4 Things You Need To Know About Window Frames
If you are in market to replace your windows, be sure that you think carefully about what type of window frame you want to put around your windows. Here are four things you need to know about your different window framing options.
#1 Aluminum Is Affordable & Cold
Aluminum window frames tend to be pretty affordable as well as strong. However, if you want your home to be as energy efficient as possible, aluminum window frames may not be the way to go. As a metal, aluminum conducts heat. Which means if it is freezing outside, the metal and air around your window are going to feel cold too. Aluminum window frames allow the outside temperatures into your home.
#2 Vinyl Fades Over Time
Vinyl is a great material for a window frame because it is incredibly low maintenance. Inside on of your home, you may need to dust your window frames occasionally, and outside of your home, you may want to spray or clean your vinyl window frames every once in a while, but that is really all the maintenance that they involve. Vinyl window frames don't really need any attention in order to function properly.
However, the biggest downside to vinyl window frames is that the color fades over time. So, if you choose vinyl window frames in a color that matches your home, be aware that over time the color is going to fade away and change.
#3 Wood Provides Great Insulation
If you want to get really great insulation around your widows, wood frames are the best option. Wood does not conduct heat the way aluminum does, and really helps keep the outside where it belongs. However, wood window frames are the most labor intensive windows frames on the market. You are going to need to keep your wood window frames stained and sealed, and keep them clean, in order for them to have a long shelf-life.
#4 Composite Is A Great Compromise
If you are looking for window frames that will be easy to take care of and will also provide you with a high degree of insulation, the best alternative are composite window frames. They tend to be prices right in the mid-range of the window frame market, and they provide many of the advantages of vinyl, aluminum and wood window frames without any of the draw backs. They are strong and durable, require little maintenance, and provide a high degree of insulation as well.