| There are many materials available for window | | | | repainted constantly. But it is an energy |
| hardware. Hardware can serve two important | | | | "leaker" just like steel is and will allow |
| purposes: energy efficiency and interior | | | | the heat from a home to escape. Vinyl has |
| design. In terms of design, you will be | | | | become the window hardware of choice lately. |
| guided by your personal taste. The climate of | | | | Vinyl is energy efficient and Vinyl window |
| your area may determine what kind of energy | | | | frames are just about maintenance free; they |
| efficiency you will need to be concerned | | | | don't need to be painted and a quick swipe |
| with. Wood is the most common type of window | | | | with cleanser on a cloth will keep them |
| hardware and is has been in use for many | | | | looking like new. The color is put in the |
| years. It is easy to work with, both for | | | | manufacturing process, so it will never peel |
| professionals and amateurs. It is the | | | | or scratch and there is a wide variety of |
| material of choice if a project involves any | | | | colors it is available in. Fiberglass is a |
| kind of intricate carving or detail. It is | | | | material that is just recently being used as |
| almost always used in custom designed | | | | window frame material. |
| windows. You can paint or stain window | | | | |
| hardware to almost any finish you want that | | | | It has the properties of durability and |
| will complement your home décor. Wood | | | | energy efficiency since there is little to no |
| is also an excellent material for energy | | | | heat loss if it is insulated properly. |
| efficiency. However, wood does require | | | | However, this perfect combination of factors |
| maintenance over time. If you do not re-stain | | | | does not come without a price: fiberglass is |
| or re-paint your wood finishes periodically, | | | | the most expensive material for window |
| the finish will start to peel. This not only | | | | frames. If you are in a climate where it is |
| looks awful, but the exposed wood will start | | | | extremely hot, you will want to choose a |
| to rot. However, if you keep up the | | | | window frame material with a low "U" factor. |
| maintenance by painting or staining | | | | This will keep the cool air in and the hot |
| regularly, wood lasts a very long time. | | | | air out. |
| | | | |
| Steel window hardware is used on windows, but | | | | In a cold climate, you want to keep the heat |
| most often for basement windows. Sometimes | | | | in and cold out and you should choose a |
| you may find it in older homes; newer homes, | | | | window frame that will do this. If you use |
| with their energy efficiency requirements | | | | energy efficient material and a lot of |
| would not do well with steel. Both heat and | | | | insulation, you should be able to do this. |
| cold can leak through steel window frames.It | | | | Insulated glass will add to the energy |
| is a very strong material and so it is | | | | efficiency. They have two layers of glass |
| usually the choice for hurricane shutters. | | | | with a gas between the layers that acts as an |
| Steel also needs the regular maintenance of | | | | insulator. If you have to replace windows in |
| painting, or it will rust and eventually | | | | a cold climate, you should think about this. |
| corrode. Aluminum window frames have the | | | | |
| strength and durability of steel, but they do | | | | Another thing to consider when replacing |
| not have the maintenance requirements of | | | | windows is the architectural design of the |
| steel window frames. The colors of aluminim | | | | house. Old fashioned wood windows would not |
| frames are baked on, and so do not have to be | | | | completely modern contemporary designed home. |