The materials that the frame and construction of your windows are made out of plays a massive role in the ability of the window to withstand weather exposure and prevent heat transfer between the interior and exterior of your home. There are several different types of materials that are commonly used for window installations, each of which carries a different aesthetic and set of advantages and drawbacks. Understanding what these materials are and the differences between them can help you choose the best one for your home's window needs.
Wood
Wood is one of the most common types of window materials on the market, largely due to its low price and natural and luxurious aesthetic. Wood can be stained and painted to give it a wide variety of different appearances and can match any design on the exterior of your home.
However, wood windows tend to be less durable than other materials, since wood is susceptible to pest infestation and moisture damage over time. Further, in order to prevent warping, rotting, and other forms of damage, wood will need to be stained or painted every two years (though it depends on the weather conditions that they are exposed to) for protection, driving up maintenance costs.
Vinyl
Vinyl windows tend to be the most affordable material on the market, though this also depends on their thickness and quality. However, vinyl is also extremely low maintenance, and will not rot, rust, warp, or otherwise degrade due to exposure to weather conditions, making them low effort and low cost in the long run.
However, vinyl is not as physically durable as other types of window materials and can become physically broken due to trauma relatively easily. Furthermore, vinyl can also be bleached by constant UV exposure, which can alter the appearance of the exterior of your home.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass windows are designed with toughness in mind. They are able to withstand falling debris and other physical trauma without cracking or denting like wood and vinyl and are also immune to water damage, pest infestation, sun bleaching, and other forms of environmental damage. Further, because of their manufacturing process, fiberglass windows can be easily made into a variety of shapes, making them ideal for custom sized windows. Fiberglass also offers a great insulative quality to your windows, helping to maintain the interior temperature of your home year-round.
However, fiberglass windows do come at a higher price point than either of the two above materials, making them less ideal for those under a restrictive budget. For more information, contact your local window services.
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