Choosing Frames For Your Replacement Window

If you need to replace a window in your home, then you could go for a like-for-like replacement. Alternatively, why not consider a different frame instead? As long as the finish of the frame is the same colour as the rest of your windows, it will fit in from an aesthetic point of view. Furthermore, you may want to replace other windows in the future, so upgrading your choice of window frame now will make sense if you want to alter the other ones, too, down the line. What are the main framing materials you could choose for your replacement window?

uPVC

As a durable thermoplastic, uPVC is used in several domestic applications, including both window and door frames. It is extremely long-lasting and will put up with exposure to rainfall and strong sunlight for decades without any serious problems. To maintain a uPVC frame takes very little effort indeed. All you need to do is to apply a sponge to it in just the same way you would with your glazing. Replacement windows made with uPVC frames are extremely cost effective. The only drawback is that the material does not allow for very thin frames as some other materials do.

Wood

A replacement window made from wood looks classy and has a pleasant feel to the touch. Wooden frames are suitable for large picture windows and even for replacing glazed doors, such as French doors and sliding patio doors. They can accommodate double- and even triple-glazed windows and will last for a long time as long as they are properly maintained. This means cleaning them every couple of months and giving them a new coat of paint every four to five years. So long as you do that, wooden window frames will continue to look good throughout their entire life.

Aluminium

More expensive than other materials you could opt for for your replacement window, aluminium offers certain benefits. Because it is so strong, it can accommodate really large glazed panels without very much of the window being devoted to the framework. This way, you can enjoy a less interrupted view over your property from within. The interior of your home will also consequently feel airier and more filled with light. What's more, aluminium frames are tough and hard to force open. As such, they are often regarded as the most secure option you could have for your home's windows. Even better, they require virtually no maintenance whatsoever.

Contact a window contractor to learn more about your window replacement options.