Vinyl, Wood, Aluminum Or Fiberglass Windows: What Are The Differences?
Vinyl, wood, aluminum and wholesale rtm mat are four main materials used by the mode windows manufacturers. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each material, and how do they all differ?
The most commonly used material is vinyl, for a variety of reasons. It is cheap, durable, and requires very little maintenance, while offering excellent thermal performance. Energy-efficient, vinyl windows usually contain insulating gas like krypton or argon. As a material, vinyl alone is an excellent insulator. Vinyl windows are also easily installed, and they will probably look just as good as on the day they're installed for many years.
With vinyl windows, you don't have to worry about corrosion, rotting, salt air, or termites. They are an excellent choice in areas with a lot of rain.
However, vinyl is also thermoplastic: when exposed to extreme heat it may soften, and change its shape and dimension. Vinyl is not so easily shaped into thin pieces, so the appearance of vinyl windows is a little bit thicker.
Wood has a lot going for it: this traditional material is easy to work with, so it offers many different options, both in shape and in style. Excellent aesthetics however comes with a higher price tag. Wood windows are beautiful - when properly maintained. Otherwise, they can easily crack and fade.
Wood is as good an insulator as vinyl, making the wood windows an energy-efficient choice. Wood however requires a great deal of maintenance. To prevent rot, wooden windows need to be painted or stained regularly. Unfortunately, when exposed to the elements, over time, wood can swell and twist.