Should You Buy Wood or Fibrex Composite Replacement Windows for Your Long Island Home?

This Renewal by Andersen of Long Island blog is for homeowners who have already decided to invest in replacement windows, but aren’t sure if they want to go back with wood, like the existing windows, or upgrade with modern, high-performance Fibrex composite frames. You’ll find some similarities, and some reasons that one frame material is definitely a better choice than the other.

The Case for Upgrading with Wood Windows

Say “yes” to wood, if you currently have wood windows and any of the following situations apply.

• If you are upgrading a historic home with original wood windows, especially one listed on the National Registry, there may be restrictions against modernizing with alternative frames. Check with the local authority or designating organization before making a final decision.
• You aren’t required to duplicate decorative millwork and classic design, but you want to keep the original, prominent features (like true divided like single pane glass) that only custom-built wood windows deliver.
• You live in a covenanted community that prohibits vinyl, aluminum, and other non-wood windows from being installed on street-facing walls.

The Case for Fibrex Composite Replacement Windows

If the existing windows in your Long Island home are not wood, there isn’t really an advantage to converting your home with wood framed windows, unless you bought a historic home that was improperly upgraded and you want to do a complete restoration that satisfies rigorous standards to gain historic recognition. Beyond trying to preserve mid-century modern or earlier architecture there aren’t any significant advantages to ordering custom-built wood windows. There are advantages to choosing Fibrex frames, however and we’ve listed them below.

#1. Custom-crafted wood windows are expensive and, they don’t offer higher energy efficiency ratings to offset the additional spend. All things being equal – size, shape, accessories – a specialty wood window may cost twice as much as a composite-framed window unit.

#2. It doesn’t make sense to install wood windows when all the other neighborhood homes have more modern windows. While it is nice to have a unique home, some upgrades make it harder to sell your property when you decide to move.

#3. Fibrex window frames offer the strength and stability of wood window frames, with a twist – no maintenance. Composites resist rot, mildew, fading, peeling and flaking caused by weather elements, some things wood just can’t offer. And, with the ability to select fibrex window frames with real-wood interiors, modern replacement windows allow homeowners to personalize their indoor spaces with colors and textures that make your house a home decorated to match your unique style and preferences.

#4. Perhaps the greatest advantage is the warranty. You won’t find many wood window companies willing to guarantee their windows will maintain the original beauty and performance for as long as you live in your home. Over time, wood windows gradually succumb to moisture damage and weaken with temperature swings that occur during our frigid winters and blistering summers.

As you can see, there are only a few occasions when installing custom-built wood windows make sense. For the majority of our Long Island neighbors, Fibrex-framed replacement windows are a better option. Customization features allow you to design windows that complement your home’s architectural features and your lifestyle. With dozens of color combinations, beautiful hardware choices and standard, as well as custom grille patterns, you can create maintenance-free windows to help you improve indoor comfort and air quality, often for less money than you’d spend for wood alternatives.

Learn More About Renewal by Andersen Fibrex Frames & Replacement Window Features

Need more information about the benefits of Fibrex composite window frames over their wood window framed cousins? Just take a minute to fill in the short form on this page, or give us a call at 866-609-5033 to schedule a private, in-home consultation with a Long Island Renewal by Andersen of Long Island replacement window specialist.