Although several window materials are available in the market, you must consider factors such as how durable the material is, its various functionalities and aesthetic appeal before finalizing. Wood and aluminium are common options, but your budget and taste ultimately determine your selection.
Experts recommend using the following materials for windows in commercial and residential spaces. Each has special features to suit your needs.
Here are popular materials for windows as recommended by professionals:
6 Of The Best Window Materials
Each of these window materials has advantages and disadvantages depending on its use in your home or office. Below are some of the best for your commercial and residential spaces:
Aluminum
Aluminium casement windows last up to 30 years after installation. Their durability results stem from aluminium’s resistance to weather changes compared to other window frames. Aluminium windows don’t rot or warp, regardless of outside elements.
In addition, these windows have slim frames. Maintaining them is relatively inexpensive. They give you value for your money.
Below are more features making this window material the best in the market:
- Lightweight
- High strength
- Excellent durability
Wood
Wooden window frames give spaces a warm look. They are also easy to paint and affordable. Installing these windows in your home or office needs regular maintenance. Painting and sealing ensure the wooden window frames last longer. Besides, weather changes lead to cracking, reducing the level of insulation provided by the window.
uPVC
uPVC is more durable than PVC. It is affordable, resistant to corrosion and has excellent insulative qualities. uPVC windows are long-lasting windows that can serve you for almost 20 years. These windows are more environmentally friendlier than other materials.
Fibreglass
Fibreglass resembles wood. The advantage is it doesn’t warp like wood. These windows also resist swelling and rotting. Unfortunately, fibreglass is more expensive and scratches easily. Thus, this material is unsuitable if your work or home space encourages scratching.
Composite
Composite windows combine wood, vinyl and metal. Suppose you are still determining the best material among the three, then select composite because it has the combined features of all three materials. Your window becomes stronger and begins to offer the following advantages:
- Resistant to rotting and warping
- Similar to natural wood
- Energy efficient
- Environmentally friendly
Clad Windows
Window manufacturers apply aluminium or vinyl to exterior parts of windows to make them more durable. You can paint this cladding material after applying a primer to match the house’s or office’s theme.
Aluminium glass door and windows are the sturdiest and most elegant of all the bunch. They do not suit all spaces. These considerations will help you decide.
6 Key Considerations While Choosing Window Materials
You know the strengths of these materials and must consider these factors to choose the best for your residential or commercial space:
- Appearance
- Price
- Maintenance
- Environmental conditions
- Energy efficiency
- Durability
Design-perfect window materials are long-lasting, affordable and aesthetically pleasing. They adapt to the external environment to perform better in different spaces. Everyone has a different preference. Consider these in mind while choosing the best window material for your home or office.