Choosing the best window frame types for your home is one of the most important decisions you can make (when it comes to replacing your windows at least). Because they seal out moisture and drafts, window frames are almost as important as glazing when it comes to insulating ability. There are many types of windows materials used in frames and each type has its advantages and disadvantages.

Window Frame Types

Vinyl Frames
Because they are among the least expensive options and the easiest to maintain, vinyl windows are currently the most popular window frame types. Some of the early vinyl windows did not perform very well. Early versions faded and deteriorated in direct sunlight and developed leaks caused by warping due to temperature fluctuation. Today, these frame are actually more energy efficient windows, and in some cases, even more efficient than wood. They help lower heating and cooling costs because PVC is a poor conductor. Nonetheless, vinyl windows can discolor in extreme weather conditions and they will not withstand intense heat.

Wood Frames
While wood enhances the look of your home with a traditional appeal and provides natural insulation, they are the most expensive of the window frame types and require lots of maintenance. Not only is the purchase price higher than most other style but the long-term upkeep is steeper as well. The up side is that you can paint your frames any color you choose, but the down side is that you have to repaint them regularly and often to keep the paint looking fresh and to protect them from rot. If inadequately protected, wood windows will eventually rot, split, or warp. They are also subject to infestation by termites and other bugs. In addition, because wood absorbs water, your windows will stick if it’s humid where you live. Wood frames can be covered on the exterior with a skin of vinyl, fiberglass or aluminum, typically referred to as wood clad windows.

Fiberglass Frames
Fiberglas won’t warp, crack, peel, or split. Since fiberglass does not conduct heat or cold, it’s more energy efficient than wood and, because fiberglass is so strong, these window frame types can be made hollow and filled with insulating material. Fiberglass has excellent resistance to corrosion and rotting and is also good for seaside applications and other chemically sensitive environments. Fiberglass is impervious to termites and other pests, and has self-extinguishing capabilities in case of fire and does not emit toxic fumes.

Additional Window Frame Types

Aluminum Frames
Good quality aluminum windows have a thermal barrier that prevents the frame from conducting heat or cold. However, even with the thermal barrier, these window frame types are not as efficient as vinyl or wood. On the other hand, they won’t split warp, or shrink and they will last almost forever. They are light and easy to install and operate and will provide many years of maintenance-free use. However, if you live near humid, salty air, aluminum isn’t an option because sea air corrodes them.

uPVC Frames
Cellular PVC are great window frame types for your home – they are strong, provide excellent flexibility and are very cost effective. uPVC windows have many benefits that make it a great material choice. Cellular PVC is similar to PVC in some aspects, which is a thermoplastic polymer, but is a more technologically advanced product. It is relatively new to the home building products world, and is created from a foam extrusion process, making it lighter, stronger, and better insulating than vinyl.

Composite Frames
Fiberglass and other composite window frame types have many advantages. While they can be painted like wood, they’re often stronger and more durable than wood. Fiberglass windows are even stronger than vinyl, more durable in even the most extreme climates, and capable of supporting large expanses of glass. At the same time, it is only slightly more expensive than vinyl and can actually be painted on-site, giving you a wider choice of colors. If the color fades a little with time, the window can be painted just like wood, but it will not deteriorate structurally even if you don’t paint it.

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