Types of Home Replacement Windows

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By Beau Keyes
eHow Contributing Writer

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Replacement windows are excellent for older homes.

Home replacement windows are factory built and designed to mount in the existing frame of a wood or previously installed window. They usually come in preset or standard sizes for easy installation in the opening left by the original window, with only some balancing required. Replacement windows are generally easier to maintain than their predecessors, and offer the opportunity for homeowners to add new styling and upgrade energy efficiency. There are four types of replacement windows.

Aluminum

Aluminum windows are an excellent choice as replacements. They are affordable and more durable than wood windows, relatively lightweight and almost maintenance-free. They are not always the best choice for colder areas, as they are prone to some heat loss and condensation. Areas near the oceans also are not prime locations for aluminum because of the potential for high salt levels in the moisture-rich air, causing corrosion over time.

Wood

Replacement wood windows are popular in most cases because of the old-fashioned look they bring to a home. Often the most decorative choice, wood is a good insulator, especially in colder climates. Wood is usually the most expensive window to purchase. It also requires more maintenance than other materials and has an inherent risk of rot and warping. Wood also is susceptible to shrinking and swelling with temperature change.

Vinyl

Vinyl windows are made from a strong plastic that is highly resistant to damage. Vinyl is considerably low in cost for most homes and is made to easily slip into place. They don't require a great deal of maintenance and have very high insulating qualities. They also are resistant to fading and color changes, are virtually waterproof and don't require painting.

Wood Clad

Wood-clad replacement windows offer the best of both worlds--an attractive interior with an easy-to-maintain exterior. Made of either vinyl or aluminum on the exterior, they have a traditional wood interior. These windows are more expensive than either single style but offer homeowners wood windows with the durability of a maintenance-free exterior.

Creativity

Replacement windows offer homeowners an opportunity to be creative and improve the appearance of their homes. With the option of adding arched, bay, casement or bow windows, a new style is easy to achieve.

Energy Savings

Installing new windows also offers a good time to upgrade to more energy-efficient models. Old, loose-fitting and leaky windows are replaced with modern, multiple-pane, or gas-filled styles. With new windows, heating and cooling bills are lower and will increase the overall energy efficiency of any home.