When choosing a window material for your home replacement project, there are four major contenders:

• Wood
• Vinyl
• Fiberglass
• Aluminum

Choosing the “right” one for your home is a tough decision. There’s a lot to weigh: cost, energy efficiency, appearance, maintenance… Mostly, your choice will come down to personal preference and specific home needs. Here at R&M Quality Windows & Doors, we strive to provide the most unbiased information possible, so you and your family can make the best decision for your Union City, CA home and budget.

Let’s go over each of these, together:

Wood windows
No other window material can quite match the natural beauty and texture of a stained wood window frame. This material is known not only for its luxury but also for its insulation and sound management. If you live in a noisy neighborhood, this may be very appealing! Of course, wood windows typically have the highest price-point, which could be a deterrent for some homeowners.

Vinyl Windows
Vinyl is made from a plastic material, polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This material provides a significant amount of insulation and durability. It will not easily dent, crack, scratch, or fade. Most appealing to homeowners, though, is its affordability. Because of its versatile looks (textures and colors), vinyl is a good compliment to many home styles such as modern, traditional, and contemporary. And, as an added bonus, vinyl is extremely low maintenance and easy to clean!

Fiberglass Windows
This is a lightweight, low maintenance, and durable window option designed for extreme climates. In fact, it is one of the top options for energy efficiency and insulation. Some homeowners prefer this option over vinyl simply because its texture can more closely mimic wood (without costing as much as the real thing). Though, this material isn’t as affordable as vinyl and isn’t as readily available as other material selections.

Aluminum Windows
This option is often found in commercial buildings and is less commonly used for residential structures. It is, however, practically maintenance-free and designed to resist the elements. Aluminum is resistant to scratching and cracking but is susceptible to dents. It can be painted (while vinyl, for example, can not be) to match or complement the color changes of the exterior siding throughout the years—which is helpful because aluminum windows will fade over time. Another note: aluminum windows are at the bottom of the list for energy efficiency, which may be off-putting for some. Though, they are very efficient to recycle!

Hopefully, you have gained a good overview of each window material option and feel more empowered to make a good decision for your home. If you’re considering a window replacement project in the near future, we encourage you to keep researching and come visit us here at R&M Quality Windows & Doors! We would love to earn your business and assist you in any way we can. Your home satisfaction is very important to us!

For more details, you can check Union City, CA vinyl windows

R & M Quality Windows & Doors / 5588 Central Ave. #A Newark, CA 94560 / (510) 796.0100