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When it comes time to replace windows, many Dayton home owners focus on the glass. But while it’s important to put some thought into your glass options, you don’t want to overlook your window frame material. There are several different window frame materials to choose from, the most common of which are aluminum, vinyl, wood, and wood composite materials like Fibrex®. To help you choose the best material for your needs, here’s a quick comparison of your options.
Wooden window frames are the most traditional option, and they were the standard used on homes for many decades. They provide an authentic look for your traditional Craftsman or Victorian home. However, wood window frames present a number of challenges. They’re prone to rot if they’re exposed to a lot of moisture, which window frames often are, and they require periodic scraping and painting to keep them looking good.
Vinyl window frames are a common choice among homeowners who don’t want to do the maintenance required with wood. You don’t have to scrape or stain vinyl, and since the vinyl itself is colored, it retains its good looks for many years. Vinyl window frames offer a decent level of insulation since they are usually made hollow and filled with polyurethane or another insulating material. Their main downfall, is that they warp and crack over time. Additionally, they may look out of place on a traditional or rustic Dayton home.
Aluminum frames are often the cheapest option, so they’re favored among homeowners on a tight budget. While aluminum does not rust and is resistant to corrosion, it will eventually begin to corrode and look a bit worse for wear after years of moisture exposure. Aluminum frames are also the least energy-efficient option. Like most metals, aluminum is a great conductor of heat, which means a lot of heat will escape from your home through the window frames, leading to higher energy bills.
Fibrex is Renewal by Andersen’s proprietary wood composite material. It’s made from a combination of wood fibers and cement, and in many ways, it offers the best of both worlds as a window frame material. Fibrex looks like natural wood, so it is a good choice for historic, rustic, and traditional Dayton homes. However, it does not suffer from rot and mold like natural wood does when exposed to the rain and snow. You never have to paint or stain it like you would real wood, either!
Fibrex is as low-maintenance as vinyl. You only have to wipe it down to remove dust and dirt every so often. Like vinyl, it also comes in an array of colors, but it’s a better insulator than vinyl or aluminum, meaning your energy bills stay low and manageable. Since Fibrex is so hardy, these window frames can be made narrower, which allows for more glass space and a better view of the great outdoors.
Renewal by Andersen makes Fibrex in a wide range of styles, from natural wood shades like oak, to brighter colors like green and cream. Whether you’re seeking double-hung, casement, awning, picture, or another style of windows, Fibrex is a durable, weather-resistant frame material that will keep your Dayton home looking great for years to come. Contact us today to schedule your free, in-home consultation.
Topics: Dayton, window frame materials