Window Guide

Window Materials

Vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, wood, and composite: how they compare, and how to choose for a Texas home.

Window TypesWindow Materials

At a glance

How the common window materials compare.

FeatureVinylFiberglass & compositeAluminum (thermal break)Wood
Energy efficiencyVery goodExcellentGoodVery good
MaintenanceVery lowLowLowHigh
Color optionsLimitedPaintableWideUnlimited
Holds up to Texas heatGood*ExcellentExcellentFair
Cost1 of 32 of 32 of 33 of 3

Vinyl

Energy efficiency
Very good
Maintenance
Very low
Color options
Limited
Holds up to Texas heat
Good*
Cost
1 of 3

Fiberglass & composite

Energy efficiency
Excellent
Maintenance
Low
Color options
Paintable
Holds up to Texas heat
Excellent
Cost
2 of 3

Aluminum (thermal break)

Energy efficiency
Good
Maintenance
Low
Color options
Wide
Holds up to Texas heat
Excellent
Cost
2 of 3

Wood

Energy efficiency
Very good
Maintenance
High
Color options
Unlimited
Holds up to Texas heat
Fair
Cost
3 of 3

* Quality vinyl with reinforced, welded frames. Cost compares materials for the same window; your estimate depends on size and type.

Most popular in DFW

Vinyl

Low maintenance and energy efficient, which is why most homeowners choose it.

Best for: Most homes, and replacing old aluminum windows

Why people choose it

  • Never needs painting or sealing
  • Hollow, chambered frames insulate well
  • Won't rot, swell, or rust
  • Strong performance for the cost

Good to know

  • Quality varies a lot: cheap vinyl can warp or fade in Texas sun
  • Look for welded corners and reinforced frames
  • Fewer colors (white, almond, clay; some lines offer black)
White vinyl double-hung window installed in a brick home by Salazar & Sons
One of our vinyl installs, Fort Worth

Fiberglass & composite

Strong, stable frames that hold their shape in Texas heat. Both cost more than vinyl.

Best for: Darker colors, slim frames, and long-term durability

Ask us about Pella Impervia (fiberglass) and the Andersen 100 Series (Fibrex composite).

Why people choose it

  • Fiberglass expands and contracts about as much as glass, so seals stay tight
  • Strong enough for slimmer frames and more glass
  • Fiberglass can be painted almost any color
  • Composite blends wood fiber and polymer: resists rot and holds its shape

Good to know

  • Costs more than vinyl
  • Fewer manufacturers and styles to choose from
White fiberglass windows on a stucco home

Aluminum

Slim and strong. We only install aluminum with a thermal break, an insulating barrier that keeps the metal from carrying heat inside.

Best for: Modern designs where thin frames matter most

Why people choose it

  • Very strong with thin, modern frames
  • Durable and low maintenance

Good to know

  • Still less energy efficient than vinyl or fiberglass
  • Can still collect some condensation on very cold days
  • Many older DFW homes still have single-pane aluminum windows, and replacing them is one of the biggest energy upgrades you can make
Black-framed aluminum windows in a brick loft

Wood

Classic and warm, with the most upkeep.

Best for: Historic homes where the look comes first

Ask us about aluminum-clad wood windows: the Andersen E-Series and Pella Reserve.

Why people choose it

  • Traditional look that can be stained or painted
  • Natural insulator

Good to know

  • Needs regular painting or sealing
  • Can rot or swell if moisture gets in
  • Usually the most expensive option
  • Often "clad" with aluminum or vinyl outside to cut upkeep
Wood-framed glass doors and windows in a sunroom
Made in DFW

Buena Vista vinyl windows

Built in Farmers Branch by a small manufacturer focused on quality, Buena Vista keeps the choice simple with two vinyl series. Both use dual-pane Low-E glass filled with argon, aluminum-reinforced frames, and constant-force balances for smooth, steady operation.

B-21 Series

  • 3¼" frame with a beveled face and sloped sill
  • Tilt-in sashes: clean both sides from inside
  • Available in black and painted finishes

9600 Series

  • Slimmer 3" frame with a clean, flat face
  • Side-load sashes
  • White, almond, and clay

The frame is only half the story

Low-E glass

A thin, invisible coating that reflects the sun's heat, keeping your home cooler in a Texas summer.

Argon gas

Fills the space between panes to slow heat transfer.

Installation

Even the best window leaks if it's installed wrong. Every window we install comes with our lifetime leak warranty.

Not sure which is right for your home?

We will walk you through the options at your free, no-obligation estimate.

Call (469) 909-3185