Smith recommended you walk around your neighborhood and check out what your neighbors have. There is a good chance your neighbors have replaced their windows, and you can get a good idea on what they are using. You need to work with the local historic commission and your builder to be sure you're meeting the neighborhood code. Smith said that you have three options when replacing a wood window. There are many different framing materials to choose in replacement windows.
Wood is the natural alternative.
But even when you choose among wood windows, you often have a choice of wood, or wood clad with aluminum or vinyl on the exterior. Vinyl and aluminum clad windows cost more, but they eliminate exterior maintenance and, according to Smith, are well worth the investment. In the last 10 years they have gone from being wood's poor cousin to the leader in replacement windows. There is a multichamber frame design now in vinyl windows that greatly increase the frame's insulation value, rigidity and strength. Smith added that vinyl windows never need scraping, caulking or painting, saving time and money for you at installation.