When buying windows, the material you decide to use for the window frames deserves to be given considerably more consideration. The framing material you choose will influence the visual attractiveness, energy efficiency, and maintenance requirements of your windows over their lifetime. The experts at replacement windows Ventura, CA, listed the most popular window frames below.
The four most popular framing materials are aluminum, fiberglass, vinyl, and wood, which we’ll introduce now.
Aluminum frames are both extremely robust and lightweight. Aluminum may appeal to homeowners searching for a low-maintenance choice because it won’t bend, warp, peel, or split.
Aluminum’s sleekness complements modern-styled dwellings.
Aluminum’s primary flaw is that metal naturally transmits heat, which makes it a poor insulator. Due to this, aluminum window frames must be thermally broken between the interior and outside of the structure to be insulated.
From a cost perspective, aluminum should cost more than vinyl or fiberglass and less than wood.
Fiberglass window frames are advantageous for homes of fiberglass in climates with extreme weather and temperature variations. Because fiberglass expands and contracts at a pace similar to glass, it retains its structural integrity well, even during sweltering summers and icy winters. Because they are naturally well-insulated, fiberglass frames will reduce heat transfer.
Fiberglass may have a flat, dull appearance unless it is painted, which could be a drawback. Vinyl is far less expensive than fiberglass, although having a very similar external appearance. Therefore some homeowners may decide to use vinyl instead of fiberglass. Fiberglass frames are more expensive than vinyl but less costly than wood and aluminum.
The PVC used to make vinyl window frames is also used to make plumbing pipes and fittings. This material can be molded to fit almost any type of window and is a strong insulator. Vinyl windows are frequently chosen by homeowners more interested in a cost-effective solution than an attractive design.
The drawback of vinyl for window frames is that it isn’t always the most robust or resilient material. It also frequently has a more functional appearance and feel compared to other materials.
The cheapest of the four most popular frame materials is vinyl. It offers a fiberglass-like appearance at a more affordable price.
The most conventional window frame material is wood. Homeowners who like wood frames value their inherent aesthetic appeal and numerous design options. Consumers are also attracted by the possibility of repairing worn-out wood frames rather than replacing them.
There are two points against using wood frames. Because wood frames need to be painted or stained again frequently, they require more upkeep than other frames. This routine maintenance protects the wood from moisture and weathering that could otherwise rot the wood or cause it to deform.
The costliest of the top four window frame materials is often wood.
Would you like advice from an expert on the window frame materials that would best match your preferences and your price range? Replacement windows in Ventura, CA, provide in-home consultations to give you individualized advice and direction on your frame requirements. Set up your free consultation now!