Replacing Your Window Frames

When it's time to replace your windows there are so many different types of frame, glaze and glass to choose from that it can be confusing and frustrating. Each has its own unique property and purpose, and so it's up to you to establish what you want and how much you can invest in it. Here is a simple breakdown of some of the different frame options that are available to help you to choose something suitable for your needs. 

1. Wood - The Natural Option

Wood has been a popular choice for many years and for good reason. Aesthetically it can look good and be used to enhance your home visually, especially if you live in an older house or cottage. It also insulates relatively well and can help to increase the energy efficiency of your home. Unfortunately, because it is a natural substance wooden frames that have not been chemically treated properly or regularly enough can rot and degrade over long periods of time. They also react to changes in temperature, which can cause them to expand and contract, and so must be maintained relatively frequently compared to other types of frame. 

2. Strong Metal

Metal frames are more common in budget office buildings and have the opposite properties to wooden ones. They are not energy efficient by themselves and lose indoor heat quickly, often requiring a plastic strip placed inside to act as an insulating heat buffer between the window and the room. On the plus side, they are maintenance free and very hardwearing. 

3. Composite Mix Up

Composite frames are often made of chipboard, which is constructed out of wood chips and shavings. Whilst these frames still need to be treated to avoid rotting and insect infestation, they have much better thermal properties than timber alone and are cost effective to manufacture and buy.

4. Rockin' Vinyl

PVC plastic windows are light, relatively cheap and very energy efficient due to small cavities of air in the material. They are often coated with a UV resistant coating to dramatically reduce damage caused by the sun and increase their longevity. PVC comes in a variety of colours, most commonly white, and so does not require any painting or varnish coatings like wood. 

Picking a frame is made a lot easier with just a little bit of research. Pairing an energy efficient material with a high quality glass and glaze is the perfect way to save money over time and certainly a worthwhile investment. Contact a window and door replacement specialist for more information.

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