Windows Materials

Windows Materials

Windows just like many other products evolve with time and in the 21st century more options are available to homeowners but with these options it’s left homeowners out of the loop with what the market has to offer. There are six typical window materials to choose from Vinyl,Aluminum,Wood, Wood-Clad, Aluminum-Clad & Composite. While we won’t be touching on all six,but we can focus on the more common ones! Here at Strober Window’s and Doors we aim to give our homeowners the information they need to make an informed decision that fit’s their budget, aesthetic taste and physical maintenance requirements.

There are many variables to take into consideration when buying new windows first and foremost is cost, then energy-efficiency what good is a window if you are blowing money in energy out the window? Next we would consider aesthetics and then maintenance.

While cost is mainly associated with the material type of the window as the type of material like wood or aluminum will be a premium product. What was once a standard has become a beacon custom craftsmanship and superior quality.

While the least expensive material type is Vinyl, a well constructed and properly installed vinyl window offers excellent energy efficiency. Aestically it looks much like a traditional window but the design will vary from each manufacturer, but the maintence of a vinyl window is almost nill. Vinyl windows are durable, cleanable and holds up well in both cold and hot temperatures.

Next we have Aluminum windows typically more expensive than vinyl but less expensive then wood windows but that’s not always the case. Energy efficiency is where aluminum takes a hit as aluminum is known for conducting temperatures between the surfaces, however many manufacturers build thermal breaks inside the frame and sash to separate the interior and exterior surfaces.

Due to aluminum superior strength they can support larger sheets of glass while minimizethe frame to maximize the viewing area of the window. This style of window will require a bit more maintenance to keep in good order as it should be inspected for grime and corrosion, while also cleaned regularly with mild soap and water. This is a great choice for apartment builders or offices, but this product has become more prominent in modern homes recommend you check out the Jeld-wen Siteline

Our final main type of window… Wood! Wood is becoming a niche product due to it’s cost but many manufacetuers offer a value and premier line generally wood is more expensive then vinyl and aluminum. One of the best qualities of a wood window is it’s energy-effeiceny and sound-dampening. While wood windows are beautiful the traditional design and flawless lines make them the most attractive windows on the market. The maintenance of a wood window is crucial to life long window as they are more susticple to bug infestaitions, rot, cracking and warping. If taken care of wood windows will last over 40 years, while vinyl and aluminum will last you 20 years.

To recap we talked about the main three window material types vinyl, aluminum and wood. There are also many types “Clad” styles of windows which incorporate an exterior-clad material over the base material such as Vinyl-Clad Wood windows, this type of product can offer

the best of both worlds. A vinyl-clad wood window is less expensive than a full wood or alumium window, but offers excellent insulation on account of the wood while the vinyl is durable and holds well under hot and cold tempatuers. There are many styles Clad windows to many to go in detail without making this blog post longer, if you have any questions about windows or doors please call Strober Window’s and Door’s we’d love to hear about your next home improvement project