Windows are a fundamental part of your home. They help regulate temperature, protect you and your family from harsh weather, and invite lots of sunlight in on a beautiful day to brighten the elements of your house and your mood.
If you are upgrading your current windows or building a new home, you may wonder, “What window frame materials are out there?” or “What am I looking for in a window?” There may be options you haven’t considered previously or not at all until now.
Here we’ll look at some of the main window frame options available, precisely the best window frames for houses, to help you choose the best one.
Exploring Different Window Frame Materials
When exploring types of window frames, there are plenty of options for houses depending on the style you’re looking for and what you want the overall aesthetic to look like.
The most common materials on the market include wood, vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass. Each one has a set of advantages and a few disadvantages worth considering figuring out which option will best meet your needs.
Let’s look at the main pros and cons for each type of window frame material to help you narrow down your decision.
Wood Window Frames
Wood is a popular material choice for homeowners. Wood window frames are effective insulators as well as being aesthetically pleasing.
Advantages of wood window frames:
- Wood is a natural resource, renewable and environmentally sustainable.
- Variety of shapes and sizes.
- Strong and durable for years.
- Can paint or stain to match exterior décor.
- The best wood for window frames includes softwoods like fir or spruce.
Disadvantages:
- Wood is more costly than other materials. It requires regular maintenance like sanding, painting, staining, etc.
- It is also susceptible to rot, mould and mildew from weather damage if not properly maintained.
Vinyl Window Frames
Vinyl is the most common material for windows today as it is easily manufactured while maintaining beneficial properties.
Advantages of vinyl window frames:
- It has good resistance against heat transfer, making it energy efficient and great for insulation.
- It is the most affordable of all window materials.
- Vinyl requires no maintenance and will continue to look great for many years.
- Non-corroding, UV-resistant and very durable.
Disadvantages:
- Vinyl cannot be stained or painted to match décor. It doesn’t allow for customization, so it can be challenging to match more traditional styles.
- It can damage more easily upon installation, and the material can warp over time.
Aluminium Window Frames
Aluminum is not as popular a choice for residential buildings but is well suited to commercial applications.
Advantages of aluminum window frames:
- Less expensive than other materials and easy to maintain.
- Available in anodized or baked-on finishes, so you don’t need to repaint.
- Lightweight and can be customized to fit specific configurations.
- Warp-resistant.
- Very durable and robust.
Disadvantages:
- Aluminium is the least energy-efficient of all the materials. It loses heat and cold quickly and isn’t as good at insulating.
- Can be prone to condensation and corrosion if exposed to salt water and salt air.
Fiberglass Window Frames
Fiberglass is another popular choice for homeowners as it is versatile and energy efficient. It is helpful if you’re looking to save more money on home heating or cooling bills.
Advantages of fibreglass window frames:
- Fiberglass matches the look of wood and can be painted to match your home’s exterior.
- Very strong and durable.
- Expands and contracts with the insulated glass making it energy efficient.
- Resistant to rotting, swelling and warping.
- Foam-filled, which means it has the highest insulation value and works well in cold temperatures.
Disadvantages:
- Fiberglass windows are the more expensive choice, costing 25% more than vinyl windows.
- They also have limited colour choices, and although they can be painted, standard finishes can easily scratch.
Choosing the Right Window Frame Material
Deciding which window frame material is suitable for your home may be challenging, but using the advantages and disadvantages above can help you consider your options more carefully.
If you have any additional questions about window frame materials, contact the specialists at Fasada, who are happy to help with all your window needs.
