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