Ask any home improvement experts and they’ll tell you that windows are one of the smartest investments you can make in improving your home’s value.
If you’re thinking about adding windows, consider window framing material that helps to improve your home’s look, feel, and value. If you don’t know what to look for in window framing material, you need to learn about the types.
Here is everything you need to know about window framing material.
Why Material Matters
There are a number of reasons why they type of material you choose for framing your windows matters. When you’re choosing the one for you, you’ll need to rank the most important elements on a hierarchy of what matters to you. The main factors the aesthetic value of the material, the kind of climate that you live in, and the overall resale value of the material you choose.
The way that your home looks is more than a shallow or superficial concern. When you walk up to a home that looks great and is in superb condition, you’ll feel better about the place that you live. When you feel excited and confident about your home, you feel better about your life in general.
While you might not think that weather is a big deal, climate change is a real concern to take into consideration with any materials. If the little rain that you get now causes a problem, things are going to be much worse a decade from now if weather patterns continue to change.
On top of that, you may want to move to another climate at some point. If not, you may need to refinance your home to make another investment. In these cases, the value of your home is going to matter and the material you’ve chosen comes into play.
Fiberglass Is Useful
Fiberglass is one of the synthetic types of door frames that are most commonly used because of its durability in all weather. Whether inside or outside your home, fiberglass looks good for a long period of time. And with the rise of technology in fiberglass, it comes in designs that fit any style of home.
It’s a strong option that is going to withstand the weather and the ravages of time with some grace. It doesn’t require nearly as much maintenance as other materials and provides you with lots of options when it comes to design. If you’re considering going in a new direction with your home, this is a good place to start.
Fiberglass is a smart option if you want something that’s strong and insulated. You won’t lose very much heat at all compared to other options because it’s not conductive nor is it porous. The only real problem with fiberglass is that it’s much more expensive than other materials out there.
Aluminum Is a Tricky Option
While aluminum is rare to find in the cold and snowy Northeast, it’s much more common in the southwest and regions where it’s warmer. Aluminum is a powerful material that gives a great deal of durability for its low cost.
Aluminum is also a good option if you want something that can be painted in whatever color you need to match your home.
The downside with this material is that it doesn’t insulate well. It’s a conductive material so that if you live in a hot climate, it’s going to generate a lot of heat and could be dangerous to touch.
If you’re dealing with a heating bill, expect your aluminum window frames to be a problem. Even if you’re using energy efficient glass, you could be harming the work you’re doing if you’re in the wrong climate. However, in San Diego, there’s nothing to worry about with aluminum.
Think About Vinyl
With the popularity of vinyl siding, it’s now common to see vinyl on the exterior of a building. Vinyl is great because it doesn’t discolor under UV light the way some materials do. There is a broad range of colors and styles you can get as well.
This low maintenance option is good, though it’s not as strong as many other types of materials. Also, don’t expect to be able to paint your vinyl because it’s resistant to paint.
Talk with neighbors to see what they’re choosing if you’re stuck deciding between all these options.
Window Framing Material Has an Impact
If you don’t choose the right window framing material, you could risk harming how your home looks and feels. It’s vital to choose material that suits you while looking good.
If you’re wondering when to replace your windows, check out our guide for tips.
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