Window Material

Window frames are available in a multitude of materials such as aluminum, wood, pvc and glass fibers. Typically, they are made solely out of one material and each frame has its advantages and disadvantages.

Vinyl windows are durable and save on energy costs. Different styles and colors are easy to come by. They resist transferring heat, meaning they don’t let hot air in or let you let hot air out. A drawback to vinyl is a limited color selection. The few colors that there are aren’t embraced by all manufacturers because of the notion they may fade over time in the sun’s rays.

Wood windows are usually unaffected by extreme temperature changes, and are susceptible to fewer instances involving condensation, but they need to be painted periodically and can warp or crack. To avoid this, many times they are clad in aluminum or vinyl. Bare wood would eventually rot or warp if not offered some kind of weather protection. Many people prefer wood as opposed to vinyl for aesthetic purposes. Even if they are clad in aluminum, they have a wood design on the surface as opposed to the plain look offered up by regular blinds. A wood replacement window can be more expensive than a vinyl one.

Fiberglass windows may not be as readily available as other materials. They have the best R-values but are much more expensive than aluminum and vinyl. Also, fiberglass has stiffer properties than vinyl lending itself to larger openings. A wood window clad with fiberglass is a viable option for someone looking to have the properties of fiberglass but wanting to retain the traditional wood look.

There is also Fibrex, which combines the durability of wood and the low maintenance of vinyl. It is a composite made of wood fibers mixed with epoxy resins. Fibrex replacement windows don’t rot or need to be maintained. Because it technically isn’t a wood product it will not deteriorate over time and it can be painted (though the paint may need to be refreshed).

Aluminum windows are hardly used in residences anymore because of heat loss or gain. Commercial properties use them because of the sturdiness they provide in large openings. Because wood is subject to the elements, many times manufacturers will cover the windows with aluminum to protect the exterior and provide a wood finish for the interior. All aluminum windows will allow cold to come in as well as heat and will likewise let cold and heat escape.