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 avgable 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.
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 won’t need repainting as often.
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.