Window guide
Window Materials
Explained
The right window material can impact how your
home looks, feels, and performs. Choosing the
right material for you will determine many
important things. Here's a guide to the most
common options.
Wood Windows
Timeless beauty and unmatched warmth, wood windows
offer a classic look that works in both traditional and
high-end modern homes.
Unmatched natural beauty
and rich appearance
Highly customizable
(stains, paints, finishes)
Lots of glass space with
low profile frames
Wood example
Requires regular maintenance
(painting, staining, etc)
More susceptible to moisture
and rot
Can be more sensitive to
extreme weather
High cost
Fiberglass Windows
Strong, stable, and built to last a lifetime. Fiberglass
windows are known for their durability and sleek,
modern look.
Extremely durable and
resistant to warping
Low maintenance
Excellent energy efficiency
Handles extreme weather
well
Higher up front cost, one of
the most expensive options
Fewer color options
More susceptible to fading
Premium Vinyl
The most common option of longevity and performance. This
category offers the most bang for your buck, allowing great
energy efficiency, some of the best warranties, and wide
availability from wholesalers, making an otherwise expensive
option affordable.
No maintenance
High energy efficiency
Resistant to moisture
Noise reduction
Available in a wide variety of colors
Cannot be re-painted
Contractor-Grade Vinyl
Widely available and offered by many small contractors and companies
who install multiple home-improvement items, contractor grade vinyl
windows are the cheapest option that exist in the window market. But
buyer beware, you get what you pay for. This is a good option for home
flips or homeowners looking to sell their home quickly.
Affordable
Widely available
Quick turn around
Low life-span
Virtually no warranty
Lowest energy efficiency
Structurally inefficient
Composite Windows
Engineered for strength and performance, composite windows
combine multiple materials to deliver durability, efficiency,
and versatility.
Exceptional durability
and long life-span
Low maintenance
Good energy efficiency
Look of wood windows
without rot or swelling
Usually twice the cost
of premium vinyl windows
Fewer brand options
Not as widely offered (fewer
companies that specialize in
it)
Wood Windows
Timeless beauty and unmatched warmth,
wood windows offer a classic look that
works in both traditional and high-end
modern homes.
Unmatched natural beauty
and rich appearance
Highly customizable
(stains, paints, finishes)
Lots of glass space with
low profile frames
More susceptible to moisture
and rot
High cost
Requires regular maintenance
(painting, staining, etc)
Fiberglass Windows
Strong, stable, and built to last a lifetime.
Fiberglass windows are known for their
durability and sleek, modern look.
Extremely durable and
resistant to warping
Excellent energy efficiency
Handles extreme weather
well
Fewer color options
Not widely available
Higher up front cost, one of
the most expensive options
Premium Vinyl
The best mix of longevity and performance.
This offers the most bang for your buck,
allowing great energy efficiency, some of the
best warranties, and wide availability
No maintenance
High energy efficiency
Resistant to moisture
Noise reduction
Cannot be re-painted
Cost effective only through
dealers
Contractor-Grade Vinyl
Contractor grade vinyl windows are the cheapest option that exist in the window market. This is a good option for home flips or homeowners looking to sell their home quickly.
Affordable
Widely available
Quick turn around
Low life-span
Virtually no warranty
Lowest energy efficiency
Structurally inefficient
Composite Windows
Engineered for strength and performance,
composite windows combine multiple
materials to deliver durability, efficiency,
and versatility.
Low maintenance
Good energy efficiency
Look of wood windows
without rot or swelling
Second highest cost next to
fiberglass windows
Not as widely offered
Fewer brand options
Unmatched natural beauty
and rich appearance
Highly customizable
(stains, paints, finishes)
Lots of glass space with
low profile frames
More susceptible to moisture
and rot
High cost
Requires regular maintenance
(painting, staining, etc)
Wood Windows
Timeless beauty and unmatched warmth, wood windows
offer a classic look that works in both traditional and
high-end modern homes.
Extremely durable and
resistant to warping
Excellent energy efficiency
Handles extreme weather
well
Fewer color options
Not widely available
Higher up front cost, one of
the most expensive options
Fiberglass Windows
Strong, stable, and built to last a lifetime. Fiberglass
windows are known for their durability and sleek,
modern look.
Premium Vinyl
The most common option of longevity and performance. This
category offers the most bang for your buck, allowing great
energy efficiency, some of the best warranties, and wide
availability from wholesalers, making an otherwise expensive
option affordable.
No maintenance
High energy efficiency
Resistant to moisture
Noise reduction
Available in a wide variety of colors
Cannot be re-painted
Contractor-Grade Vinyl
Widely available and offered by many small contractors and companies
who install multiple home-improvement items, contractor grade vinyl
windows are the cheapest option that exist in the window market. But
buyer beware, you get what you pay for. This is a good option for home
flips or homeowners looking to sell their home quickly.
Affordable
Widely available
Quick turn around
Low life-span
Virtually no warranty
Lowest energy efficiency
Structurally inefficient
Composite Windows
Engineered for strength and performance, composite windows
combine multiple materials to deliver durability, efficiency,
and versatility.
Exceptional durability
and long life-span
Low maintenance
Good energy efficiency
Look of wood windows
without rot or swelling
Usually twice the cost
of premium vinyl windows
Fewer brand options
Not as widely offered (fewer
companies that specialize in
it)
Back to Window Guide
Window Materials
Explained
The right window material can impact how
your home looks, feels, and performs.
Choosing the right material for you will
determine many important things. Here's a
guide to the most common options.
Not Sure Which Material is Right for You?
Not Sure Which Material is
Right for You?
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the perfect fit for your home and budget.
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WINDOW MATERIALS
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WindowMatch
Chicagoland
We help homeowners find trusted window
companies they can count on
Quick Links
For Homeowners
Company
Our Process
Our Standards
Partner With Us
Contact Us
Proudly Serving
Chicagoland and
surrounding areas