Features |
Low End PVC Vinyl |
Premium UPVC Vinyl |
Painted Fiberglass |
Wood with Metal Clad |
Expected
Life Span
|
5 to 15 Years |
30 or More Years |
Unknown - The Longest |
10 to 25 Years |
Warranty |
- Limited Lifetime or Limited by Years
- Usually Not Transferable
|
- Limited Lifetime
- Transferable
|
- Limited Lifetime or Limited by Years
- Transferable
|
- Limited by Years, Usually 20 Years or Less
- Usually Not Transferable and No Rot Warranty
|
Maintenance |
- None Needed (window cleaning only)
|
- None Needed (window cleaning only)
|
- Painting Outsides Every 5 to 10 Years
- Possibly Re-Varnish Wood Interiors
|
- Approx Every 5 Years
- Sand Refinish Wood Interiors
|
Structure & Durability |
- Fusion Welded Frames
- Somewhat Durable
- Expands and Contracts to Heat/Cold
- Low Number of Sealing Components
- Thin Material and Less Rigid
- Low End Mechanisms
|
- Fusion Welded Frames
- Very Durable
- Expands and Contracts to Heat/Cold
- High Number of Sealing Components
- Thick Material for Added Rigidity
- Internal Support Materials
- Top of the Line Mechanisms
|
- Corner Keyed Screwed Frames
- Most Durable
- No Expansion by Heat/Cold or Moisture Levels
- Low Number of Sealing Components
- Strongest Materials and Most Rigid
- Top of the Line Mechanisms
|
- Screwed Frames
- Very Durable (Except for Rot)
- Expands and Contracts to Moisture Levels
- Low Number of Sealing Components
- Thick Materials and Very Rigid
- Extruded Aluminum Outside Cladding
- Top of the Line Mechanisms
|
Insulation |
- Possibly Energy Star Rated
- Hollow or Foam Filled Frames
- Double and Possibly Triple Pane Options
|
- Best Energy Star Ratings
- Usually Foam Filled Frames
- Double and Triple Pane Options
|
- Usually Energy Star Rated
- Hollow or Foam Inserted into Frames
- Double and Possibly Triple Pane Options
|
- Possibly Energy Star Rated
- Wood Frames Less Insulation than Foam
- Double and Possibly Triple Pane Options
|
Cost |
- Entry Level Advertised Pricing
- Installation Labor the Same as Other Windows
|
- Best Value for The Price
- Less than Fiberglass or Wood
|
- Usually Less than Wood
- Long Lifespan
|
- Highest Priced
- Most Maintenance Issues
|