Window Frames: Which One Is Right For Your Home?

If you're a homeowner who wants to make a dramatic change or difference in their home there are number of things you can do. Many of these things also improve the quality of your home's appearance and can be accomplished at wide variety of prices. The one way to both improve the appearance and make a difference inside of a home is to work with your home's window frames.

Believe it or not homes with window frames that are worn or damaged can actually allow wind and rain in and they let all the heat and cool air out. New windows frames can cut air infiltration down to almost zero and when installed with advanced glazings, these new windows can slash nearly 40% off of heating and cooling bills year-round. Furthermore many new windows can free a home from its periodic painting and even rival the fine craftsmanship found in cabinetry.

When it comes to choices for window frames, homeowners have a bigger selection than ever to choose from. Manufacturers have given homeowners more choices through framing materials, different types of glazing, and of course installation options. A good example of this is window replacements. In years and decades past replacing window frames simply meant replacing an old or damaged frame with a new one of exactly the same kind, shape, and design. In more modern times however homeowners looking at window replacement can select from virtually any style, material, and installation. Speaking of installation, homeowners are no longer limited to the old-fashioned "rip out and replace" technique.

The materials used in the construction of window frames has grown exponentially in recent years. No longer is wood the only choice for homeowners. These days homeowners looking at replacing their frames or adding new ones to their home can select from vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, and even composite plastic. Each of these materials carries pros and cons and selecting the right one can be difficult for some homeowners. Vinyl window frames for example are the most affordable and one of the most durable though they aren't always the most aesthetically pleasing. Wood frames on the other hand are far more expensive and look great but are hard to care for and can begin decaying rather quickly. While the choices are many and will remain so for the foreseeable future, many window frame manufacturers now offer vinyl replacement kits as those types of frames are far more durable than they wood counterparts.

When homeowners begin shopping for window frames they should look for uniform color throughout the frames they are interested in. Also important is to look for joints that are welded with heat instead of joints that are held together with screws and fasteners. While the more affordable screw and fastener joints might seem like the economical way to go, these can easily begin to fall apart and look ragged after only a short time around a homes windows. Homeowners should also take careful notice of blemishes on the frames they are interested in and try to purchase window frames whose finger joints are invisible.

Homeowners interested in completing a window frame replacement project on a small budget might also wish to consider aluminum frames for their windows. Many aluminum frames carry a cost that's comparable to vinyl frames but aluminum remains slightly more durable than vinyl. The only real drawback to using aluminum window framing is that they conduct heat very easily and can be dangerous in homes where careless people and children reside. They're also prone to condensation which can cause wear and tear which is something many homeowners might want to avoid lest they don't mind replacing their window frames at regular intervals. Aluminum frames should essentially be the choice for homeowners who live in warmer climates were cooling bills are far more expensive than their heating bills.

One type of window frame that homeowners often overlook but are pleasantly surprised by is fiberglass. Fiberglass and composite window frames are the newest options on the market and are made from materials very similar to those found on car bumpers. Additionally these types of window frames are both strong and maintenance free just like their vinyl counterparts. If that isn't enough to convince a homeowner to go with fiberglass or composite window frames, their energy efficiency exceeds that of even vinyl and they're extremely affordable too.

Homeowners who want to replace their window frames or have new ones installed will likely be working with a professional as installation alone is backbreaking work that requires precise measurements and fittings. While homeowners may feel there are too many choices available for them after digesting the information in an article such as this one, a professional will help them determine what works best for their home and for their budget.

Golden West Shutters Specializes in Orange County shutters, Los Angeles shutters, and San Diego shutters.

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