Best Windows for Your Chicago Home: Wood, Vinyl or Aluminum

There are three different types of window materials available – vinyl, wood, and aluminum. When you are ready to replace your old, drafty, inefficient windows, you may need to choose one of these options. Keep reading and discover the pros and cons of each material.
 

Benefits of Vinyl Windows
 

There are many reasons why vinyl is the most preferred replacement window option. Vinyl replacement windows are durable, aesthetically appealing, affordable and almost maintenance free. Vinyl is also known for its amazing insulating properties because it is a poor conductor of heat. For this reason, it stops heat from coming inside the house during the summer months. In the same way, it prevents cold air from coming inside during the winter months. However, not all vinyl windows are the same. You get what you pay for, goes the old saying.
 

People started using vinyl in the early 1970s, and became widespread not only because they are less expensive but also because they require very little or no maintenance. Moreover, the material is durable and can last for many years.
 

Vinyl Disadvantages
 

As with any manufactured product, vinyl has its own downsides. The material cannot be painted, making it less appealingly to the eye. This means you aren't able to paint them a special color to match with your window shutters, gutters, etc.
 

Aluminum Advantages
 

Aluminum windows are extremely light, yet very strong and durable. They are long lasting and require little maintenance, especially with anodized or factory-baked finishes. If you wish to install windows with unique shapes, you might want to consider aluminum since the metal can easily be manipulated into virtually any shape.
 

Aluminum windows are great for normal climates. In other words, they can be a perfect option in areas where heat or cold is not a major issue. Aluminum windows is mostly used in large commercial buildings as they are less expensive than wood and vinyl.
 

Disadvantages of Aluminum
 

The major problem with aluminum is the fact that it is a good conductor of heat. Therefore, aluminum replacement windows may not be a good option in extremely hot climates. Additionally, aluminum may eventually allow condensation to form between the panes.
 

Advantages of Wood Windows
 

Many homes, especially traditional older homes, are set up with wood windows. True wood has a feel and look that cannot compare to either aluminum and vinyl. Wood is aesthetically pleasing, wood is tough; wood is well insulated. In fact, some vinyl and aluminum window frames try to mimic wood's appearance. Wood windows are environmentally-friendly and can be painted with virtually any color.
 

Disadvantages of Wood Windows
 

One of the major reasons why most homeowners settle for vinyl and aluminum options is the cost. Wood windows are quite expensive. The need for regular maintenance is another good reason most people don’t consider wood. Wood – if left unmaintained – can warp, rot, and start to look ugly. Also, wood is attractive to termites.

Reasons to Choose Argon Gas Replacement Windows

Argon gas is an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas that is extensively used in making fluorescent lights, light bulbs, photo tubes and now replacement windows. It is denser than normal air and has a very low level of chemical reactions. In other words, unlike oxygen, argon gas will not corrode or react with any type of window material. These windows include a vacuum-packed unit that is filled with argon gas between panes of glass to improve energy efficiency.
 

Argon is a non-toxic and inexpensive gas that is typically used to make replacement windows in order to stop frost from forming at the bottom of the windows. Argon windows also help to increase sound proofing features of a home, preventing unwanted outside noise from entering the house. Today, argon windows are gaining ground and are becoming a more popular choice for many people in the greater Chicago area.
 

There are double-pane glazed and triple-pane glazed argon filled replacement windows available. In order to place the gas between the panes of glass, the manufacturer sucks out air from between the glass panels, leaving a void, then pumping in the argon gas to fill the area. Since it is denser than normal air, it will redirect inside heat back into the home. Also, this can help to minimize condensation on the window as the inside part of the glass will remain warmer throughout the winter season. Additionally, argon gas can help reduce drafts and cold spots..
 

As said earlier, the noble gases are denser and heavier than air, so their particles do not move freely. Having inactive gas molecules between the panes of glass prevents warmer inner air from escaping in the winter seasons, saving money on heating costs. With the reduced heat loss, the R-value of the window is increased. A window’s R-value measures its ability to prevent heat from escaping. A double-pane glazed window without an argon gas has an R-value of about 1.8. A double-pane glazed window with an argon gas has an R-value of about 3.0, making it more energy efficient.
 

If you aren’t sure of whether or not to invest in argon filled replacement windows, consider your constantly rising energy costs for the last few months. Now try to imagine how much you’d save with argon replacement windows. Besides saving you money on utility bills, argon gas replacement windows protect your furniture against fading since these windows have the ability to block UV-rays. This, again, will save you more money on replacing furniture, carpeting, curtains, and other similar items.

The Energy Saving Benefits of Having New Windows Installed

Homes lose over one third of their heat through their doors and windows, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). But you can address this problem and save money by having your old windows replaced.
 

Although new energy efficient replacement windows are pretty expensive to purchase, in the long run, the savings you’ll make on your heating and cooling bills will surely offset the initial cost of purchasing them. Installing new windows will also boost the overall appearance of your home, and increase its value.
 

Old windows are typically less efficient compared to their modern counterparts. Also, damaged, peeling vinyl windows, termite-infested wood windows and other problems may signal that it is time to have those windows replaced. Carry out a detailed and thorough inspection of your windows to check for any sign of deterioration and replace them immediately.
 

As said before, this is an effective way to reduce your monthly energy consumption and give your property a new, attractive look. Energy efficient replacement windows come in a wide variety of colors, styles, and materials to meet your tastes and specific needs.
 

Today, windows are being crafted using state-of-the-art technology for greater performance and efficiency. Environmental sustainability and conservation concerns can be reduced with these new replacement windows. 
 

If your home is still set up with single-pane windows, you might be paying more on energy bills than you should. Replacing single-pane windows with double-pane windows will keep freezing cold air out while keeping heat in. You will save a lot on your monthly heating and cooling bills with these new windows.
 

Some modern replacement windows now have special coatings or insulation to protect them against extreme heat from the sun. Overexposure to the sunlight causes some of the components in your home to fade away. 
 

Even if your home doesn’t have those outdated windows, it doesn’t mean you are saving energy. The vinyl and aluminum frames installed in the past years, even with double pane or triple pane ones, still may not be as efficient as the latest ones. Though they may have a good insulation feature, they might be costing you a lot of money on energy bills.
 

There are tons of energy efficient replacement windows available on the market today that won’t drain your pocketbook. Even though you are not required to replace all your old windows with modern energy efficient ones, but if you really want to save money and enhance the value of your home, then you absolutely need to replace all of them. 
 

Compare the ratings of your older windows to the ratings on newest ones. You will be shocked at the amount of money you are losing just because of those old windows. Don’t allow that to continue breaking the bank–install new windows and start saving your hard-earned money.
 

When shopping for a new energy replacement window, check out all the options available on the market and select one that meets your needs. There are a wide variety of them, so be sure to make an informed decision.