Windows are a crucial part of any home. They affect the interior environment of a house by influencing lighting, ventilation, and temperature of the interior rooms. In addition, they play a significant role in the comfort of the home’s occupants.

In addition to their effect on the interior, windows are a crucial part of a home’s architectural identity. They convey the period and style of a home, in many cases. Because of the importance of windows on both the interior and exterior of a home, it is important to choose windows that will complement a house both practically and aesthetically.

Windows come in many shapes, sizes, and materials. The materials used to create windows include wood, aluminum, steel, vinyl, and fiberglass. There is also the option of buying windows which combine two of the popular materials.

Wood

Wood window frames are the most popular for parts of windows seen on the inside. Wood is great because it doesn’t conduct cold or allow condensation to form as much as other materials.

Unfortunately, wood is subject to shrinking and swelling based on the climate or the level of humidity in the air. This contributes to the wood warping and rotting over time, particularly on the exterior of the home. Fortunately, this side effect can be prevented by protecting the wood. Protection can be in the form of paint or some form of stain.

Wooden framed windows typically come unfinished unless they are ordered otherwise.

Clad-Wood

Clad-wood windows have wood on the inside of the window while the outside is clad in either aluminum or vinyl. Generally, the external cladding comes in a few stock colors. It is used to cover both the sash and frame of the window.

One of the big benefits of this type of window is that it makes them pretty much maintenance-free for years. The color permeates the vinyl which means that scratches won’t show if it happens to become scratched. Aluminum might show scratches but it is overall hardier, available in more colors, and easier to paint.

Aluminum

Aluminum is overall more durable than bare wood. In addition, it is thinner, lighter, and easier to handle than wood windows.

Windows made of aluminum are insulated with a thermal break of extruded vinyl and sometimes foam as well. This reduces heat loss and condensation. Aluminum is frequently available with a finish to protect the aluminum from corrosion. Unfortunately, the finish itself can deteriorate in coastal areas due to the salt in the air.

Vinyl

Vinyl windows are made from rigid, impact-resistant polyvinyl chloride (PVC). There are hollow spaces inside to reduce heat loss and condensation.

By: Joseph Devine