Windows set the tone for your home’s comfort, efficiency, and style. Whether you’re remodeling, replacing, or building new, understanding your window options helps you make confident, informed decisions.

At Big Fish Contracting, we believe in transparency and education. That’s why we sat down with Paul Unferth, who leads our window and door division, to talk through what homeowners should know before starting a window project on the Under Construction: Renovating a Home, Redeeming an Industry podcast.

The material you choose affects not just the look of your windows, but also their performance and longevity.

Clad Wood Windows

These offer the classic beauty of real wood interiors with durable, low-maintenance exteriors.

Inside, wood can be stained or painted to match your trim or cabinetry. Outside, wood is protected with aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass cladding that stands up to the elements.

Clad wood windows are best suited for homeowners who desire warmth and character, particularly in homes with existing wood details.

• Pros: Can stain to match your interior woodworking.

Fiberglass Windows

Fiberglass is one of the most durable materials on the market. It doesn’t warp, swell, or rot, and it can handle Wisconsin’s wild temperature swings with ease. 

Fiberglass windows are available in trending colors like black or white for a modern, clean look.

• Pros: long lifespan, maintenance-free, and excellent energy efficiency.

Vinyl Windows

Vinyl offers the most budget-friendly price point while still delivering solid performance. However, strength and rigidity, along with expansion/contraction rates, are things to be aware of when considering vinyl windows and sliding doors.

• Pros:  cost-effective, energy-efficient, available with interior veneers to achieve the look of wood. 

No matter which material you choose, the glass itself is what drives most of the window’s energy performance. Today’s multi-pane, gas-filled, and low-E coated glass options deliver impressive efficiency across all window types.

One of the most common homeowner questions we hear is: What’s the difference between replacement and new construction windows?

Full-Frame (New Construction Style) Installation

In this method, the entire existing window, including the frame, is removed. The new window is installed directly into the rough opening, just like it would be in a brand-new home.

• Pros: maximizes your view and light by using the full opening, ensures proper insulation and flashing, and offers the best long-term performance.
• Considerations: involves more labor and new interior/exterior trim, so it comes at a higher cost.

Pocket (Insert) Installation

Pocket installation leaves the existing window frame intact and replaces only the sash and hardware.

• Pros: less invasive, faster, and more cost-effective.
• Considerations: reduces the visible glass area slightly and relies more on caulking and sealing for weatherproofing.

Both methods can deliver great results. It depends on your home’s condition, your trim style, and how long you plan to stay in the home.

Paul’s approach starts with asking questions. As he shared in the podcast, “Every scenario is different. I want to understand the homeowner’s goals, the age of the home, and what they’re trying to achieve. Then we can recommend the best options for that situation.”

Windows are a significant investment, one that impacts your comfort, energy bills, and the beauty of your home for years to come. That’s why we focus on education, not pressure. We’ll walk you through every option, explain the pros and cons, and help you make the best choice for your home and budget.

Whether you’re refreshing your exterior, tackling a full remodel, or just trying to fix that one stubborn draft, our team is here to help.

Contact Big Fish Contracting today to schedule your window consultation and see firsthand how we’re renovating homes and redeeming an industry.