Do you find yourself sweating in your home during the summer and wrapping up in piles of blankets in the winter? Perhaps you’re ready to upgrade your windows

Windows are one way to create a more energy-efficient space while improving your homes resale value. Homeowners will make back 73% of their window investment with the sale of their home.

There are many types of window frames to choose from to fit your needs if you’re looking to upgrade. Keep reading to find out how each one can benefit you.

Repair or Replace?

Some professional may recommend window restoration if your home was built in 1960 or earlier. This is because up until the 20th century nearly all windows were constructed from wood. When the wood frame is in good condition, you can preserve the frames with other products or kits.

Assess the condition of your windows – both the glass and frame- before deciding to replace or repair. Windows that are rotten or ruined often cannot be restored or may end up being costly.

Single window panes lack the ability to provide efficient insulation, so if your home has mostly single panes, consider upgrading to double window panes

Types of Windows

Windows are highly customizable and people usually have little difficulty finding a window that meets their needs.

Some of the most popular windows are:

• double-hung windows that slide open vertically
• casement windows that open on a hinge to the left or right
• awning windows open a hinge to the left, right, or upwards
• picture window that allows a lot of light in the room
• transom window which is more narrow
• slider window that slides horizontally
• a stationary window that does not open
• bay windows which allow for more interior space

Which Window Frame is Right For Your Home?

Selecting the window frame is just as important as the glass or the styles of window you choose. The frame is the border of the window. It keeps everything steady and adds a certain styling element to the exterior and interior of your home or building.

Before you decide the route to take when upgrading your window frame, have a window professional weigh in. This is especially important for making sure you have the right size windows and type for your home. If the window is not the proper size you run into all sorts of problems!

Here are five of the most popular window frames on the market today.

Wood

Wood frames are the oldest type of window frames and are still used today. They provide a natural look, and block sounds well from the outside. Wood frames are durable, long lasting, and versatile, given that they can be painted endlessly to accommodate your design.

Out of all the frames available, wooden ones are the most environmentally sustainable.

The cons of wooden windows are usually the price – they can be expensive. Wooden windows are prone to expansion and rot if they’re exposed to too much water or if they’re not properly maintained, painted, or stained well.

Fiberglass

Unlike wood, fiberglass is a synthetic option for your window frame and somewhat an uncommon choice. Fiberglass is relatively new and powerful, easy to maintain, and offers sufficient insulation. They’re superior at opposing weather and temperature changes both inside and outside your home.

Fiberglass carries a host of benefits, such as:

• no cracking
• no peeling
• no bending
• energy efficient
• no sticking

Fiberglass stands out because of its makeup. The composition of fiberglass is close to that of the glass panes that the two work in tandem when expanding and contracting due to the rise and fall of temperature and other environmental shifts.

You may choose to paint fiberglass windows, but you don’t have to, as fiberglass is available in different colors and sizes.

Some troubles may arise with fiberglass windows, such as people think the appearance isn’t as striking as wood. Even though they can be painted, they lack a certain charm. In some cases, fiberglass can be more expensive than wood.

Vinyl

The most popular window frame is vinyl and shares many similar traits with fiberglass. Vinyl window frames are constructed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the material used to make pipes.

Because of this, they have an excellent ability to combat UV light and are known for their impressive insulation. It’s easy to control your environment with vinyl windows during all seasons. The upkeep of vinyl frames is small, as well as the cost; they are relatively inexpensive compared to other frames.

There’s a range of colors and styles to choose, given that vinyl cannot be painted.

The shortfall of vinyl is its strength – they’re not quite as durable compared to fiberglass or wood. To learn more about the difference between wood and vinyl, check out this article.

Aluminum

Aluminum window frames speak to a more modern style. They’re sleek, have a longer lifespan, and are very strong and durable. They resist mold and rot and can endure harsh rays from the sun without bending, cracking, or peeling.

They’re paintable but are less maintenance if left unpainted.

Still, aluminum has its drawbacks. For one, there’s the price. They’re by far one of the most expensive window frames, falling just behind wood but above vinyl and fiberglass. Their energy efficiency falls short and doesn’t have the insulation power of its competitors.

If you live in an area with extreme heat or cold, it’s best to skip aluminum and opt for a more efficient frame.

Composite or Hybrid

Composite or hybrid frames are a combination of any of the above materials, typically aluminum, wood, and vinyl. They provide great insulation, are stable, and energy efficient. Also, they’re easy to maintain and resist fading and denting well. You’ll find them in several colors, sizes, and styles.

Some companies do not carry them because of their high price tag. It’s also wise to consider that they may not give you a large return on your investment.

Let the Light In

Window frames provide your home or building with character and practicality. With a little research and information from a professional, you can obtain the look you want with durability for years to come.

Start by examining your home and climate, and see which type of window frame may best suit your needs.

Looking for more tips to improve your home? Visit us for some more helpful information!