May
13
Written by:
SuperUser Account
5/13/2008 10:40 AM
Posted by: Mike Garrison, Replacement Sales Specialist
So you need replacement windows. With little knowledge of the building supply industry, the thought of having to purchase new windows can be a daunting task. Where do you start? Should you flip through the yellow pages, ask neighbors or hop on the internet, where you will find and overwhelming amount of information.
The best place to start - consider what material you would like your windows constructed of. I’m oversimplifying this but, windows have two elements: frame and glass. Since most companies (here in the mid Atlantic) use similar Low E2 Argon gas as standard, the frame should be your main concern.
There are three main raw materials window frames are constructed of: wood, fiberglass and vinyl.
Wood is still the product of choice for most windows. It is strong, has very low thermal expansion (the frame does not shrink or swell over the years) and has very good insulating properties. Also, wood is definitely the most aesthetically pleasing of all the options. There have also been great advancements in treatments for wood rot and termite infestation that fortifies the wood products making them an even more attractive option.
Moving on, Fiberglass is another one of the strongest materials window frames are made from. It has great thermal insulation and low thermal expansion but the best part is that the factory finish is completely maintenance free on the interior and exterior and usually less in cost than their wood windows. The downside to fiberglass windows is that they are limited to White, Tan and Brown from most manufactures, although they can be painted on the interior or exterior to match any custom color.
Vinyl windows are low cost - budget friendly windows that are constructed from Poly Vinyl Chloride. Unfortunately, vinyl windows have high thermal expansion so the frames shrink and swell at a different rate than the glass which can result in pre-mature seal failure, causing the glass to become obstructed.
Now that you know your three options for frames you can do your research with a better focus. Once you have decided on the products that you are interested in, you can pre qualify the companies you are getting quotes from, to make sure they sell the frame material you are interested in.
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