Window Shopping: How to Choose the Right Frames and Glass for Your Home

The right windows make a big difference in everything from curb appeal to natural lighting. (Nathan Fertig/Unsplash)

The right windows have a huge effect on the aesthetics and comfort of a home, but they are also a major investment. The average lifespan of aluminum windows is up to 45 years, while fiberglass lasts up to 35 years, vinyl lasts up to 40 years, and wood averages 20 years or longer.

However, remember that these are averages; higher-quality products and proper maintenance can make them last much longer. The first rule of thumb when shopping for windows is to never sacrifice quality for a cheap price. That is a big mistake in the long run, as cheaper products will not have the security and energy efficiency of their better counterparts, nor will they have the durability, meaning that they’ll need either sooner replacement or more frequent repairs.

Material Pros and Cons

Aluminum windows are attractive, sturdy, durable, insect-resistant, and require little maintenance. The downside is that metal is a conductor, which can lead to heat loss. Look for windows with a thermal barrier (usually polyurethane) placed within the frame to improve energy efficiency.

Wood windows come in a wide variety of finishes and styles and are easy to maintain, weather-resistant, energy-efficient, and add gracious character. On the downside, they’re more expensive, require painting or sealing every five to seven years, and are vulnerable to insect damage and rot.

One alternative is wood and aluminum hybrid windows, which offer the warmth and elegance of wood on the interior, while the exterior is faced with durable aluminum to resist the elements better. These windows usually cost less than the fancier woods.

Vinyl, or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) windows are resistant to moisture, corrosion, and insects, and offer a relatively good insulation value. They’re also low maintenance and affordable. The downside is that they can expand or contract more than other materials in high-temperature situations.

There is a wider range of products when it comes to vinyl compared to other categories. However, low-quality models are prone to fading, cracking, and warping, which can cause the very air leaks most new windows are purchased to seal. Read reviews and check warranties carefully.

Fiberglass windows cost more than vinyl, but they don’t expand or contract in extreme temperatures. They’re rot- and insect-resistant, while their strength allows for more glass in a window (less frame-to-glass ratio without compromising structural integrity). However, the finish can become chalky when exposed to strong UV rays, meaning a factory-applied protective coating is a must. They’re also harder to find, and difficult to customize to unique shapes.­­­­

Through the Looking Glass

There’s more to window glass than meets the naked eye. The simplest is standard glass, which is just what it sounds like. It can be the basis of single-pane windows, double- or triple-glazed windows, tinted glass, and laminated glass.

Single-pane windows are best for garages, sheds, and outbuildings, as they do not offer sufficient insulation or protection for the home. Double- and triple-glazed windows (aka insulated glass) are actually two or three layers of glass with an inert gas sealed in between for heat and sound insulation.

Low-E is available in two thin coatings. The “passive” style reduces the amount of solar radiation that enters the home from the sun’s infrared rays, while preventing accumulated heat from escaping back out. It helps keep homes warmer in winter. While “solar control” tint blocks the sun’s heat from building up inside, this is particularly useful in homes with large expanses of glass. Either can be applied to double- or triple-glazed windows.

It is also available on impact glass, which was designed to reduce hurricane damage. Impact glass is formed by placing a rigid laminate layer that is heat-sealed between two layers of glass to offer protection from objects flying up to 200 miles per hour. It works equally well against break-ins, making it also appealing to homeowners in non-hurricane zones.

A less costly alternative is tempered glass, which is strengthened against general impacts, and designed so that if it does shatter, it breaks into safety granules, not shards. It is often found in glazed doors.

Sense of Style

The last decisions come down to the home’s architectural style and personal taste: single-hung, double-hung, horizontal rollers, casement, awning—there are many options to choose from. Have fun!

Entry Choices: A Primer on Doors

When it comes to doors, the lifespan is even more impressive. Steel doors, which don’t cost much compared with other options, can last up to 100 years. Wood can also last up to 100 years, powder-coated aluminum doors (such as glass entry and patio doors) up to 45 years, and vinyl—at the low end of the spectrum—an average of 20 years.

Strength of Steel

Normally sold pre-hung and fully weather-stripped, with energy-efficient core insulation, or double- or triple-panel glass, steel doors offer more insulation than wood. Highly resistant to harsh weather, they’re usually pre-drilled (for door knobs), pre-primed, and ready to paint in a solid color or even to look like wood.

Aluminum Aspects

Aluminum doors offer the same pros and cons of aluminum windows. Depending on the manufacturer, they are typically available in a highly durable powder-coated finish available in a wide selection of colors, or classic wood grain looks. Choose carefully, as the finish is designed to last.

Fiberglass and Vinyl

Fiberglass doors have some of the longest warranties in the industry, offer similar energy savings to steel, and work well in extreme climates. Vinyl is much less expensive and durable, more low-maintenance, and insulates well. However, vinyl gets brittle, so repairs can be difficult.