Picking the Best Window Frames for Your Home

Whether you're building a new home or renovating your existing one, there will be many decisions you'll need to make. Even though we don't think of them immediately when planning a construction project, windows are a huge part of that, and they can make or break your project. 

There's also a lot more to windows than most people think. Everything from style to material to the stuff you don't see, like energy efficiency, will play a part. Every choice you make will affect something, whether it is aesthetics, durability, or something else. 

In this article, we're going to give you a broad overview of all the most important things you need to consider when choosing window frames so that you can make the right, informed decision for your project.

Why Window Frame Material Matters

Window frames might not look like the most high-tech product on your building site, but they have a huge impact on the finished product. Material choice is a big part of that.

The material your window frames are made from will impact not only how they look but all kinds of other things you might not notice at first glance.

Insulation and energy efficiency, durability, maintenance requirements, cost, and aesthetic appeal are all directly related to window frame material cost. So, choosing the right materials is important for every aspect of window performance.

Types of Window Frames

Perhaps one of the biggest issues homeowners face when choosing window materials is that there are just so many options out there. Sometimes, having too many choices is just as difficult as having too few. So, let's take a closer look at the most popular window frame materials.

Wood Window Frames

Wood window frames are a classic option, and many people love them for their natural, traditional look. They also have excellent insulation properties, which you won't be able to see, but you will feel the comfort levels in your home and your utility bills!

Wood window frames can also be customized with paint or stain, and they look great natural, with just a layer of clear or tinted lacquer to protect them. They also offer good thermal performance, which means they're good at keeping heat in or out, depending on the season. 

Unfortunately, wood window frames aren't perfect, and they do have their drawbacks too. Higher average cost is a big factor for many homeowners, and the fact that wood is a natural product and requires more care and maintenance is another. While wood looks great and performs really well, you'll have to  do more to keep rot, insects and weather induced warping at bay. 

Vinyl Window Frames

Vinyl, also known as PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride, is one of the most popular choices for window frames.

Vinyl window frames are both affordable and low maintenance. So you will usually spend less upfront and over time, provided you choose a quality product, and it is installed correctly. 

Modern vinyl windows have an insulated core, which means they offer great insulation properties. They're also resistant to moisture, and they don't rot, warp or become food for various bugs.

But there is a downside to vinyl window frames, too.

Depending on the product you choose and how it's installed, vinyl window frames might expand and contract a little more than other options, so you will want to consider the climate before you choose these windows. You also can't paint vinyl window frames, and they're only available in a relatively limited color range. 

Aluminum Window Frames

Aluminum window frames are another popular choice for modern homes. It's easy to install because it's very lightweight compared to other options, and it has a modern, sleek design aesthetic that works well with many home styles. 

Aluminum is an incredibly durable window frame option since it doesn't corrode the way steel might. It's also very strong compared to some other materials, which means the frame profiles can be slimmer, maximizing the area of the glass in the window. 

When good quality aluminum windows are correctly installed, they'll also give you many years of trouble-free service.

As far as negatives to consider go, aluminum is not a great insulator, so these types of windows do tend to be less energy efficient. They can also be more prone to condensation and related issues than some other types of windows. 

Fiberglass Window Frames

Fiberglass window frames are one of the newer options out there, and they're definitely a very popular choice. Because they're molded from glass fibers and resin, they can be made to look like other materials, and they're commonly used as a stand-in for natural wood.

Fiberglass windows are very resistant to temperature changes, which makes them a good choice for areas with more extreme climates. They're also an excellent insulator, and they are both durable and low maintenance. 

Unlike some other window frame options, fiberglass windows can be painted, so you're not limited in terms of color, and you can update the color if your style changes.

Unfortunately, while fiberglass window frames are a great option, they're not as widely available as some other types of window frames. They're also a little more expensive than aluminum or vinyl, so you will have to factor upfront costs into your decision-making process.

Clad Window Frames

Clad window frames are the best of both worlds. They've got the strong, natural beauty of wood on the inside and a protective layer of vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass outside.

Since one of the bigger drawbacks to wood window frames is that they tend to weather faster, combining these materials to provide superior exterior protection is a great option. You can also have the classic beauty of wood inside your home and a more modern finish outside because these windows offer a variety of combinations and finish options.

On the downside, there aren't as many design options as you might get with other kinds of window frames, and fiberglass window frames do cost more than wood or vinyl. 

Steel Window Frames

Steel windows are strong, durable, and modern. They're extremely popular in modern and even industrial-style homes, and if you love metal window frames, they're a good alternative to aluminum. 

Some of the best features of steel windows are related to their strength. 

You can have many slimmer profiles with steel window frames, which means a greater glass surface area. They're also very durable and long-lasting, and unlike some other window frame options, they are fire-resistant.

Steel is not a good insulator, though. So, steel window frames aren't the most energy-efficient option. They also aren't corrosion-resistant like aluminum, so rust and corrosion are a big factor. This increases the cost of maintaining steel window frames. 

Steel windows are also much heavier and often more difficult to install, which can also increase the upfront cost of steel window frames. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Window Frames

As you can see, there are plenty of great options for window frames out there. In fact, you might feel that you're still not sure which one will work for your project. So, let's look at a list of the top factors you need to consider:

1. Climate and energy efficiency: different materials perform better or worse in certain climates, so consider the climate your home will have to contend with. 
2. Budget: choose window frame materials that best suit your budget, but remember to consider upfront and maintenance costs.
   
3. Aesthetic preferences: some window frame materials just work better with certain design styles. Speak to your architect or designer to narrow down the best options for the style of your home. 
4. Maintenance needs: aside from cost, which you should already factor into your budget, what kind of maintenance will your window frames require, and do you have the time available to care for them properly?
5. Longevity and durability: always consider how long a particular type of window frame is expected to last. Ask about material warranties, and find out how long it will be before you need to think about new windows. 

Deciding Which Frame Type is Right for You

Hopefully, by this stage, you've narrowed your window frame options to two or three types. At this point you should look into consulting a professional window installer to help give you measurements and estimates and what will be a realistic project. 

Providing your window installer and any suppliers you work with for pricing with photos or blueprints for your home is another great idea. This will allow them to assess your home's architectural style and recommend the best types of window frames for that particular design style. 

Ask your window installer and suppliers about maintenance, too. Find out how often you will need to do routine maintenance and repairs, too. Some window installers might also have an in-house maintenance department and could provide an estimate of the cost for annual upkeep.

Once you've narrowed your options further, it's time to consider energy efficiency and how well the windows on your shortlist will help to insulate your home. 

Finally, consider what your budget is and which options are the best fit. Price should never be the first factor you consider, but it is certainly something you should consider. Always buy the best window frames you can afford, but remember that even if you need to do a little more maintenance later, slightly cheaper windows can still offer many years of trouble-free service.

Conclusion

Choosing the right window frames is a complex process, and it's one that deserves your time and attention. Windows might not be the first thing you think of when designing your home, but they do have a far-reaching effect on energy efficiency, durability, aesthetics, and more.

Never be afraid to ask questions, and seek out as many experts in the industry as you can. It might take a little more time, but it will help to ensure that your windows perform as expected and help to make your home more beautiful, comfortable, and valuable.