What Type Of Window Frame Is Best For Energy Efficient Windows? | San Marcos, TX
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The cost of energy keeps going up, and many homeowners in San Marcos, TX, are deeply concerned by the cost of heating their homes in winter and keeping them cool in the summer. Therefore, energy efficiency has become an important topic among homeowners. To make your house energy efficient, you need to make it easier for your air conditioner to keep it cool and for your heater to warm it during winter. In other words, you need to invest in home insulation. One way of doing this is by investing in energy efficient windows. One aspect of these windows that a lot of people overlook is the material used to make the frame. However, the truth is that the material used to build a window frame can significantly affect the efficacy and efficiency of the window. Below are some of the most common window frame materials in Marcos, TX, and how they can affect the efficiency of your windows.
Wood
Wood is one of the most common materials used for building window frames. Since wood is a poor conductor of heat, it can be used for building high-performing, energy efficient windows. Besides, repairing wooden window frames is not hard, and they can be painted to meet your specific esthetic needs. The only disadvantage of wood is that it is susceptible to rotting. The good news is that these days, window manufacturers can treat wood with solutions that help with repelling moisture and preventing rotting. These windows may be relatively pricey, but they look great to people inside and outside a house.
Vinyl
Just like wood, vinyl is a poor conductor, and this explains why it is a popular choice when it comes to building frames for energy efficient windows. Besides, vinyl is water-resistant, and therefore, you will not have to worry about rotting. Furthermore, vinyl windows are easy to maintain. The only disadvantage of a vinyl window frame is that it can fade with time, especially if you choose a dark color. Therefore, it is imperative for you to go for a lighter color if you decide to install energy efficient windows with vinyl frames. If the frames become darker with time, their finish can be restored using a soft scrub cleanser. It is worth noting that vinyl windows can be more affordable compared to wooden windows, even though they are equally energy efficient.
Fiberglass
Window frames made of fiberglass are offered by some window manufacturers as alternatives to wood and vinyl window frames. However, they are more expensive to maintain since they require frequent painting. Furthermore, it is difficult to find fiberglass windows in the energy-efficient insulated versions, and when you get them, they are usually more expensive than wooden and vinyl windows. Therefore, if you are torn between vinyl and fiberglass, it would be more economical for you to go for vinyl energy efficient options since they are less expensive, and they will do a better job at helping you keep your indoor temperatures comfortable throughout the year.
Composite
Composite window frames are also poor conductors, and therefore, they can do a good job of reducing the amount of heat getting into your house during summer. They can also prevent the heat in your house from escaping, which is particularly important during winter. They come in a wide variety of colors. Although composite window frames look like wood, they might not look great to people inside your house. Therefore, some manufacturers choose to use composite materials on the outside of the window frame and wood on the inside part of the frame. The cost of composite window frames is almost the same as the cost of vinyl window frames, and therefore, your choice between the two can be determined by your aesthetic goals.
Aluminum
Aluminum window frames are known for their strength. However, since aluminum is a good conductor, windows with aluminum frames are not the most energy-efficient. Besides, aluminum window frames can encourage condensation, which can lead to moisture issues, such as frosting during winter. Therefore, although aluminum window frames are the cheapest in the market, they cannot be trusted to make energy efficient windows. Therefore, if your primary concern is energy efficiency, you better avoid windows made of energy efficient windows.
Steel
Steel is one of the toughest materials in the world. Therefore, window frames made of steel are the strongest and perhaps the most durable you can possibly find. However, steel is susceptible to corrosion, and therefore, maintaining windows made of steel can be a big challenge. Besides, steel is an excellent conductor of heat, and therefore, you cannot trust it to build energy efficient windows as some manufactures may claim. Therefore, although window frames made of steel might be more durable and even stronger compared to other common window frame materials, they are worse off when it comes to energy efficiency.
The Bottom Line
Overall, it is apparent that when you are shopping for energy efficient windows, the material used to make the frame should be one of the most important factors you need to consider. Although stronger, more durable window frames materials, such as steel and aluminum, are available, you need to remember that they are good conductors, and therefore, they cannot be trusted to build these windows. Therefore, it is wise for you to go for energy efficient windows with wooden or vinyl frames if your goal is to improve your home’s energy efficiency. If you are looking for high-quality, efficient windows, in San Marcos, TX, First Place Windows is the best place to find them. Call or visit First Place Windows today for more information about our company and the services that we offer.