Home Improvement Tips – Part 1: Familiarizing Yourself with Window Frames
When it comes to choosing windows, one of the most important things you should consider is the type of material its frames are made of. Each material has its own set of strengths and weaknesses, so you have to make sure you’re getting what that will fit your home’s specific needs.
Since there are various kinds of materials available, let’s focus on the most popular ones. These are generally safe choices, but if you want the best results, you’ll need to take a more detailed look at each of them.
Vinyl
Vinyl window frames are made of polyvinyl chloride or PVC, a type of plastic that provides good structural support. This is why they are also known as PVC windows frames.
Strengths
- Excellent energy efficiency
- Totally immune to rust and rot
- Available in different colors, goes well with almost any visual theme
- Low initial costs compared to others
Fiberglass
Made of countless glass fibers bound in resin, fiberglass was originally used for boat hulls and other items designed for endurance. Window manufacturers eventually discovered its potential, and it has since become a mainstream option for today’s homeowners.
Strengths
- Excellent impact resistance
- Can be lightweight without sacrificing durability
- Energy efficiency is comparable to wood
- Low maintenance requirements
- Doesn’t get brittle over time
- Can also be painted over for customizability
Wood
Usually made of cedar or pine, wood windows have been around for centuries; wood is a staple in classic home designs.
Strengths
- Great thermal performance; energy efficient
- Offers a wide variety of styles, colors and details
- Doesn’t attract condensation when it gets cold, unlike metal or vinyl
Composite
Made of wood fibers and resin, composite is a fairly new option that’s quickly becoming more popular.
- Can imitate the appearance of wood or have a smooth finish, depending on your taste and home’s style
- Very low maintenance requirements; needs only periodic cleaning
- Can either be painted over or colored during manufacturing
We’re done taking a look at frames, but that’s just the first part of your search for good windows. The next part is about different window styles.
