Chicago weather is known around the nation for being some of the most beautiful, though brutal weather in the midwest, and if you are a local homeowner considering exterior upgrades to keep that weather out, you may be wondering about the types of windows available to Chicago homeowners. Your home is a significant purchase, and one of your most important investments, it’s important to protect and beautify that investment when possible.
Just like with roofing and siding, your windows are a crucial component to keeping the elements outside, and your home’s interior safe and dry. But there are several different types of windows out there to choose from, and before you begin planning any exterior upgrades, you should know more about the materials that you’re going to come across, and how they stack up to each other.
We’re going to dive into the most common window materials used in Chicago area homes, and how they compare to one another. We’ll cover the pros and cons of each one, as well as their relative cost to have installed.
Types Of Windows Available To Chicago Homeowners
The three most common types of windows available to Chicago homeowners are wooden windows, fiberglass windows, and vinyl windows. While your windowpanes will always be glass, the surrounding material can have a significant impact not only on the project cost but the outcome of the project, in terms of the window function and appearance.
Wood
Wood windows look like nothing else. They provide old-world, craftsman charm, but they are also limited in their application. Wood windows tend to be the only acceptable replacement for homes that already have wood windows.
They can be shaped into complex window shapes to integrate with your home’s architecture and can be stained or painted in almost any color. While wood is a great insulator, it requires more maintenance, and it is more expensive than many other options.
Windows Available to Chicago Homeowners: Fiberglass
Fiberglass is considered one of the premium window materials, and as such, comes with a long list of benefits. Fiberglass is a composite material that can withstand heat and distortion, which other windows may be more susceptible to. Their wind resistance makes them a great choice for Chicagoland homes, particularly when the winter winds blow.
The appearance of fiberglass is more upscale than other options and can provide slimmer sleeker windows. While the material is highly customizable, that customization comes at a price, as fiberglass tends to be comparatively expensive.
Vinyl
Vinyl windows are made from a similar polyvinyl chloride that vinyl siding is made from, which is a very good insulator. They are one of the cheapest window options and will resist rotting and warping. The insulation of vinyl windows can help reduce energy costs by greatly reducing thermal transfer through the material.
They come in countless styles, though each manufacturer will have its own color palette, and sometimes those color options can be limited. PVC also tends to be somewhat sensitive to prolonged UV exposure, so it may not be ideal for areas that get lots of direct suns.
Are You Thinking About Upgrading Your Windows?
If you have been thinking about replacing some leaky or drafty windows, it can seem like a massive project until you speak with a local window installation professional that can simplify the process. Additionally, if you are considering upgrading your siding, doing your windows at the same time could save you considerable time and expense. If you have any questions at all about the windows available to Chicago homeowners, reach out to All Star today, and speak with a trusted local window installation professional.
