Replacing your windows sometimes requires extensive research because there are such a variety of choices. There are three major categories of replacement windows for a consumer’s selection. I will divide these choices based on the frame of the replacement window. First let’s discuss the wood replacement windows.

The most popular wood windows are probably the Anderson or Pella windows. These windows and other wood windows are by its composition a window that needs upkeep and maintenance. Of course you have to paint these windows but many times the exterior of the windows can be clad or covered with different aluminum or vinyl colors.

There are limited warranties on the wood windows because they do require upkeep by the homeowner so the manufacturers cannot offer an extensive warranty. The average length is around 10 years. The prices range from $500/ windows all the way up to $2500 per window depending on options and styles.

The next choice and most popular is the vinyl replacement windows Illinois has reached a tremendous popularity. The Midwest area of the United States experiences a tremendous amount of temperature variations. In the summer, Chicago can have temperatures of 90 degrees and higher and right now in the winter in January it is 5 degrees. So vinyl windows seem to be the answer to comfort and insulation for these extreme weather conditions.

One area in Chicago vinyl windows are installed in 2 out of every 3 households as the homeowners have caught on in this area. The vinyl windows are maintenance free and usually have lifetime warranties that can be transferred to next homeowner.

The last residential choice is the fiberglass or composite replacement windows. There are a few manufacturers of windows in this category. The jury is out and many window manufacturers are waiting to see if it is a worthwhile investment.