Saturday, December 12, 2009

Window Materials and Styles


Many of today's wood windows are designed as 'new construction' windows, where you're replacing the interior and exterior trim as well as the window. In an existing structure, new construction windows are more likely to be an option during an extensive renovation, such as an add-on, or when the entire wall is being stripped down to the studs or the house is being gutted. New construction windows are usually made in standard sizes and are available off-the-shelf. So, where a replacement window would fit inside the existing frame, here you make the opening fit a predetermined window size.

Wood Windows

For centuries, wood was the traditional material for windows, and despite new competition, it's still a popular choice today. Aside from looking good, wood is a renewable resource, and in today's eco-friendly environment that is certainly a plus. Of course, there are other advantages. Wood windows can be painted or stained to match your interior and exterior color schemes. Wood frames can lend a rustic, homey look or an air of elegance and sophistication. They can match and accentuate your furniture and cabinetry. Wood frames are an excellent choice for older, historic homes.

A handful of regional manufacturers (such as TrimLine Windows) specialize in custom wood windows as a standard operating procedure. As high-end windows, you will pay more, but the custom sizing will be part of the order rather than an additional cost. As true "pocket replacement windows," they're designed to fit into the 3 1/4 -inch space where the old wood sashes used to be. This means you won't have to replace the interior or exterior trim, and you can get all the advantages of a wood window without the usual installation problems.

Aluminum Windows

Aluminum was really the first non-wood replacement window, and they were very popular in the 1950s and the next few decades. Aluminum windows are very strong, don't have to be painted, and are highly effective at noise reduction. As a metal, however, they are good conductors, which isn't exactly a benefit. In fact, they conduct heat approximately 1,000 times faster than wood or vinyl.

Today they are most commonly used in commercial buildings, as builders are willing to trade their heat loss and gain for the strength they offer for large openings. By most estimates, you could cut your heating costs by as much as 50% by replacing your aluminum windows with energy-efficient windows.

Vinyl Windows

Vinyl is one of the most popular choices for replacement windows. Economic and efficient, vinyl windows offer homeowners a wide variety of color combinations. In the past, vinyl windows were considered unpaintable, leaving homeowners locked into their color decisions, but in recent years paintable and stainable synthetic surfaces have been introduced. There are even woodgrain laminates – so effective, it's often hard to distinguish between today's pre-finished woodgrain windows and actual stained wood. For those who desire the look of wood but don't have the budget for it, a vinyl window with a woodgrain laminate puts that design decision back in play.

3rd Avenue Window Supply is your #1 source for window replacement and repair! They have the background and experience to ensure that your home is accentuated with beautiful windows! Choose 3rd Avenue Window Supply for all your window replacement and repair!


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