Replacement Windows
There are many types of window and door replacements, and they each have their own advantages and drawbacks.
Below is what GHWC has experienced for each type over the years.
Wood Replacement Windows
Wood windows give option of painting or staining to match your color palette and architectural needs.
Wood windows may already exist in your older home, and it is most likely the look of true divided grids that separate the glass – both on the outside and the inside – that you enjoy. Perhaps you have HOA or heritage/historical requirements to maintain the same appearance or even the same window styles.
Today’s wood windows offer protected exterior surface finishes that do not degrade in the rainy Pacific NW weather. Many homeowners install wood-sliding or French doors to get the interior wood feature and couple it with an all-vinyl, one-color window.
Vinyl Replacement Windows
Most vinyl windows meet many homeowner’s needs and budget requirements. This window type is more energy efficient than wood windows/doors due to its nature or ratio of glass to frame. It offers multiple cosmetic options and better warranties.
GHWC offers name brands such as Cascade, Milgard and many others. Typically, there are multiple exterior color options available along with three interior colors to choose from, depending on the brand.
Fiberglass Replacement Windows
Fiberglass windows come with many color options and can integrate into large expanses and other spaces vinyl will not.
Bay or Garden Replacement Windows
These types of windows project away from the exterior wall to create a dimensional effect and curb appeal, which often increases property values.
Replacement Doors
Wood Doors
Custom wood doors are very high-end and stylish. Some buyers feel non-wood doors do not meet their eco-friendly values or are not in keeping with their architectural plans.
Pros: Wood doors work well in sheltered locations where they can be refinished on a regular basis. Some basic wood doors may be less expensive, in the short term.
Cons: Maintenance issues.
Why people choose: some custom doors are only made in wood and are very high end. This is a very tiny bit of the market both for style and budget. Some buyers feel non wood does not meet their eco friendly values or are not architecturally in keeping with their plans.
Todays wood windows offer protected finishes on the exterior surface that do not degrade in the wet pacific northwest. Many owners will install a wood sliding or French doors to get the wood interior and then couple that with a all vinyl one color window.
Steel Doors
Pros: Depends on the kind of structure and height of the building. They can meet code requirements and withstand exposure to the elements that wood cannot.
Cons: Steel doors have the potential to dent. There is a limited selection of frame, glass choices and sizes available.
Why people choose: For the pros
Fiberglass Doors
Fiberglass doors are chosen for their ease of maintenance and features such as no denting, no dry rot, good insulation, lifetime limited warranties, new sills, and synthetic jam designs to keep doors from being damage by water. They offer amazing selections that include high-end looking styles at a fraction of the price of wood.
Pros : Does not dent
Cons: None
Why people choose: ease of maintenance, amazing selections including high end looks at a fraction of the price of wood.
French Doors
French doors have both full-glass and a combination of stained or decorative glass options that can greatly enhance a home and add overall value as an upscale option. Folding doors are now available for residential homes, not just commercial, giving the opportunity to unite the inside with the outside on nice days.
Pros: Provides great access by allowing both sides of the doors to open. Improved flow through house for entertaining and greater inside and exterior curb appeal.
Cons: Existing French doors are larger than a standard patio door and may compromise size and style to retrofit an older patio door opening. Some companies such as Codel Entry Systems make a retro door for this very reason.
French doors with the same square footage as a regular patio door can be two to three times the cost of a vinyl patio door or a single door with a single swing. Some come with screens installed and some do not. French doors max out at six feet wide unlike patio doors that can go to 12 feet or more.
Why people choose: The look and use of the door can greatly enhance a home. Adds to overall value as an upscale option.
