If you are considering window replacement for some or all of your existing windows, you can rest assured that you will be added value to your home when it comes time to sell it. Not only does replacing your windows add value to you home, choosing energy-efficient products can cut down on expensive utility bills. Before making a decision, however, you'll need to consider the types of window frames that will be best suited to your budget and lifestyle. Here are three window frame types to consider when making your purchase:
Wooden Frames
Many homeowners love the rich look of wood, and even though wooden window frames are usually not maintenance-free, they are still popular choices when it comes to window replacement. If you are the "crafty type," you may enjoy the extra effort it takes to maintain your wooden window frames.
To keep your frames looking their best, you'll need to periodically scrape, sand, or stain the frames. Also, keep in mind that wood can contract and expand, depending upon the temperature and humidity, and it can also rot and become warped. In addition to its attractive appearance, a wooden window frame is also very energy efficient. Wood does not attract heat from the outdoors, so it helps keep your home cooler in the summer.
Vinyl Frames
Vinyl frames are very durable and require very little maintenance. To keep your vinyl windows looking clean and bright, all you need to do is to periodically wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and dust. Unlike wooden window frames, vinyl frames are available commercially in a multitude of colors, even pastels. To achieve a pastel color on wooden frames, you will have to paint over the original finish.
Many types of vinyl window frames are hollow and therefore do not provide the strength or durability that wooden frames do. In spite of this, vinyl frames, like wood frames, are very energy efficient, look attractive, and can help keep your heating and cooling bills down to a minimum.
Aluminum Frames
Aluminum window frames are very strong but lightweight at the same time. Aluminum is very resistant to the outdoor elements and will not rot or warp. Durable aluminum will not dent or corrode and is virtually maintenance-free, except for an occasional wipe down with a damp rag. Like vinyl window frames, aluminum is also available in a wide variety of colors, and is energy efficient.
Because it is malleable, aluminum can be formed into many different shapes and configurations and will keep its aesthetically pleasing appearance for many years. According to Home Advisor, aluminum is three times stronger than vinyl and it is more than forty times stronger than wood.
If you unable to decide on which window frame is best suited to your needs, speak to a window replacement professional. The more you know about the different types of materials used for window framing, the better informed you will be when making your purchase. Read more here.
Share17 August 2016
