homes.
- Fiberglass and Fibrex® Material have great thermal performance with low maintenance.
- Aluminum is low maintenance but has poor thermal performance.
- Wood has the best appearance but requires the most upkeep.

## Window Frame Material Comparison

U-factor measures heat transfer. Lower is better. The lower the number, the more insulation the window provides, which can reduce your energy bills.

| Material | Cost/window (installed)* | U-factor | Maintenance | Lifespan |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Vinyl** | $300–$700 | 0.20–0.32 | None | 20–40 yr |
| **Fibrex® Material (Renewal by Andersen exclusive)** | Pricing through in-home consultation | 0.17–0.27 | None | 30–50 yr |
| **Fiberglass** | $600–$1,200 | 0.19–0.28 | Minimal | 30–50 yr |
| **Wood** | $800–$1,500 | 0.25–0.35 | High (paint every 5–10yr) | 30–50 yr (maintained) |
| **Aluminum** | $200–$500 | 0.40–0.80 | Low | 30–40 yr |

*All cost estimates on this page are planning estimates, not quotes. Actual costs vary by location, project scope, materials, site conditions, and contractor. [See methodology and sources.](/how-we-calculate-costs/index.md)

## What Each Frame Material Looks Like

Frame material affects the visual weight, sightline thickness, and how much glass area you get per opening.![Cutaway sections of window frames lined up on a sill, showing the hollow chambered interiors of white and wood-finish profiles with double- and triple-glazed units fitted](/images/windows/window-frame-profiles.jpg)Frame profiles cut away, as a showroom would display them. The hollow chambers and the depth of each section are what set sightline thickness and how much glass you get per opening — none of which is visible from outside a finished window.

![White window frame of the kind common in vinyl replacement windows](/images/windows/vinyl-window-frame.jpg)

Vinyl

PVC frames in white or a limited color range. Cannot be painted after installation. Wider sightlines than fiberglass or Fibrex® Material. The most common replacement window material: excellent value for most homes.

![Black-framed double-hung windows above a kitchen sink, looking out onto a backyard pool](/images/windows/fibrex-window-frame.jpg)

Fibrex® Material (exclusively Renewal by Andersen)

Fibrex® Material is Andersen Corporation’s proprietary composite, made from reclaimed wood fiber and thermoplastic polymer, combining wood’s strength with vinyl’s low-maintenance benefits. It is durable and energy-efficient, resisting rot and temperature-related expansion while providing strong insulation performance.

![Large slim-framed window on a contemporary home](/images/windows/fiberglass-window-frame.jpg)

Fiberglass

Glass fiber strands in a resin matrix. Dimensionally stable in extreme temperatures. Can be painted any color. Slim, strong profiles. Superior in cold climates; less widely available than vinyl but excellent long-term performance.

![Painted wood window frame set in a timber wall](/images/windows/wood-window-frame.jpg)

Wood

Can be constructed with pine, fir, or hardwoods. More energy efficient than aluminum, and can last longer than vinyl if maintained correctly. Must be painted every 5–10 years, depending on your climate, or the wood can rot, crack, or warp. Choose any paint color, or stain and seal. Strong choice for historic and traditional homes. Best for homeowners who plan to stay long-term and can commit to maintenance.

![Slim black metal window frame](/images/windows/aluminum-window-frame.jpg)

Aluminum

Available in a variety of styles and finishes. Aluminum is light and strong, so the frames are thinner than traditional wood, bringing in more natural light. Generally low maintenance, affordable, and long-lasting. Biggest drawback is poor energy efficiency; the heat transfer can cause condensation on the window. Also susceptible to corrosion. A good option for cost-conscious homeowners in warm, dry climates.

## Types of Windows (By Style)

Style is a separate decision from frame material. It’s about how the window operates and what shape opening it fits, not what it’s made of.

**Double-hung:** Two sashes that both slide vertically, the classic American window. Both panes tilt in for easy cleaning from inside. The most common and versatile style, and works with nearly any architectural style.

**Single-hung:** Looks similar to double-hung, but only the bottom sash moves while the top stays fixed. Slightly less expensive than double-hung.

**Casement:** Hinged on one side and cranks open outward like a door, sealing tightly against the frame when closed, one of the best air-leakage ratings of any operable style. Useful for hard-to-reach spots like over a kitchen sink since the crank does the work.

**Awning:** Hinged at the top and opens outward from the bottom, so it can stay open during light rain. Common above or below fixed windows, or in basements.

**Bay / bow:** Multiple windows joined at angles (bay is three panels; bow is four or more forming a gentle curve) that project outward from the wall, adding floor space and a wider view. A design statement window, usually in a living room or dining nook.

**Sliding:** Sashes slide horizontally instead of vertically. Fewer moving parts than double-hung, and works well for wide, low openings.

**Picture / fixed:** Doesn’t open at all. Pure glass for maximum light and view, often paired with operable windows on either side for ventilation. The most energy-efficient style since there’s no seal to leak, but provides zero airflow on its own.

**Specialty shapes:** Custom arched, circular, trapezoidal, or angled units built to a specific non-rectangular opening, common over doors or in gable ends.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What window frame material is the best insulator?

Fiberglass and Fibrex® Material are the best insulators, both capable of U-factors below 0.20. Vinyl is close behind. Aluminum is the worst. Its high thermal conductivity causes condensation on frames in cold weather.

### How much does whole-house window replacement cost*?

A typical home has 10–20 windows. At vinyl prices ($300–700/window): $3,000–$14,000. At premium materials ($800–$1,500/window): $8,000–$30,000. Most homeowners spend $5,000–$15,000 for a full replacement.

### Are triple-pane windows worth it?

In cold climates (Minnesota, Maine, Wisconsin, upstate New York, Mountain West), triple-pane meaningfully reduces heat loss and drafts. In mild climates (Southern California, the South), payback period can exceed 20 years. ENERGY STAR can be achieved with quality double-pane in most climate zones.

### What should I ask a window replacement company?

Ask: (1) Frame material and U-factor? (2) Low-E glass and SHGC rating? (3) ENERGY STAR certified for my climate zone? (4) What is the warranty on the glass seal vs frame? (5) Do installers remove old windows? (6) Will you pull the permit?

### What is SHGC, and how is it different from U-factor?

U-factor measures how much heat passes through the whole window assembly — frame, glass and spacer together — and lower is better. SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) measures how much solar energy comes through the glass. In Texas, Florida, or Arizona, aim for SHGC below 0.25 to keep cooling bills down. In Minnesota or New England, a higher SHGC (0.40+) on south-facing windows captures free solar heat in winter.

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Source: https://remodelyourhome.com/window-materials/