When a homeowner is considering getting new windows for their home, they often start looking for the most energy-efficient window materials. This is so that thermal transfer and energy loss can be minimized, creating less work and lower wear and tear for the HVAC system and its components.
In addition to making the home more efficient, they contribute to the home being easier to keep at a comfortable temperature as well. We’re going to take a look at some of the common window materials, and how each one compares to the others. In the end, you’ll be able to choose the best window materials for your home’s needs.
Wooden Frames
Wood is the classic natural material for window frames, and is one of the more durable materials as well. It provides excellent insulation values, making it one of the most energy-efficient options available. Wood frames, however, do require a considerable maintenance commitment from the homeowner, to keep them from warping, rotting, or becoming infested.
Vinyl Frames
Vinyl frames are a very popular choice with many homeowners due to their low cost and low maintenance requirements. They’re made from PVC, which is a decent insulator and helps make the windows effective at keeping a thermal barrier between the inside and outside of the home. One of the downsides to vinyl windows is that they are known to sag after a few years of intense exposure to heat. Additionally, since vinyl is a manufactured material, the color can be incorporated into the material itself, giving it superior scratch resistance, but making it highly susceptible to fading over time.
Aluminum Frames
Though not quite as insulative as wood or vinyl, there are some considerable benefits to aluminum frames. These frames are extremely strong, lightweight, and they don’t need a lot of maintenance over their life. Additionally, they can be designed with thermal breaks, which can increase their overall energy efficiency and insulation value. Aluminum frames will need occasional repainting, though less frequently than wood windows.
Fiberglass Frames
Fiberglass is not a new material, but it’s relatively new to the window industry. Fiberglass frames have exceptional strength and durability, and they also have top-tier insulation abilities. They are notably more costly upfront, however, which can deter some homeowners from capitalizing on their immense potential for long-term savings.
Composite Frames
Composite frames are any frames that are made with a blend of materials that can include both wood and plastic elements. This process often blends the elements with a resin and hardener, making a very strong, durable material that gains the benefits of other materials without incurring some of the same drawbacks. For example, they have the strength and durability of wood frames, without the need for such extensive maintenance. Additionally, they have energy efficiency ratings that rival some of the leading materials and products on the market.
Trust All-Star Products To Install Energy-Efficient Window Materials Of All Types
Selecting the right energy-efficient window materials can help make dramatic reductions to your home energy costs and boost your overall comfort. Whether you choose wood, aluminum, vinyl, fiberglass, or even composite frames, it’s vital to make sure they’re installed correctly and without wasting any time or money. All-Star Products is ready to help you determine the perfect energy-efficient windows for your home, and help you through every step of the installation. Reach out today for more information or to get started with a quote for your next exterior remodeling project.
