When replacing the windows in your home, there are numerous factors to consider to ensure that you’re choosing the best products for your needs. For example, you’ll need to decide on the size and style of your new windows, the manufacturer, type of glass, and more. One of the most important factors is the material from which the window frame is composed. While it may seem that the frame is merely decorative, it actually has a significant impact on the window’s style, energy efficiency, durability, and the final price of the project. Therefore, it’s helpful to understand the various options available for window frames.

At the Window and Door Store, we are pleased to offer high-quality options for four of the most popular types of window frames: vinyl, aluminum, wood-clad, and composite. Here are some of the pros and cons of each type to help you decide which may be right for your home.

Vinyl window frames

Composed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl window frames are a great option for most homeowners. They are known for offering the following advantages:

  • Vinyl is generally the most affordable window frame material, with an average cost per window ranging from $250-$550.
  • Low maintenance. Vinyl is moisture-resistant and does not require painting, meaning that you won’t need to invest much time or effort in maintaining vinyl frames.
  • As a highly versatile material, vinyl frames are available in a wide range of styles and color options, making them an attractive fit for many different homes.
  • Energy efficiency. Vinyl is a good insulator, meaning that it will help improve energy efficiency and maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home. At the Window and Door Store, we offer the option of further strengthening our vinyl window frames with noise-reduction glass and multi-layered weatherstripping that helps shield the interior of your home from the wind and rain. We also have a fiberglass-reinforced option with foam-filled frames.

As with any other product, vinyl also carries some downsides. Most notably, it is not quite as long-lasting as alternative window frame materials, although it could last for 20-40 years with proper care. Additionally, some homeowners find that it lacks the visual appeal of wood or aluminum frames.

Aluminum window frames

With a sleek, minimalist appearance, aluminum window frames are the perfect fit for homes with a more contemporary style. Offering the largest glass size of any window, they can bring a dramatic element to a room while letting in plenty of natural light. Another key advantage of aluminum frames is their durability—they are sturdy and resistant to damage from rain and sunlight, enabling them to last for many decades (40-50 years on average) with minimal maintenance.

On the other hand, aluminum window frames are more expensive than vinyl, with an average cost per window ranging from $300 to $650. They are also not considered the most energy-efficient option since aluminum absorbs cold and conducts heat. However, at the Window and Door Store, our frames feature an innovative, thermally broken aluminum technology that helps shield the interior of your home from fluctuating temperatures while minimizing energy costs.

Traditional wooden and wood-clad window frames

As a classic option that has been used in homes and other buildings for hundreds of years, wooden window frames add a sense of warmth and character to a room. However, they’re also pricier than alternative types of frames, and wood requires regular maintenance—including repainting—to prevent it from rotting, molding, or expanding when exposed to moisture. Therefore, for homeowners who want the timeless charm of wood without the high cost and maintenance, we recommend wood-clad window frames.

Our wood-clad windows are highly durable and customizable, with virtually unlimited options for size, style, and custom-stained or painted finishes. They also provide excellent insulation for impressive energy efficiency.

Composite window frames

As the name suggests, composite window frames may be made from a variety of materials, including wood fibers, wood, metals, plastics, and a binding agent. They have been engineered to combine style, strength, and energy efficiency, making them an excellent investment for many homeowners. However, they can also carry a high price tag, with an average cost per window ranging from $900-$1800.

At the Window and Door Store, our composite window frames are virtually maintenance-free and are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, ranging from the arid desert to the snowy mountains to humid coastal regions. They offer great insulation and long-lasting finishes to preserve their beautiful appearance for years to come.

While each of these four types of window frames carries its own pros and cons, we are confident that all of the products we sell at the Window and Door Store offer industry-leading quality. We partner with top brands such as Pella, Anlin, and ProVia, with a focus on products that combine style, durability, and energy efficiency. If you are planning to replace your home’s windows and are unsure which type of frame may be the right choice, our professional design consultants would be happy to provide more information about the different options we carry and make recommendations based on your needs and preferences. Contact us today to get started!