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Wood windows offer a classic look that coordinates well with the traditional architecture of many Dayton homes. However, wood windows also have one big downfall: they require a lot of maintenance. If you are not very careful to keep up with the scraping, painting, and refinishing, rot will set in, and then your once-beautiful windows will become more of a burden than an asset.
Thankfully, there are alternatives! Homeowners are increasingly turning to vinyl, aluminum, and Fibrex® composite windows. All three require less maintenance than wood window, but if you’re after that traditional wood look, Fibrex really is the best choice for replacement windows. Nevertheless, keep reading for a closer look at these three alternative window materials.
Aluminum Windows
Aluminum has gained popularity as a window material because it is lightweight, affordable, and does not rust. Aluminum windows can be painted or even powder coated in many different colors. Because aluminum is strong, frames and sashes made from aluminum can be made quite thin, allowing for more glass space.
That being said, aluminum does have a few shortcomings, particularly for Dayton home owners and others in the Midwest. It has a decidedly modern look, which does not pair well with the more traditional architecture seen in most Ohio homes. (The look is entirely different than what you get with wood windows.) Secondly, aluminum windows are not very energy-efficient. Aluminum is a good conductor, which means it’s a poor insulator — your heat will seep right through it, leading to higher energy bills.
Vinyl Windows
Vinyl windows are another well-marketed option for homeowners looking for low-maintenance solutions. Vinyl does not rot or rust, and it never requires painting. White vinyl windows don’t look like wood windows, but they are still fairly traditional.
In many cases, however, the marketing surrounding vinyl windows is better than the windows themselves. Vinyl windows may be energy-efficient when they are new, but they lose their efficiency quickly, especially in a climate like that of Dayton where temperatures often fluctuate. Changes in temperature make the vinyl increasingly brittle. It soon cracks or bows away from the window glass, resulting in air leaks and decreased efficiency.
Fibrex Composite
Last but definitely not least, you have Fibrex composite windows from Renewal by Andersen. If you’re looking for an energy-efficient alternative to wood that actually looks like wood, this is it. Fibrex is made from reclaimed wood fibers, making it a sustainable choice. It comes in a range of colors, including natural wood finishes. With Fibrex windows, your Dayton home will retain its traditional appearance — you can be the only one who knows the windows are not natural wood.
Fibrex does not rot or bow like wood as it ages, and you never have to paint it. It does not experience the loss of energy-efficiency associated with vinyl windows, either, since it tolerates changes in temperature and humidity well. Renewal by Andersen even offers a generous, 20-year limited warranty against blistering, peeling, cracking, and rot on Fibrex windows, which protects you from any defects.
If you are looking for new windows for your Dayton home and love the traditional look of wood, then low-maintenance, sustainable Fibrex should be at the top of your list. Contact Renewal by Andersen to schedule a free, in-home consultation. Our trained technicians can tell you more about the benefits of Fibrex and recommend window styles best suited to your needs.