Shopping around for new windows? Confused about what is the best fit for your home; vinyl, fiberglass, or wood? What do those even mean?
Look no further, I have all the answers you need to start your journey for new windows.
Types of Frames
To begin, we will dive deeper into the frame of the window. The main job of a frame is to hold the window in place and create a buffer between the glass and the structure. The most important job of a frame is how insulated it is.
There’s this thing called the U-factor (it makes your window energy efficient). The National Fenestration Rating Council rates windows on how much non-solar heat it retains. The frame’s job is to keep the cold air out and lock the heat in.
Vinyl
Milgard Windows is #1 for vinyl window quality nationwide in BUILDER Magazine. Vinyl frames are extremely durable, extremely energy efficient, and usually easy to clean. Milgard has pure vinyl resin, so every frame is different but easily managed.
You may have heard that vinyl frames lose color. Milgard made the necessary improvements to ensure that the window has a 25-year life.
Fiberglass
If you are looking for something that will last a long time, fiberglass is your answer. It is also easy to paint, resits swelling, rotting, and warping. Fiberglass is a step up from wood, but more expensive than vinyl.
Since fiberglass is made from small shards of glass, it is highly durable and can hold temperatures well. You must be thinking what is the con to fiberglass … the price. Yet, fiberglass can last up to 50 years!
Wood
Want to have a frame match the color of your home? Or have the perfect accent color to make your house pop on the block? Wood is what you want.
Wood tends to be can be the most appealing, but it does need more maintenance to keep it from rotting,
The good news is it can reduce your energy bill when using an Energy Star approved window. For all you North Easterns, it will keep the heat in during those cold winter months.
Conclusion
It is important to weigh the pros and cons of your window frame. Depending on your location and if you want the frame to be a certain color, you will need to do further research.
If you’re looking at cost, vinyl is the answer for you. If you want to pick a specific color for your windows, then wood is your answer. If you live in a hot climate and want to keep things cheaper – aluminum has your name written on it. Lastly, fiberglass is perfect for those who may want to touch up the color or need something that will last.
Reach out to us today to see which frame would be best for you.
