When the time comes to change the windows for their homes, most homeowners face the same dilemma: how do I choose the best windows for my home?
Generally, windows are made of two components. The first and the easiest to choose is the type of glass. Here, you have to decide between transparent or matte and select the glass sheet thickness that best suits your home. The most common choice today is the low-E windows with energy-efficient coatings that make for perfect insulating units.
The second component is the window frame, and here is where taking a quick decision is not that easy.
There are plenty of design aspects to consider when choosing new windows. Factors like frame color, size, and thickness should play a role in your final decision. However, when it comes to window frames, the most important feature is the material from which they’re made.
Fortunately, our Ecochoice Windows guide on window frame materials should help make an easy decision, if you are struggling to choose the best window frames for your home.
Most Common Window Frame Material
There are several types of materials for window frames. At Ecochoice Windows, you can have your pick from the following:
Vinyl or UPVC
The most popular window frame materials in North America are made from the vinyl of UPVC. Manufacturers use them, and consumers prefer them for the same reasons. They offer the best energy efficiency and have good moisture resistance out of all the frame materials out there.
Usually, vinyl and UPVC window frames come in white or tan color. However, you can also choose to paint them on the outside in a color that suits the exterior design of your home.
Composite materials
This type of window frame contains a blend of materials that vary proportionally from one manufacturer to the next. More than often, they contain glass, wood fibers, and vinyl to provide more strength and rigidity than only-vinyl window frames. Some homeowners prefer these frames because they don’t have a bulky appearance and give a stylish look after installation.
Aluminum
While they are costly to produce, aluminum window frames have a growing fan base of homeowners across North America. These frames have an anodized finish that makes them more resistant to weather elements. Top-shelf aluminum window frames also contain thermal conductive material to enhance insulation and provide more warmth indoors.
Wood
If you are looking for a traditional appearance for your house, you cannot go wrong with classic wood frames for windows.
Wood window frames have the advantage of versatility over other types of frames. They come in various colors, sizes, and thicknesses. They suit historic homes and edifices that have vintage style architecture.
Modern wood frames have a layer of aluminum on top of the wood to enable multiple paint jobs without damaging the organic material beneath it.
Steel
Steel frames for windows are another type of high-end add-ons for homes. They provide a unique look for your house inspiring strength and durability at the same time. They come in various types of finishes, including bronze, black paint, and silver coatings.
Because they often require professional installation and site glazing, they are more expensive than other types of materials for window frames. Nevertheless, once installed, they offer top-level security, especially for the windows on your ground-level floor.
Bronze
Bronze frames for windows are some of the rarest and expensive frames that you can install on your home. They are heavy, custom-made, and difficult to install even for professionals.
Most bronze window frames come from special factories in Europe. If you want to purchase them, besides the high cost, you will also have to employ the services of an expert in installing bronze frames.
The primary benefit of having bronze frames for your windows is that they offer high-end security. They are robust and heavy. Additionally, they are low-maintenance. You won’t have to worry about woodworms, rust, or regular paint jobs, as is the case for most of the other materials in window frames.
There you have it! At Ecochoice Windows, we recommend these six materials for window frames that you can choose from before installing new windows on your home. They vary from classic to modern designs and from slim, stylish structure to heavy and imposing appearance. After you pick the window frame material of your choice, you will find it easier to contact the manufacturers, distributors, and installers that can do the job for you.
