TYPES OF WINDOW FRAMES
Vinyl Windows
Vinyl windows are windows with frames made out of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), the same material used to make pipes and fittings for plumbing. The material is extruded into a straight shape and then crafted into a window frame and filled with glass.Vinyl windows are affordable and they are known for being good insulators. Vinyl is a versatile material and can be used to make most window styles, so you can get exactly what you’re looking for.One reason homeowners may upgrade to a different window frame type is that vinyl windows aren’t the most durable option, and they don’t have the same aesthetic charm as wooden windows or aluminum windows. They aren’t quite as strong as fiberglass, wood or aluminum, even when made with the best design practices.
Aluminum Windows
Aluminum windows are known for being rugged and long-lasting. They are also more modern and work well with sleek and modern home styles. They let in plenty of sunlight and are low-maintenance, especially when they aren’t painted. They won’t wear out in sunlight, and they won’t rot or mold from the common wear problems that affect wood, vinyl or fiberglass windows.One drawbacks of aluminum windows is they aren’t very efficient, even though manufacturers do everything they can to boost those “energy efficiency window figures.” When compared to other options, they fall short in terms of efficiency. They are also quite expensive. You’ll spend more for aluminum windows than you will for vinyl or fiberglass, though they are usually a bit cheaper than wooden windows.
Fiberglass Windows
Fiberglass windows are a less common but durable window installation option, and they’re relatively simple to maintain. Fiberglass windows are made from extruded fiberglass sections and the frames are a similar shape to vinyl frames.Fiberglass windows are known to resist weather and temperature changes better than any other material. That’s because fiberglass is so close in composition to the glass panes used to make up windows, so both materials expand and contract about the same amount during temperature changes. Fiberglass is an excellent insulator and makes window frames that work to prevent the transfer of heat.Unlike wood or aluminum, fiberglass windows are a bit dull in appearance. This can be remedied by painting them in a different color, but many people still don’t find it as charming. The window material is also quite expensive and can cost as much as or more than aluminum or wooden windows. Fiberglass is much more expensive than vinyl windows are for a very similar look, and that’s why so many people end up with vinyl frames in their homes.
Wooden Windows
Wooden windows are just as durable and long-lasting as other window frame options when properly maintained. They’ve been used on homes for hundreds of years, and though they’ve adapted to modern standards, they still offer the same general strength and aesthetic appeal that they always have.However, compared to vinyl or fiberglass windows, wooden windows are pretty expensive. They also require maintenance. For instance, if you fail to repaint the windows when needed, they can suffer from severe expansion and contraction due to moisture changes in the wood. They are also susceptible to rot and weathering in certain climates.
Clad Wood Windows
Composite window frames also called clad wood windows are constructed from a combination of two materials. They are made of a wood and vinyl window material combo or from a wood and aluminum material mix to create what’s referred to as a composite window frame. They can be made to look like any of the window frame types mentioned and are very easy to maintain. Composite replacement windows are a great option if you aren’t worried about higher prices for new windows compared to more affordable window installation options.
Faux Grids Frames
Finally, there are faux grids. These grids sit in front of the window as part of the frame and often don’t even touch the glass. They are the least convincing option in terms of a realistic look, but they are the easiest to clean. You can easily put a cloth in behind the separators and clean the entire glass all at once, which makes it much less of a hassle than cleaning each individual piece.Window Warranty
It’s common for a manufacturer to offer a “lifetime” warranty with their window and frame, but that warranty can mean one thing at one manufacturer and something completely different at another. It’s important to read the fine print and find out how long the warranty covers the windows and which conditions are covered so you know which manufacturers stand behind their products.
| WOOD | VINYL | FIBERGLASS | ALUMINIUM | |
| WILL NOT CRACK |
|
YES | YES | YES |
| WILL NOT PEEL |
|
YES | YES | YES |
| WILL NOT BEND OR WARP |
|
YES | YES | YES |
| PAINTABLE |
YES |
|
YES | YES |
| WOOD WINDOW-LIKE PROFILE | YES | YES | YES |
|
| AVAILABLE WITH WOOD CLAD INTERIOR | YES | YES |
|
|
| HIGH ENERGY-EFFICENCY COEFFICIENT |
|
YES | YES |
|
| WILL NOT STICK DUE TO EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION | YES | YES | YES |
|
