Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Window into vinyl-vs.-wood debate

By Tim Carter Tribune Media Services

Dear Tim: I’m about to start a window replacement project. My husband wants vinyl windows because of the easy maintenance, but I’m not a big fan of those. There seem to be many choices, and that’s making it hard for me to decide which kind of windows to install. What do you feel are the best replacement windows? What should I know about how to replace windows? – Laura B., Orlando, Fla.

Dear Laura: Window replacement is a huge industry. Not only do windows tend to be one of the largest energy thieves in the average home, but they also can be a time sink with respect to care and cleaning.

New technology is available that can let you spend more time enjoying life than painting windows or caring for them.

It’s easy to see why replacement vinyl windows are so popular. They never require painting, and with minimal care they look like new for many years.

Many houses have white windows and trim, so replacing old windows with standard white vinyl new ones can be done with minimal work. The new windows will match the existing house, and installation costs can be kept to a minimum.

Visit a local home show where businesses display their goods and services, and you’ll discover there are indeed many home replacement windows. It’s possible to get them in aluminum, wood, fiberglass and vinyl.

Wood replacement windows are available that will allow you to match the look and feel of a historic home. These amazing kits allow you to do window replacement without removing the interior casing trim or the exterior trim. Once you get the hang of installing these, you can install a new wood window set in less than an hour from start to finish.

You can get hybrid window replacements where different materials are used for the interior and exterior of your home. For example, you may want the warmth of wood for inside, while your husband wants the convenience of vinyl outdoors.

Who makes the best replacement windows? That’s a question open to lots of debate. Based on years of research, I believe the best windows are those that have been independently tested and certified.

One of the top organizations whose seal of approval you should look for is the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). In its certification process the association tests windows for air and water infiltration, structural integrity and how well windows resist forced entry by bad people.

If a manufacturer’s replacement windows meet the association’s rigorous standards, they get to apply a special gold AAMA label to each window. This label tells you that the window is a top performer.

A different certification to look for is from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). This label tells you all about the energy characteristics of the window.

The NFRC also tests for resistance to interior condensation. The closer that number is to 100, the better job the window does at preventing condensation.

In my opinion, the best replacement window you can get will have both the AAMA and NFRC labels on it.

When you or a pro gets ready to install replacement windows, there are certain things to guard against.

Water leaks often happen after windows are replaced. Pay attention to voids at the base of the window frame when the old window is removed. It may be a smart idea to fill any voids with caulk before the new window is installed.

If the window frame happens to be wood, it’s a great idea to paint any unsealed wood that was hidden by the old window.

Execellent caulking must be done to prevent leaks where the window touches up against the window frame, both outside and inside your home. Be sure to use an approved caulk that’s mentioned in the written instructions that come with the replacement windows.

Air leaks are another problem to guard against. Both homeowners and rookie installers think that just caulking the exterior will stop air infiltration. This is not always true; air can be moving through the wall cavity behind siding, brick and stucco in many instances.

This air can be stopped from coming indoors by installing an expanding foam sealant around the window. Be sure to use a foam that’s rated for use around windows. You want one that will stay flexible.

Home window replacement doesn’t have to be stressful. The most important part is to take your time and do the necessary research.

If you plan on being in the house for a long time, it really pays to buy the best replacement windows. Windows are a major component in a home, and it’s one of the last places you should try to cut corners.

All of Tim’s past columns and videos are available at AsktheBuilder.com.