5 Different Types Of Frame Materials for Home Windows | San Marcos, TX
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If you’re interested in upgrading your home windows, you need to consider not only the window style, the type of glass that’s used, and the features that are needed but also the type of window frame that would best suit your home. When it comes to looking for frames for your home windows, you need to really understand the pros and cons of different materials. Each material offers distinct traits that make it stand out from the rest.
Let’s explore some of the most common frame materials that you’ll find in windows in San Marcos, TX below. If you’re having difficulties choosing the right type of material, speak with a window installation company for more information.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl Chloride, also known as PVC, is perhaps one of the most common window frame materials that you’ll find in most homes. This material is affordable, a good insulator, and very versatile. It will not crack, peel or bend, and can even have a wood window-like profile. On top of that, it can be easily shaped into any style that you want, so it can fit in with just about any type of window design.
PVC window frames can also support single pane and double pane windows. The only downside is that they’re not a great choice for triple pane windows because they may not be able to fully support the entire weight of the window.
Aluminum
If you’re looking for something that’s rugged and super long-lasting, you can’t go wrong with aluminum frames for your home windows. This material is able to provide a very sleek, contemporary look that perfectly fits in with modern home styles. They’re easy to maintain, and they can even be painted in order to look even more aesthetically pleasing. Best of all, they won’t rot or mold and are resistant to sunlight.
One of the downsides of this material is that it is not as energy-efficient as many other options. As a result, they may not be suitable for all climates. If you’re not sure whether this type of material is suitable for your home windows, speak with a window installation company for more information.
Wood
Wood window frames are perhaps some of the oldest types of frames that you’ll find. They can look incredibly gorgeous if they’re well-maintained. They can also last for a really long time. In fact, it’s not unusual to find wood window frames on super old homes that are over 100 years old. As long as the homeowners put a substantial amount of care into the frames, they should still be in good condition, aesthetically pleasing, and strong.
One of the main issues of these types of window frames is that you really do need to put a lot of heart and effort into caring for and maintaining them. If you don’t, these window frames are susceptible to rot, mold, and other issues caused by the weather. If you’ve fallen in love with the look of wooden window frames, make sure that you have the ability to maintain them. If not, it’ll just be a waste.
Clad Wood
If you absolutely adore the look of wooden window frames, but may not have the expertise and the time to take care of them, you might want to consider clad wood instead. These window frames are also known as composite window frames. They’re extremely popular for many home windows because they combine both wood and vinyl together. In essence, these window frames can give you the look of wood without the maintenance that’s needed. In fact, they’re some of the easiest window frames to maintain. You can also choose from a wide variety of shapes, designs, and styles. There’s definitely something that will complement your home windows.
The only downside of these window frames is that they tend to be a bit more expensive than any other alternatives on the market. However, they have a very long life, so they can be a great investment for your home. On top of this, if you’re replacing all of the window frames in your home, you might be able to get a fairly good deal.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass window frames are less commonly used; however, they are necessary when it comes to triple pane home windows. Because triple pane windows are extremely heavy, you need to find a window frame that is capable of supporting that weight for long periods of time without warping. PVC and many other materials simply can’t offer the support that’s necessary, and this is where fiberglass frames come in.
Fiberglass window frames are extremely durable and they’re also easy to maintain. These home window frames come in a variety of styles and shapes. They’re able to resist weather and temporal changes better than any other material that’s on the market. Last but not least, this type of material makes for an excellent insulator. Combined with triple pane windows, you can easily increase the overall energy efficiency of your home.
A downside of these window frames is that many homeowners find that they appear less charming than other materials. On top of that, fiberglass is also relatively expensive, so these window frames are some of the most costly options available. This is one of the main reasons why these window frames are not as popular as they could be.
Call Us Today to Learn More
If you want to learn more about the unique traits, advantages, and drawbacks of various window frames for home windows in San Marcos, TX, speak with a professional. For over a decade, First Place Windows has been serving San Antonio, TX, and providing some of the best window replacement services at the best value in town. We offer free in-home consultations for energy efficient windows that will help you save money and beautify your home.
To learn more about our services, call 210-955-9865. You can also get a free quote online for various types of window frames.