Comparing Fiberglass Frames to Clad-Wood

Selecting the right window frame material is a big part of the window replacement process. There are a few different types of materials to choose from, including fiberglass and clad-wood. Your provider of replacement windows near San Francisco, CA, can help you figure out which materials are right for your budget and needs. Here are some ways that fiberglass and clad-wood window frames compare.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass window frames are high-quality and built to last. They are resistant to warping and wear, even after many years of exposure to the elements. They provide an excellent seal, meaning your home’s efficiency will be greatly improved with their use. This can result in lower heating and cooling bills, which every family (and the planet!) can benefit from. Fiberglass is manufactured using a cast and mold process, which means that they are extremely consistently made, yet versatile. They can even be made to have a wood-like texture, perfect for families that want the look of wood without the maintenance and higher cost. Fiberglass window frames can be painted any color you wish, so that they will perfectly match with the rest of your home’s appearance. They’re lightweight, yet strong and durable. As you can see, fiberglass windows are an excellent choice for many families when they’re getting replacement windows.

Wood

Wood has been a classic window frame material for centuries, and it’s not difficult to see why. Wood is easily customized, and it has that beautiful, characteristic look that many people want for their home. It is an effective insulator, and it can be painted to match the rest of your home. The biggest draw of wood window frames, for most people, is its appearance and style. You can’t beat the look of a beautiful wood frame in your home. The biggest issue with wood frames is that they are more susceptible to warping and wear-and-tear from exposure to the elements, if not properly maintained. However, modern window designers have found a solution to mitigate these issues. Clad-wood frames are wooden frames with a protective element to their exterior side. This could be aluminum, or some other material that protects the wood from the wind, moisture, and temperature changes. The interior of your windows will still have that beautiful wood finish, while the outside of the frames will be protected, resulting in longer-lasting (and lower-maintenance) windows. When making such an investment as replacement windows, you’ll be glad to find an option that will allow them to last as long as possible.

Fiberglass and wood are both excellent materials to use for your replacement window frames. They both provide insulation and an effective seal against the outside elements for your home. Their appearance is versatile and easy to match with your tastes. If you are unsure which kind of material you’re going to go with, try asking your installer of replacement windows near San Francisco, CA, for advice. They can walk you through all the ins and outs of each type of window frame, so that you can feel confident in your choice. Then, you can enjoy your beautiful windows for years to come.