By Denver Window Company / Windows / 0 Comments

Window Material Comparison Guide

Choosing the Right Window Material for Your Colorado Home

When it comes to replacing your windows, the material you choose matters more than you might think. It’s not just about style—it’s about how well your windows perform, how long they last, and how much maintenance they’ll need in the years ahead.

Colorado’s unique weather—from blazing sun to freezing winters—demands more from your windows than the average climate. So, which window material is up to the task?

Quick Answer:

Fiberglass windows—especially Infinity® from Marvin—offer the strongest combination of strength, energy efficiency, and durability for Colorado homes. But every material has its pros and cons, so let’s break it down.

Window Material Comparison: Fiberglass vs Vinyl vs Wood vs Composite

Fiberglass

Durability: ★★★★★
Cost: $$$$
Energy Efficiency: ★★★★★
Maintenance: Low
Aesthetic: Sleek & Modern
Best For: Colorado’s extreme climate

Vinyl

Durability: ★★★☆☆
Cost: $$
Energy Efficiency: ★★★★☆
Maintenance: Low
Aesthetic: Simple/Neutral
Best For: Budget-conscious homeowners

Wood

Durability: ★★★★☆
Cost: $$$$
Energy Efficiency: ★★★★☆
Maintenance: High
Aesthetic: Warm & Traditional
Best For: Historic or custom homes

Composite

Durability: ★★★★☆
Cost: $$$
Energy Efficiency: ★★★★☆
Maintenance: Medium
Aesthetic: Varies by brand
Best For: Mid-tier performance seekers

Why Fiberglass Windows Lead in Colorado

Colorado’s weather can be brutal on your home’s exterior. Between hail, snow, UV rays, and wide temperature swings, your windows need to stand up to a lot.

That’s where fiberglass truly shines.

Brands like Infinity from Marvin® use pultruded fiberglass—an incredibly strong material that resists warping, swelling, and cracking. It’s especially great for our state’s freeze-thaw cycles and summer heat.

Explore Infinity Windows by Marvin

Vinyl Windows: Cost-Effective, But Compromise Comes with It

Vinyl windows are popular for their affordability and low maintenance. And while they perform decently in moderate climates, they tend to expand and contract more in extreme conditions.

Over time, intense Colorado sunlight can fade vinyl frames or weaken their structure. If you’re renovating a rental or looking for a short-term solution, vinyl can still be a smart pick—but it may not be the best long-term investment for your forever home.

Wood Windows: Timeless Beauty with Extra Care Required

There’s no denying the charm of wood windows. They’re beautiful, warm, and provide excellent insulation.

But they also require regular upkeep. That means sanding, painting, or sealing to prevent rot, especially in moisture-prone areas. If you’re passionate about historical preservation or classic architecture, wood might be worth the effort.

Composite Windows: A Mixed Bag of Features

Composite windows combine materials like wood fibers and plastics, attempting to merge the best of both worlds. While some brands do a solid job, others cut corners—and that affects longevity and efficiency.

Be cautious: some companies market composite windows as “just like fiberglass,” but most don’t hold up the same way under stress. Ask about the exact materials inside the frame before buying.

What Colorado Homeowners Need to Know

No matter how stylish a window looks, it must perform in Colorado’s high-altitude climate. That means:

  • Handling hailstorms without cracking
  • Blocking UV rays that fade furniture and damage frames
  • Resisting expansion and warping during daily temperature swings

That’s why fiberglass consistently outperforms vinyl, wood, and most composites here.

Need Help Deciding? Let’s Talk Windows.

Choosing replacement windows can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. At Gravina’s Window Center of Littleton®, we walk homeowners through the process with transparency, experience, and no pressure.