Replacement Window Comparison Chart For Madison WI

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