What Are The Different Window Frame Materials To Choose From?

When you’re ready to replace your windows, one of the most important things to consider is the frame materials. Window frames provide structural support for the glass panes and play an important role in energy efficiency, operation, leak prevention, longevity, and, of course, curb appeal.

Here, we look at the four most common types of window frames to help you make the best choice for your home.

1. Vinyl Window Frames

Vinyl window frames are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that does not require paint as the color is “baked in.” The PVC also contains ultraviolet light (UV) stabilizers that try to prevent the material from breaking down with prolonged sun exposure, keeping the frames and color intact. However, because vinyl isn’t paintable, you’re at risk of your house looking dated once your color choice goes out of style.

Vinyl window frames are a very popular choice and are the most readily available material. Making vinyl windows uses a lot of energy and creates harmful chemicals. PVC comes from non renewable resources. But, they do have mass appeal due to their easy maintenance and energy efficiency. They are also the most affordable choice, which accounts for their high demand.

Pros:

• Most affordable windows overall
• Won’t crack or peel
• Don’t require paint
• Energy efficient

Cons:

• Colors are not completely customizable
• Not heat resistant
• Not as attractive from the interior
• Not paintable so you’re stuck with the baked-in color for life, making your house look dated
• Environmental impact

2. Wood

Wood window frames are available in various types of wood and are often considered the most aesthetically pleasing, especially from the interior of the home. Although they are quite good at helping to insulate your home, they lack the energy efficiency of materials like vinyl and fiberglass. Also, if you want colored window frames, wood has to be painted, which means they are customizable but also very high maintenance. Without ongoing maintenance, the wood is prone to warp and rot.

Pros:

• Paintable, so colors are completely customizable
• Very attractive interior aesthetic

Cons:

• Extremely high maintenance, requiring ongoing upkeep to protect wood and maintain paint color
• Most expensive option

3. Fiberglass

Fiberglass is made of glass fiber-reinforced with specially compounded resins making it extraordinarily strong and resistant to corrosion. This material is starting to grow in popularity as it is exceedingly better than vinyl in its look and performance and the glass fibers make the frames much stronger. In fact, fiberglass will last 38 percent longer than vinyl, and you never have to worry about going out of style, as fiberglass is paintable.

It is durable, available in popular color selections and very energy efficient. It is also made of sustainable materials that are natural and abundant making it a great choice for those worried about the environment. Although fiberglass is more expensive compared to vinyl, while you might pay a bit more upfront, you’ll make up for that in energy savings, low maintenance, and zero replacement costs over time.

Pros:

• Exceptionally durable frames
• Heat resistant
• Resists scratching, cracking, chipping, and peeling
• Won’t warp or bend
• Paintable for customization as well as available in popular color choices
• Fade-resistant acrylic finish
• Very energy efficient
• Easy operation as it won’t expand and contract
• Most overall value
• Customizable interior, including wood grain look
• Low environmental impact

Cons:

• More expensive than vinyl

4. Aluminum

Aluminum windows are metal, making them durable and structurally sound. Some homeowners appreciate their more modern look. They are paintable, which means they can often be customized depending on the manufacturer’s options. Despite being painted, they last longer than wood, as they are less likely to peel and crack.

Unfortunately, aluminum isn’t as energy efficient as metal absorbs cold and heat. Although the windows come in energy-efficient glass options, the frames don’t compare to vinyl and fiberglass due to the heat and cold transference. As a result, their popularity is dwindling. On top of that, they are also more expensive than vinyl, so they don’t offer as much value overall.

Pros:

• Won’t peel or crack
• Won’t warp or bend
• Modern aesthetic
• Paintable and customizable with some manufacturers

Cons:

• Not very energy efficient
• Can expand and contract
• Expensive and offer less value due to less energy efficiency
• Not as attractive from the interior

Best Window Frames Overall

All things considered, when shopping for the right window frames in St. Louis, fiberglass tends to reign supreme. They are the most attractive inside and out, durable, energy efficient and easy-care frames offering the most value for your investment. When choosing fiberglass window frames, be sure to find an experienced installer specializing in this type of window.

When you’re looking for a trusted window replacement installation company in St. Louis, Replacement Windows by Lakeside only installs fiberglass Infinity from Marvin windows. You can be confident your windows will look “good as new” for decades. Learn more about our fiberglass window installation services today!