Buying New Windows? What To Consider About The Window Frame
Posted on: 12 September 2018
While shopping for new windows for your home, you may have quickly found out how many different options you have to pick from. While you have to decide between how many panes of glass they have, the color, and the way that the windows open, you should put some thought into what kind of material the window frame is made out of. Here are some things you'll want to consider to make an informed decision.
The Maintenance
You must think about the kind of maintenance you are prepared to do when you selecting the material for the window frames. For instance, you may love the look of wood window frames, but you may not love the amount of maintenance that they require. If sanding, staining, and painting windows is not your idea of time well spent on the weekend every few years, you may regret buying wood windows when the time comes.
Composite windows use a material that has a look that's similar to wood, though very different when it comes to maintenance. Vinyl is another low maintenance window frame option. These two are materials that do not require that the surface is refinished, making them relatively maintenance free over the years.
The Climate
While you may love the idea of low maintenance vinyl windows, they may not be best for your climate. Vinyl tends to have a shorter lifespan due to how the material will easily expand and contract under extreme heat and cold. This can lead to the material cracking, making it less ideal in climates that see extreme temperatures throughout the year. Composite window frames will be a better material because of how they handle the temperature change. Wood is another window material that will last much longer in the northeastern part of the county due to how it handles the cold.
The Energy Efficiency
Your desire to have a more energy efficient home can change what kind of window frames are recommended. You'll want to stay away from aluminum due to it conducting heat in the hot summer. Meanwhile, vinyl is a mid-range material that will perform well, but not great. Wood and composite materials are going to excel at being energy efficient, being an excellent choice for insulating your home.
If you are not sure about what kind of window frame to put in your home, meet with a window replacement contractor. They know what's best for your region, and can let you know about more advantages of each material.
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