When selecting frame material for your new windows, it’s important to realize the frame’s makeup impacts window performance, durability, and beauty throughout the window’s lifespan. If you’re looking for a way to increase your curb appeal, improve indoor comfort, and keep your home well protected from outdoor temperatures and moisture intrusion, choosing the best frame material is a vital step.
Read on to discover how your choice of window frame material impacts the visual appeal and function of your windows.
Pros and Cons of Various Window Frame Materials
Resilient Fiberglass Frames
- Pros – Premium fiberglass frames deliver a host of benefits. As one of the most durable frame materials available, fiberglass resists moisture infiltration, harsh weather, and pest intrusion. Fiberglass itself is incredibly strong (think hard hats and canoes!). This resilient window frame material is stable and won’t expand or contract when temperatures fluctuate.
Fiberglass frames keep a tight seal around window glass, inhibiting leaks and increasing energy savings. Their high R-value reveals their exceptional thermal performance. Fiberglass frames are more energy-efficient than aluminum frames, need less maintenance than wood frames, and last longer than vinyl frames.
- Cons – The initial investment homeowners make in fiberglass frames is higher than other options, such as vinyl. But the longevity, low maintenance, and energy efficiency they deliver make fiberglass a wise investment. Once you have durable fiberglass replacement windows installed, you may never need new windows again!
Cost-Effective Vinyl Windows
- Pros – Made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl window frames are a cost-effective choice that makes window replacement more feasible financially. Vinyl’s resistance to humidity, low maintenance, and insulation properties makes it a practical choice. They contribute to lower energy use and reduce utility bills while adding to indoor comfort.
- Cons – Vinyl frames are less durable than other window frame options, and may not stand up as well against severe weather conditions. They may warp over time, and UV exposure can take its toll on them, causing them to fade. Choosing high-quality vinyl can help minimize the “cons” that can be associated with this frame material.
Classic Wood Window Frames
- Pros – A gorgeous-looking window frame option is wood, delivering timeless charm and a welcoming warmth to your home’s aesthetic. This window frame choice delivers classic beauty along with exceptional insulating properties (which show up nicely in your energy savings). They look fabulous in traditional as well as modern home styles. Wood frames can be painted or stained to complement your interior décor.
- Cons – Wood windows come with the ongoing price of high maintenance. Wood needs to be finished regularly by painting or staining it to prevent moisture infiltration. If wood’s upkeep is not performed, the frames will likely rot, warp, mold, and leak—opening your home to pests like termites, which can do significant damage.
When wood frames start to deteriorate, they dim the look of your home both inside and out. Homeowners who love wood’s timeless appeal must be willing to take on the challenge of keeping it sealed to avoid the problems that occur when it’s not properly cared for.
Sturdy Aluminum Frames
- Pros – Known for their strength and longevity, aluminum window frames are sleek, modern, and support large glass panes with ease without compromising structural integrity. They offer expansive views of the outdoors and offer a contemporary aesthetic that pairs well with modern homes. Their minimal maintenance needs mean you’ll have more time to do the things you love most. And their corrosion resistance makes them a popular choice in industrial areas.
- Cons – Aluminum window frames look great, but have a downside when it comes to energy efficiency. Without adequate insulation, they can transfer heat into or out of a home, decreasing energy efficiency and increasing utility bills. They are not as energy-efficient as other window material options such as fiberglass or wood.
Weighing Your Top Priorities When It Comes to Your Choice of Replacement Window Frames
Weather Resistance
One of the most important jobs of your window frames is that they keep your home well protected from the elements.
Why fiberglass is a top performer – Fiberglass frames offer outstanding protection from the elements, including severe weather. With low-E3 glass and argon gas, they offer higher energy efficiency with less heat loss.
Aesthetic Preference
Window frames add beauty to your home—inside and out. You can complement your home’s architectural style and increase its curb appeal with the right choice of window frame material.
Why fiberglass is a top performer – Infinity from Marvin® windows offer an optional wood finish that adds stunning style to your space.
Maintenance Requirements
When you choose window frames that require minimal upkeep, you save time and money.
Why fiberglass is a top performer – The tilt-in convenience Marvin windows offer makes them easy to clean, particularly on the second story of your home.
Durability
Before you settle on your window frame material, consider its expected lifespan.
Why fiberglass is a top performer – Infinity from Marvin fiberglass windows are 8 times stronger than vinyl.
Get Gorgeous New Windows for Your St. Louis Area Home Installed by Our Skilled Team
Worn-out windows can cause your home to be uncomfortable, allowing brisk drafts to seep in during the winter, and taxing your HVAC system to the max. You deserve to have strong, reliable windows that look amazing and shield your home from outdoor temperatures and expensive moisture damage.
At Lakeside Renovation & Design, we install beautiful, energy-efficient Infinity from Marvin fiberglass windows, which are built to last a lifetime. We are the only Infinity from Marvin authorized contractor in the St. Louis area, so you can trust that your windows will be installed in the most precise way, ensuring maximum performance. And this will be the last time you ever have to replace your windows. Learn more about how our windows services can ensure you get the beautiful windows you desire for your home.