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Author: | Dean S |
In Reply To: | RE: Home Depot Simonton 6500 vs Sears Alside Ultramaxx (posted by Ken) |
Subject: | RE: Home Depot Simonton 6500 vs Sears Alside Ultramaxx |
Posted At: | 2004-06-05 02:06:45 |
I'm biased (I sell Marvin) so I naturally prefer wood windows. Conversely, if I felt vinyl windows were good I'd sell vinyl. That said...
Vinyl windows can be installed very cheaply and that's what some consumers want. If you want them that's fine but don't pretend they're better than wood or fiberglass.
Fiberglass looks much like vinyl but is a much stronger material and expands and contracts as much as the glass. It's more expensive than vinyl.
Wood with an aluminum cladding system is the most expensive option. For some homes the look of wood is essential, for some it doesn't matter.
Condensation occurs because of a)too much humidity in the home or b) air infiltration from bad windows. A good quality new window should eliminate b and you can turn the humidifier down and leave the drapes open most of the time for a.
A maintenance free window doesn't exist. You still have to check the caulk on the outside every few years. Caulk doesn't last forever and when the line breaks water can get in. Aluminum clad windows are as maintenance free on the outside as vinyl.
Maintenance on the inside? Paint them as often as you paint the inside of your home. It's expensive if you hire someone, not too much work if done yourself but I think it's worth it.