Which is better? Windows, siding and roofing compared
Straight comparisons from a contractor who installs every product on this page.
Homeowners ask us the same three questions before anything else: which window, which siding, which roof. Here are our short answers, with the full comparisons underneath. If you would rather have someone look at your house and tell you, that is free too.
Which replacement window is better?
| Line | What it is | We suggest it when |
|---|---|---|
| Andersen 400 Series | Wood interior, vinyl-clad exterior | You want a real wood interior and a long track record at a mid-range price |
| Andersen 100 Series | Fibrex composite | You want something sturdier than vinyl without the cost of wood |
| Marvin Elevate | Wood interior, fiberglass exterior | You want wood inside and an exterior that shrugs off freeze and thaw |
| Marvin Essential | Fiberglass inside and out | You want strength and no upkeep, and a painted interior is fine |
| Pella | Wood, fiberglass and vinyl lines | You want features like between-the-glass blinds or a specific Pella look |
| Kolbe | Custom wood and clad | The house is older or the openings are not standard sizes |
Which siding is better?
| James Hardie fiber cement | Insulated vinyl | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Upkeep | Factory finish holds color for years; repaint eventually | Never painted; wash it |
| Hail, woodpeckers, fire | Resists all three well | Can crack under hard hail; melts near a grill |
| Insulation | None on its own | Foam backing adds R-value and stiffens the panel |
| Look | Reads as painted wood, deep shadow lines | Good, flatter up close |
Our short answer: if you are staying and the budget allows, Hardie. If the budget is tight, insulated vinyl done properly is a real upgrade. We do not install bare vinyl.
Which roof is better?
Among the major architectural shingles (GAF Timberline HDZ, Owens Corning Duration, CertainTeed Landmark, Malarkey Vista) the differences are smaller than the difference between a careful installation and a rushed one. Pick on color, warranty terms, and impact rating if hail worries you. Then pick the installer carefully.
Doors, gutters and money questions
Still deciding? Have us look at the house.
Bring your shortlist. We will tell you what we would install on your home and why, show you samples, and leave a written estimate. It costs nothing and you do not have to decide that day.