window-frame-guide.jpgShopping for replacement windows usually means shopping for new window frames, as well.

There are a variety of materials to choose from in the marketplace, and it can be difficult to decide which type of frame is best for your home. Here are some of the pros and cons of wood, vinyl and fiberglass window frames.

Wood Window Frames

Wood frames offer natural beauty and warmth to windows. Homeowners choose wood frames because the intricate details of wood-grain texture cannot be replicated with manmade products. Additionally, wood can be painted to create literally any color scheme a homeowner desires. Manufacturers like wood frames because it is easy to mill into the complex shapes.

While wood is often the most attractive option, it is not without its drawbacks. Wood is vulnerable to sun and moisture and regular sanding and painting is required to keep window frames functioning well. With attention to proper maintenance, however, well-built wood window frames can last a very long time.

Vinyl Window Frames

Homeowners that are looking for a low-maintenance window frame are drawn to vinyl. Vinyl frames are excellent insulators against extreme temperatures and outside noise. Once installed, they require very little maintenance, if any at all. Vinyl frames are resistant to UV light, dirt, stains, mold, scratches and dents; and because the color goes all the way through the material, there is no paint to damage or deteriorate over time.

Vinyl window frames have come a long way in the last several years. There are new surface coatings and treatments available and advances in manufacturing have made them resistant to extreme swings in temperature. In terms of energy efficiency, vinyl frames are comparable to wood.

Fiberglass Window Frames

Fiberglass frames have become more popular in recent years for homeowners looking for an alternative to wood frames. Fiberglass frames are not vulnerable to changes in temperature, meaning they will not expand and contract and they will not warp with age. Fiberglass frames are excellent insulators and are resistant to water. They do not require paint, but can be painted if the rest of the home undergoes a makeover.

Fiberglass window frames may require a more significant investment up-front, but these frames are low-maintenance and long-lasting, helping reducing overall costs.

Choosing the right window frames for your home is important to help you get the most from your replacement windows. If you are not quite sure which type of material to choose, and you want to talk to expert window professionals, reach out to the team at Legacy Remodeling in Pittsburgh today. We can help you select the right window frames for your home and your budget.