Finding a window and door company can be a good start on getting the windows or doors replaced in your home. There are many different things to consider with each installation process, along with many different materials to think about. Getting your windows or doors replaced will increase the energy efficiency in your home tremendously, and that means you'll be saving money each month just by having new windows and doors. In addition, the aesthetic appeal of your home will also be increased, providing you better resale value for your home if you ever decide to sell it in the future.

Everyone has a design style in their minds that they tend to think about from time to time, and that's something you'll want to consider when you're thinking about the materials you want for your windows. Each type of window material has different purposes. Some window materials are more focused on the aesthetic appeal, while others are more focused on increasing the energy efficiency of a home. Some materials do both at the same time.

Window Materials

There are a bunch of window materials available for you to pick from.

PVC

The most common type of window frame material is PVC frames. These frames require little maintenance, are very durable, and won't end up costing you a ton. Another nice thing about PVC frames is that they have good insulating qualities because they don't create any heat transfer. There are a variety of different colors and finishes you can get for your PVC frames.

One thing to note about PVC material is that it can sometimes become quite sensitive when the temperature will fluctuate. If you're considering PVC windows, you might want to get the higher quality frames.

Aluminum

Aluminum windows frames are very sturdy and durable while being relatively cheap in comparison to some of the other materials available. If you want, you can paint aluminum frames however you see fit. Aluminum window frames are commonly used in commercial buildings because of how sturdy they are. They are able to support bigger glass pieces because of how strong they are.

Keep in mind that aluminum windows aren't at the top of the list when it comes to insulation. Aluminum allows heat transfer because it's a thermal conductor. If you're considering aluminum windows, you'll want to keep an eye out for ones with thermal breaks and insulating qualities like wood or spacers so that heat transfer will be reduced.

Wood

Wood window frames have been around for a long time. Wood creates a naturally warm and aesthetically appealing look to any home. Wood is also quite customizable because you can easily just stain or paint it depending on your color preferences. Wood material for windows also provides a good measure of insulation and thermal performance to windows because of its reduced ability to transfer heat.

If you're considering going with high-quality wood material for your windows, you can expect to pay a little more in comparison to the other window material options out there. You'll also want to keep in mind that wood material takes a little more effort to maintain because it's not resistant to the weather. Things like sunlight, hot temperatures, and humidity can make wood crack and warp over time.

Water and moisture can cause your wood to eventually rot if you don't maintain it properly. To reduce the chances of rotting, you'll have to apply water-repellent paint or stain to your windows routinely. If you're still wanting the wood frame look but don't want to be involved in as much maintenance, consider getting hybrid frames. Hybrid frames are clad with vinyl, aluminum, or PVC.

Hybrid Frames

Hybrid frames are perfect for those that are looking for a combination of wood frames and lowered maintenance. The nice thing about hybrid frames is that they are resistant to the weather on the exterior of the home. They provide a good measure of insulation and look fantastic.

What About Materials For Doors?

It always helps to discuss your options with a window and door company. No one wants to be making impulsive decisions when it comes time to select materials, and being informed is the best way to go about making the best decision that won't leave you with regret later down the road.

Steel

The most popular material used for doors is steel. It's sturdy, very durable, and provides ideal energy efficiency. Each side of a steel door contains insulating cores that will reduce the amount of heat transfer between it. Insulating foam is often used for steel doors, and there will be wood surrounding it to increase the durability and energy efficiency even more.

There are a number of different steel door options you can choose from. There are also certain steel door finishes that you can stain. One thing to keep in mind about steel doors is that they can end up being dented. It can become a little complicated to repair a dent in a steel door, so you'll want to think about that if you're considering this option.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass doors are another door option that comes with strong energy-efficient characteristics. These doors are known to be quite durable, and they don't require much maintenance. In comparison to steel doors, fiberglass doors are resistant to dents.

Like steel doors, you can also get paintable fiberglass doors. There are also woodgrain options that will have your door looking just like a wood door, but only an increased measure of durability and sturdiness.

If you're considering getting a fiberglass door, keep in mind that they are a little more expensive than some of the other materials out there. But you might also benefit from the increased energy savings that you'll get from month to month.

Glass

Glass doors are a great way to increase the natural light in your home. There is usually an aluminum or vinyl frame with these doors, along with panels of glass that are energy efficient. To prevent UV rays from getting into your home and damaging your floor or furniture, you can get low-E coatings on them that will block out the UV rays of the sun. Glass doors might not give you as much privacy in comparison to the other door options available, but the natural lighting usually makes up for it.