What is the best material for window frames?

Wednesday, 21 July 2021

What’s more important when choosing new windows for your home: the glass or the frame? It’s pretty easy to get preoccupied by the glazing spec. There are decisions between double and triple glazing, tinted glass, smart glass, obscured glass, low-e glass just to start! However, for frames there’s often an assumption that contemporary windows are uPVC as standard. The frame is just as crucial, not just for aesthetics, but for thermal efficiency too. So what is the best material for window frames?

Wood

Window frames made from wood are often those on the way out, or the ones being replaced. But wood shouldn’t be relegated to the archives just yet. With care and maintenance, wooden framed windows still have a place in our materials list.

• Great because…
  For period properties, a wooden aesthetic is often desirable and even a requirement if a property sits within a conservation area. Wood is a natural and sustainable material, which can be easily and conscientiously recycled or disposed of at the end of its life. Indeed, with the right care and maintenance, wooden frames will become more durable with age. The material also offers naturally strong thermal and sound proofing properties. For bespoke projects, it can be utilised to truly striking effect.
• Don’t forget…
  The key word that lurks amongst all of the benefits of wood is, of course, maintenance. And this is the major challenge for windows made from this material. A commitment to maintenance needs to be consistent, and long lasting. Without regular cleaning, treating and painting, wooden frames are likely to suffer warping, rot, pests and disrepair. With a higher initial cost than other window materials, there is a very real risk that the windows will not last the duration that they should.

uPVC

For many customers, uPVC is the standard for new double and triple glazed windows. And more often than not, it is this material that you will see in homes across the country. However, this material covers a huge swathe of products, and has been subject to engineering advances in recent years. So the uPVC windows of a decade ago are hard to compare with modern products.

• Great because…
  There’s a reason that this material is so widely used in new buildings and re-glazing projects. It’s supremely high performing in all of the areas required by building regulations. So uPVC frames are thermal and UV efficient, they have great soundproofing properties and are extremely secure. Alongside all this, there is no maintenance required. A simple wipedown is sufficient to keep the frames looking fresh, and they’ll last like this for at least 20 years. Modern uPVC frames will offer you a colour range, so you’re not limited to white, and instead can choose a shade that complements your home exterior.
• Don’t forget…
  The fact that the windows are airtight means that casements often include provision to maintain ventilation. However unless this has been properly planned, it can impact condensation and air circulation in the home. As uPVC cannot be painted, your exterior will remain fixed, so you lose the flexibility that paint can bring. Although, it has to be said that changing window frame colour isn’t a common design activity!

Aluminium

If you like the sustainability of wood, but want the low maintenance of uPVC, then aluminium frames are where it’s at. They’re sleek and modern in appearance and super strong in function. While many people may think of aluminium as a patio door standard, its use across the whole home is increasing in popularity.

• Great because…
  Aluminium frames score highly in pretty much every feature you can think of. The material is lightweight but super strong. So it will support large areas of glass with no trouble. It’s great for bespoke projects as it’s such a workable material. Plus it needs minimal maintenance to keep performing, and looking, great for over 40 years. Aesthetically, aluminium frames have leapt ahead with powder coated colour options that cover the whole rainbow. You can choose different tones for the internal and external parts of the frame, and even choose a wood grain effect!
• Don’t forget…
  Of course, all this high performance and style comes at a cost. So you will be looking at a higher price tag for aluminium window systems than perhaps you would for basic uPVC. However, with the lifespan to balance there is the investment angle to consider. Aluminium windows of old suffered from relatively poor insulation performance. However, today’s systems include improved thermal break engineering to bring them up to par when it comes to thermal efficiency.

Composite

Functionally uPVC in disguise, composite framed windows share many of the same practical features. However, they have become increasingly popular for projects where specific aesthetic requirements are in place. The Residence 9 range, for example, is such an accurate wood replication design that it’s been accepted by local authorities within building restoration projects and conservation areas.

• Great because…
  Timber effect window systems bring real authenticity to a home aesthetic without any of the hard work! The material is durable and high performing and can sit comfortably in any style of building. The energy efficiency of this window material really is up there, with a U-value of just 0.8. So both thermal and sound insulation are superior. This window material houses a huge range of traditional functions, too. With sliding sash and traditional opening methods enabled by traditional hardware, the windows work like classic features, but enjoy the security of modern engineering.
• Don’t forget…
  There is of course a cost to window frames that have it all! However, the initial outlay to improve a home with Residence 9 range of windows provides a valuable investment in a home. If you want super modern colour options, this is not for you, as the range of finishes tends to the traditional, from wood grain to creams, greys and greens. However, with dual colouring options for internal and external parts of the window, there’s great flexibility to be found.

Finding the best window material for your project is really a balancing act. We understand budget considerations, aesthetic requirements and long term planning within a home. Because of all of these things, there really is no best window material for all situations. To discuss which frame material is best for you, just get in touch!