Types of Windows, Window Frames, and Doors

There is such a large selection of windows, window frames, and doors that it is hard to choose the right ones for your needs. Firstly you need to decide what type of window you want to install either single pane, double glazing or triple glazed windows, depending on your needs are.

Large Window Frames It is usually recommended that you install double glazed windows if it is a new building or if you are replacing existing windows altogether. These consist of two panes of glass that have air trapped in between them. The air space is generally three-quarters of an inch thick and this air acts as an insulator. The added insulation means that your house is protected against heat loss. Another window option is to choose the type of glass or glass treatments for your windows. Depending on what type you choose, some will have a wonderful effect on energy savings.

You will want to choose a window that is energy efficient for environmental factors but also so the possibility of saving you money on your heating bills. The casement window seems to be the most energy efficient than the others, these are closely followed by the awning and sliding windows.

Choosing an exterior door is fairly easy it simply depends on what style the rest of your house is and weather you want a wooden or uPVC door. You can narrow down your choice by looking at which style will save the most energy? You can find the answer to that by looking at the R-values of the two types of doors. Wood doors generally have a R-value of around 2.5. On the other hand, insulated metal doors usually have a R-value between six and ten. This means that the energy efficency of the metal doors is much higher than the wooden doors. Another advantage of the metal doors is that they are delivered to you with a full seal for aroun the door keeping out the elements.

Traditional Style Sash Windows There are many different types of window frames. The aluminum or metal frames are very strong, light, and virtually maintenance free, but they conduct heat quickly. This makes them a very poor insulating material. You can counteract this by adding a thermal break to the frame. Composite frames are made up of wood composites. These are very stable and have the same structural and thermal properties as conventional wood. They also are more resistant to moisture and decay.

Fiberglass frames are very stable and they have air cavities that are similar to vinyl. If you fill these cavities with insulation, they offer a superior thermal performance compared to other types of frames. Vinyl frames are made up of PVC with UV stabilizers. These stabilizers help keep sunlight from breaking down the vinyl. These kind of windows are a popular choice for many people because they are virtually maintenance free beacsue they don't need painting and are resistant to damage from UV rays.

Lastly, wood frames insulate well; however, they will expand and contract depending on the weather conditions. Also, they can be very heavy and thick compared to other frames. These also tend to need the most maintenance of all frame types, as they will need painting to resist the elements and can warp with weather conditions.