Yeah, composites are pretty solid these days. I still like wood for the look, but after sanding and repainting mine every couple years...composite's starting to sound pretty good right about now. Maybe next reno I'll finally make the switch.
I went through the same thing a few years back. Had wood windows for ages—loved the classic look, hated the upkeep. Finally bit the bullet and switched to composite on our last remodel. Honestly, best decision ever. Installation was straightforward: remove old frames, prep openings, level carefully (this step's crucial), then seal thoroughly with expanding foam and flashing tape. Haven't touched a paintbrush since, and they still look brand new...though I admit, sometimes I miss that warm wood grain vibe.
Went vinyl myself after years of wood—mostly out of sheer laziness, tbh. Wood looks awesome, no doubt, but the sanding, repainting, and dealing with rot spots every few years got old fast. Installation was pretty similar to what you described: rip out old frames, level everything (learned that one the hard way...), foam it up, tape it tight. Not rocket science, but def not a weekend I'd wanna repeat anytime soon.
Composite sounds tempting tho. If I had known more about it back then, might've gone that route instead. Vinyl's been solid—zero maintenance—but yeah, sometimes I glance at my neighbor's wood windows and get a little nostalgic. Then I remember my paintbrush PTSD and snap right out of it, lol.
I've been through the vinyl vs wood debate myself, and honestly, I ended up going composite. Vinyl's great for low-maintenance, no argument there, but after a few years in my old place, I noticed it wasn't holding up as well in extreme weather—especially cold winters. Got a bit drafty around the edges, even with careful installation.
Composite was pricier upfront, but man, it really ticked all my boxes. Looks closer to wood than vinyl ever could, zero rot issues, and the insulation factor is noticeably better. My heating bill dropped enough that the windows basically paid for themselves after a couple winters. Plus, no sanding or painting required—no more paintbrush nightmares for me either, haha.
I get the nostalgia factor with wood though... nothing beats that classic look. Still, if you're thinking long-term efficiency and comfort, composite might be worth a second look.
"Composite was pricier upfront, but man, it really ticked all my boxes."
Yeah, composite definitely has its perks. I went with wood windows about 10 years ago because I loved the classic look and figured I'd just deal with the upkeep. Fast forward to now—I'm still dealing with the upkeep, haha. Every few summers it's sanding, repainting, sealing... rinse and repeat. But honestly, there's something satisfying about seeing them freshly painted again.
That said, your point about insulation hits home for me. Winters here can be brutal, and I've noticed drafts creeping in lately despite my best efforts. Maybe composite would've saved me some headaches (and heating bills) over the years.
Curious though—how's composite holding up appearance-wise after a few seasons? Does it fade or discolor much from sun exposure? Wood's a pain maintenance-wise, but at least I know what I'm getting into...
I've installed quite a few composite windows over the years, and honestly, fading hasn't been much of an issue from what I've seen. They hold their color pretty well—even on southern exposures where the sun beats down all day. Now, nothing's completely immune to UV rays, so eventually there might be some slight dulling, but it's subtle. Definitely less noticeable than the peeling paint adventure you're describing, haha.
I've had good luck with vinyl myself—especially the newer stuff. Installed some Pella vinyl windows about 6 years ago on a south-facing wall, and honestly, they've held up great. No noticeable fading yet, and zero maintenance beats repainting wood frames every few years...
"zero maintenance beats repainting wood frames every few years..."
Couldn't agree more—painting windows is right up there with cleaning gutters on my list of weekend fun, lol. Vinyl's come a long way, but I still like wood for historic homes...just feels right, even if it's extra work.
"Vinyl's come a long way, but I still like wood for historic homes...just feels right, even if it's extra work."
Yeah, I get what you're saying about wood feeling right for older homes. When we bought our place, I was pretty skeptical about vinyl—thought it'd look cheap or out of place. But honestly, after seeing some higher-end vinyl options installed, it's surprisingly decent. Still, if you've got the patience (and budget) to maintain wood frames, more power to you...they do have charm that's tough to replicate.
When we bought our place, I was pretty skeptical about vinyl—thought it'd look cheap or out of place.
We went vinyl after years of battling peeling paint and wood rot—honestly, best decision ever. But I get the appeal of wood, especially for historic charm. Curious though, anyone had luck mixing both? Like wood in front, vinyl in back?