Choosing The Most Durable Window Frames

Investing in replacement windows is a home improvement project that delivers major value for your home

. When you are upgrading its important to take the window frames into account. Both the condition of the old frame and the architectural style of your home will determine which the best frames to choose are. But what are the most durable window frames and how do the other styles stack up?

Traditional Styles

Often window frames were made from timber, mainly because it was readily available and easy to work with. Wood is also a great choice because of its qualities as an insulator both for sound and heat. Common types of wood used in window frames are oak, pine and mahogany.

How durable is wood when exposed to the elements over long periods of time? Softwoods, such as pine, will rot if left untreated and open to the rain, wind and snow. Harder woods will also deteriorate, although they may last longer. In the past timber window frames have been painted or stained to add a level of protection, although this wears off and needs to be reapplied every few years.

A window sill is often made from wood as well and certainly the framing underneath the exterior finishes of your home is most often constructed with wood. Although not the most durable product, wood is an excellent choice for construction, is cost effective and available at any building materials store.

Cladding for Window Frames

There are also some more modern products that build on the advantages of wood. Both aluminium and vinyl are used to clad a wood frame, providing a weather resistant surface on the outside with a warm and attractive wood frame on the inside. Often pine and oak are used for the interior frame, although it is much thinner than solid wood frames. It will still need to be finished with either a stain or paint product, but because that part of the frame is not exposed to the weather it wont need repainting as often.

UPVC is a less expensive material for window frame cladding and offers the same level of durability. UPVC is a plastic product that will be an ideal barrier to block water and snow from attacking the wood inside. This material does not rot, fade or crack in the sun. Is doesnt provide the strength that aluminium will, but its also much easier to manufacture and more popular. Clad window frames are more durable than wood over the long term, providing a maintenance free surface. But wood itself does offer a dependable and attractive product your choice of material will depend on what is a priority to you.

by: Jamie Francis

POST COMMENT

Easy Photo Biz Guide Add Pizzazz To You Store By Gondola Shelving The Shattering of the Crystal Cathedral How to Stop Snoring So You Can Have A Great Evenings Slumber Improving Your Fiddle Playing Even More Determine : Excellence Regarding Peppermint Benefits What is Neurolinguistic Programming? Colocation Extra Fees 200 PR5-7 Backlinks - Having Content Is Not Enough Where Should You Place Your Logo On Your Slides? How Ip Sniffing Is Done? 14 ways to get your visitors contact details Selecting The Appropriate Netbook