You’ve been doing your research. You know your budget. You know the style of window you need. Now, you need to determine the best type of window frame and materials for your home. Window frames come in several different materials, including vinyl, wood, fiberglass, aluminum and composite.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each of them.
Vinyl
Vinyl-frame windows are the most affordable and have become a more popular option for our climate during the past 10 years. Thanks to laminate interiors, they can be made to look like wood, and you’ll have more exterior color choices from which to choose. A bonus: They will not rot like wood, which can happen during cold, frosty winters like those we experience in Wisconsin.
Pros:
- Low maintenance
- Low cost
- Good thermal performance
Cons:
- Lack of Strength – seal failures, misalignment
- Material expands and contracts
Wood
Wood-frame windows are slowly losing their market dominance to vinyl, though they’re still considered the gold standard by many professional installers and homeowners. So, are wood windows better than vinyl? Genuine wood frames help insulate a home far better than almost any other kind of window, and they complement many forms of architecture. However, compared to vinyl and fiberglass, wood frames require more maintenance. Homeowners need to regularly seal, stain or paint them to prolong the window’s beauty and performance.
Pros:
- Exterior architectural detail
- Color choices
- Thermal performance
Cons:
- Exterior maintenance
- High cost
Fiberglass
Fiberglass frames have steadily grown in popularity over the years as a low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood frames. Fiberglass frames are also popular because a wood veneer can be added to the interior. When it comes to types of window frames , fiberglass gives you the best of both worlds: the durability of a fiberglass frame exterior and the warmth and beauty of a wood-look interior.
Pros:
- Strength
- Low expansion rate
- Paintable
- Good thermal performance
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Cost
Aluminum
Aluminum windows are durable and low maintenance. The narrowness of the frame places the focus on the glass, and subsequently, the view it offers.
Pros:
- Strength
- Color choices
- Low maintenance
- Durability
Cons:
- Quality varies
- Low thermal performance
- Thermal barrier issues
- High cost
Composite
Composite windows are ideal for new construction and replacement applications in cold-temperature climates. They are also durable, making them an excellent choice to combat daily wear and tear.
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly
- Improved thermal performance
- Strength and durability
Cons:
- Mid-level cost
- Limited colors
- Limited options
Ask Omni About the Best Types of Window Frames
Forget the stress and hassle of finding the best window frame for your home. We’ll provide you with the clarity you need when it comes to purchasing the right product. No matter what type of window you are looking for, we have the brand for you. Call us today at 920-233-3333. for a free quote or stop by our residential showroom at 3530 Omni Drive in Oshkosh.
