If you're a homeowner who wants to make
a dramatic change or difference in their home there are number of
things you can do. Many of these things also improve the quality of
your home's appearance and can be accomplished at wide variety of
prices. The one way to both improve the appearance and make a
difference inside of a home is to work with your home's window
frames.
Believe it or not homes with window
frames that are worn or damaged can actually allow wind and rain in
and they let all the heat and cool air out. New windows frames can
cut air infiltration down to almost zero and when installed with
advanced glazings, these new windows can slash nearly 40% off of
heating and cooling bills year-round. Furthermore many new windows
can free a home from its periodic painting and even rival the fine
craftsmanship found in cabinetry.
When it comes to choices for window
frames, homeowners have a bigger selection than ever to choose from.
Manufacturers have given homeowners more choices through framing
materials, different types of glazing, and of course installation
options. A good example of this is window replacements. In years and
decades past replacing window frames simply meant replacing an old or
damaged frame with a new one of exactly the same kind, shape, and
design. In more modern times however homeowners looking at window
replacement can select from virtually any style, material, and
installation. Speaking of installation, homeowners are no longer
limited to the old-fashioned "rip out and replace"
technique.
The materials used in the construction
of window frames has grown exponentially in recent years. No longer
is wood the only choice for homeowners. These days homeowners looking
at replacing their frames or adding new ones to their home can select
from vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, and even composite plastic. Each of
these materials carries pros and cons and selecting the right one can
be difficult for some homeowners. Vinyl window frames for example are
the most affordable and one of the most durable though they aren't
always the most aesthetically pleasing. Wood frames on the other hand
are far more expensive and look great but are hard to care for and
can begin decaying rather quickly. While the choices are many and
will remain so for the foreseeable future, many window frame
manufacturers now offer vinyl replacement kits as those types of
frames are far more durable than they wood counterparts.
When homeowners begin shopping for
window frames they should look for uniform color throughout the
frames they are interested in. Also important is to look for joints
that are welded with heat instead of joints that are held together
with screws and fasteners. While the more affordable screw and
fastener joints might seem like the economical way to go, these can
easily begin to fall apart and look ragged after only a short time
around a homes windows. Homeowners should also take careful notice of
blemishes on the frames they are interested in and try to purchase
window frames whose finger joints are invisible.
Homeowners interested in completing a
window frame replacement project on a small budget might also wish to
consider aluminum frames for their windows. Many aluminum frames
carry a cost that's comparable to vinyl frames but aluminum remains
slightly more durable than vinyl. The only real drawback to using
aluminum window framing is that they conduct heat very easily and can
be dangerous in homes where careless people and children reside.
They're also prone to condensation which can cause wear and tear
which is something many homeowners might want to avoid lest they
don't mind replacing their window frames at regular intervals.
Aluminum frames should essentially be the choice for homeowners who
live in warmer climates were cooling bills are far more expensive
than their heating bills.
One type of window frame that
homeowners often overlook but are pleasantly surprised by is
fiberglass. Fiberglass and composite window frames are the newest
options on the market and are made from materials very similar to
those found on car bumpers. Additionally these types of window frames
are both strong and maintenance free just like their vinyl
counterparts. If that isn't enough to convince a homeowner to go with
fiberglass or composite window frames, their energy efficiency
exceeds that of even vinyl and they're extremely affordable too.
Homeowners who want to replace their
window frames or have new ones installed will likely be working with
a professional as installation alone is backbreaking work that
requires precise measurements and fittings. While homeowners may feel
there are too many choices available for them after digesting the
information in an article such as this one, a professional will help
them determine what works best for their home and for their budget.
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