Choosing the right window frame material is of great importance, as it impacts the appearance of your windows, their durability, and their energy efficiency.
The following 4 materials are popular on the market today: vinyl, wood, fiberglass, and aluminum. Each of them provides various advantages, such as increased heat and sound insulation, aesthetics, and security.
Wood is a classic option that looks great, but is quite demanding in terms of operating conditions. Vinyl is a budget option that does not require special care and perfectly fits into the interior of any home.
Aluminum frames are considered very durable and at the same time lightweight. Fiberglass is an excellent choice in terms of energy efficiency and spectacular appearance.
As you can see, modern homeowners have a lot to choose from!
To make your choice easier, we will give you more details about the features of each material, so you can easily find what suits your requirements.
Vinyl Windows ─ Pros and Cons
Source: uswindow-door.com
Vinyl windows are becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners who want to replace their old window designs with new ones.
The choice is not accidental – vinyl frames have many advantages that distinguish them from other materials:
Durability
Vinyl windows are extremely durable and will serve their owners for many more years.
Practicality
This raw material is resistant to damage, corrosion, deformation, and rotting, in contrast to aluminum or wood products. It features high mechanical strength. Also, this material is very durable against ultraviolet radiation, extreme temperatures, and frost.
The distinctive ability of vinyl granules is that they can take almost any shape at the final stage of production.
Due to this vinyl is quite versatile material from which you can make many models of window systems: casement, awning, single or double hung, single or double slider, basement, shaped, bay or bow windows etc.
Energy efficiency
Such window structures provide excellent thermal insulation, so you will be protected from moisture, draughts, and mold, they also keep homes warm in winter and cool in summer.
In addition, vinyl windows also help reduce external noise, making your home quieter and more comfortable.
Low cost
Compared to other materials, vinyl is one of the most affordable options. This will help save on the overall cost of repair.
Low maintenance
Such window systems require minimal maintenance.
There are also some disadvantages:
- Such windows are made of artificial materials, so they will not biodegrade even after a long time.
- Too thin vinyl frames can be unreliable. The thicker and heavier the material, the better it is.
- Low-quality raw materials can be deformed. Choose products only from 100% primary unprocessed vinyl – NPVC.
In general, vinyl windows are a great option for those who are looking for an affordable and energy-efficient solution for their homes. Among all suppliers of such products, we recommend paying attention to the Canadian company Vinyl Light Windows and Doors.
The brand has long been working in this market and offers a large selection of quality models of vinyl windows that will meet the needs of even the most demanding homeowner.
Wood Windows ─ Pros and Cons
Source: greatplainswindows.com
Wood windows are among the oldest types of windows used in homes and commercial buildings around the world. They are valued for their elegant classic look and unique aesthetic qualities. Wood windows’ advantages are:
Aesthetics
Wood windows have a timeless look, which allows you to significantly increase the market value of your property.
They can be custom-made according to the unique architecture of the building and the preferences of the homeowner.
Energy efficiency
Wood is a poor conductor of heat, making it a great choice for homes where it is important to keep warm in the cold season and protect from the heat in the summer.
However, all this is true as long as you take regular care of wood frames: they are very prone to wear and can crack.
Durability
Wood frames are known for their durability, making them a reliable choice for any design. However, do not forget that this durability greatly depends on the careful maintenance of such designs.
Compared to other materials, wood has many serious drawbacks:
- Wood windows can be quite expensive to buy and install, especially in comparison with materials such as vinyl. The price of wood products can range from $700-1000, while a similar vinyl model will cost $250-350.
- They require more maintenance than other types of window materials. Regular cleaning and painting can also take a lot of time and money.
- Wood windows can be damaged by water over time. This leads to deformation, cracking and other problems that can shorten their service life. They also do not like sudden temperature changes, aggressive sun rays or strong mechanical impacts (like blows).
Fiberglass Windows ─ Pros and Cons
Source: pellaprodealer.com
Fiberglass windows are a stylish solution that will be appreciated by those who want to get durable windows with wood imitation.
Of course, like any other frame material, fiberglass has its advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s start with the pros:
Strength and durability
Like vinyl, this material has a long service life. It has also proven to be resistant to dents, scratches, corrosion and deformation that occur in wood and aluminum.
Energy efficiency
Windows made of fiberglass have the same insulation properties as wood models. However, they are not so prone to wear, making them the best choice on this point.
The fiberglass frames absorb and retain heat perfectly so that your home will always be comfortable for life.
Ease of use
Such frames do not require special care: they do not need repainting, cleaning, etc.
Cons of fiberglass windows:
- One of the main disadvantages of fiberglass windows is their cost. They are often more expensive than other window materials (vinyl or aluminum). But they’re a little cheaper than wood.
- Fiberglass is an extremely dense material that is difficult to mount and maintain. Therefore, it is not suitable for independent installation.
- Due to its design features, fiberglass has a limited choice of finishes, colors and designs.
Aluminum Windows ─ Pros and Cons
Source: abbeyaluminiumwindows.co.uk
Aluminum windows are the best option for those who want light and durable windows at an affordable price.
The main advantages of such frames are:
Flexibility
Aluminum is a metal that can be given almost any shape. You can order window systems of the most unusual shapes, and be sure that they will be reliable and durable.
Great view
Such structures usually have narrow profiles, which allows even more natural light to enter the room.
Low price
These models are much cheaper than window frames made of other materials. The second cheapest raw material is vinyl.
As to the cons, the most significant are:
- Problems with energy efficiency: Aluminum conducts heat and cold, making it a poor choice for harsh climates.
- The tendency to formation of condensate.
- This metal is susceptible to corrosion, scratches, and discoloration. It is also not susceptible to salt.
Now you know all about the basic materials for the production of window frames. We hope that the material was useful and you have already chosen which type of window frame is best for your home!
