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Frame Materials

1

Wood

2

Vinyl

3

Aluminum

4

Wood Clad with Vinyl or Aluminum

5

Fiberglass

Wood

The highest quality window frames are generally made with wood. Most of the top brands in our brand list make some product lines with wood frames. While wood frames are considered the highest quality they can often be the most expensive option.

Pros
        Most attractive
        Most attractive
        Good insulator
        Strong material
        Unlimited color choices since it can be painted
Cons
        Expensive
        Regular Painting or Staining Required
        Not good around Water or Humid Climates

Vinyl

Vinyl window frames have become very popular in recent years. They are often the least expensive option and are easiest to maintain.


Pros
        Inexpensive
        Easy to Maintain
Cons
        Not as Attractive as Wood
        Not a Good Insulator
        Can be Limited in Color Choices

Aluminum

Aluminum window frames are less popular now than they were in the past but are still used in many window frames.


Pros
        Inexpensive
        Easy to Maintain
        Easy to Shape for Custom Designs
Cons
        Not as Attractive as Wood
        Not a Good Insulator
        'Sweats' - Collects Moisture Which Can Attract Mold

Wood Clad

Another popular option for window frames is to have wood frames that are covered or clad in either vinyl or aluminum to reduce the maintenance requirements.


Pros
        Low Maintenance
        Good insulator
        Strong material
Cons
        Expensive
        Can be Limited Color Choices

Fiberglass

This is the newest material that is gaining in popularity for window frames. 


Pros
        Low Maintenance (good in any climate)
        Good insulator (better than Vinyl)
        Can be Painted Like Wood So Unlimited Color Options
        Cost is Between Wood and Vinyl
Cons
        Not as Attractive as Wood
        More Expensive than Vinyl

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