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Material choices for window frames:

There are a lot of important factors to consider when choosing replacement windows for your home. One of the top questions are what type of window frames should we go with? It’s never an easy choice when you have so much to consider such as strength, durability, cost, aesthetics and more.

Window frames can be made from a variety of materials offering different levels of performance and insulation values. Air in the cavities between panes expands as it heats up and contracts as it cools, which puts pressure on the seals and frames.

When we speak of durable and sturdy windows, we are referring to products and construction that are more resistant to pressure and warping due to temperature changes, which ultimately determines the life expectancy of your windows. Below, we’ll break down the pro’s and con’s of each type of replacement window option you can choose from and what we recommend.

Wood Windows:

• Pros: Wood is a natural, renewable resource and has comparatively good insulation value; it can be finished naturally or with any paint color; wood is among the more affordable of frame materials.
• Cons: It require regular ongoing maintenance and are susceptible to moisture and insect damage; it’s more prone to warping and letting gas escape.

Aluminum Windows:

• Pros: Sturdy and durable; recyclable; requires little maintenance.
• Cons: Metal is a conductor, so there is increased heat loss. aluminum frames are susceptible to water leakage at the joints in the corners.

Vinyl / PVC (polyvinyl chloride) Windows:

• Pros: Resistant to moisture, insects, corrosion; reasonably good insulation value; low maintenance; affordable.
• Cons: Color options can be limiting and it isn’t biodegradable.

Fiberglass or Composite Windows:

• Pros: Energy efficient, Environmentally friendly, Resistant to moisture and corrosion, Low-maintenance, Customizable shapes, sizes, and colors.
• Cons: Relatively expensive material.

Replacement Window Frame FAQ

• What do I need to know about windows?

The energy efficiency of windows has come a long way in the last couple of decades. Frames are better insulated and more durable now, air seals are better, and gas-filled cavities between double and even triple panes are the norm.

You will always have a net heat loss on northern facing windows, but high quality southern facing windows can actually offer a net gain through passive solar heat collection. Passive solar heat that is absorbed during the day can outweigh the heat lost at night.

So don’t be afraid to put lots of windows facing south, as long as they are good quality and well-shaded in summer to avoid overheating. Proper home design, orientation and window placement can easily reduce your heating needs by 25 percent.

• What’s the most cost efficient window to install?

Generally speaking, vinyl replacement windows are less expensive than other replacement window options.