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At Window World Twin Cities, we offer premier window installation and replacement for the greater St. Paul area. Our experts will help you choose the glass for your new windows and navigate the many materials available for home sliding doors, glass skylights, windows, and patio doors. 

Investing in new windows is a big decision you don’t take lightly. When you consider upgrading or remodeling, it’s important to understand the process and products and trust the company doing the window installation.

In this article, we delve into the four most common types of window material and the features and benefits of each.

1. Vinyl Window Material

Vinyl is the most popular material for new windows. It is quickly becoming the de facto standard for replacement and new construction windows. This popularity stems mainly from the fact that vinyl windows are low-maintenance, don’t show scratches, and never need painting. 

A common perk to vinyl is the elimination of caulk and easy maintenance. From inside your home, you only need to wipe the window with a damp cloth occasionally, and your vinyl windows will shine for years.

2. Aluminum Windows

When working with aluminum materials, it's important to note that their painted surfaces can be easily scratched. While aluminum is lightweight and durable, it is also a strong conductor of heat and cold, offering poor insulation. This can even result in frost forming inside the window pane, making aluminum windows less energy-efficient overall. 

Modern window installations rarely use aluminum since they are generally less advantageous than contemporary materials like vinyl. Unless you're seeking a less expensive upfront option or require a custom shape that only aluminum can provide, opting for an alternative material is typically the better choice.

3. Wood-Framed Windows

Wood window frames are easy to install, highly insular, and have a genuine look and feel you can’t get with other materials. Wood is popular for older homes with classic architecture and newer eco-friendly applications. Wood frames also reduce outside noise the most compared to other frames.

However, there are drawbacks to wood materials, such as:

• Left untreated, wood windows can rot and warp.

• Wood frames need continuous painting maintenance and upkeep.

• Windows can be difficult to open when moisture and humidity cause the material to swell.

• Wood is vulnerable to insects, especially termites.

4. New Wood Windows

As we stated, wood is a great option for windows, but new wood windows that are treated properly can benefit your home even more! The new wood windows from a company like Windsor Windows & Doors, with which World Window Twin Cities has partnered, are treated with a formula called WinSure, which provides ultimate protection against rot, termite damage, and fungal decay. 

Regular wood windows require extensive upkeep and maintenance to prevent decay, while new wood windows can better withstand the elements. 

Additional advantages of new wood windows include energy efficiency, aesthetic appeal, cost, and unique feature options and window styles. With proper maintenance, new wood windows can last up to 20 years. 

Window Installation from Window World Twin Cities

Window World Twin Cities serves the St. Cloud and surrounding areas in Minnesota. No matter what material you desire for your window project, our experts can guide you through the entire process. 

We are at the forefront of the window industry, combining superior customer service with impeccable design. Let our professionals help you with your window replacement or installation, providing the highest-quality windows for your budget. 

Call us today at 651-770-5570, or you can message us on our contact page.