When your windows and doors cannot close or open well, are letting in drafts, and cannot block noise from outside, you should think of replacing them. Old broken windows can compromise your home’s security and lead to high energy bills.
Once you decide on replacing, choosing a window replacement material can be challenging. There are many windows and doors materials in the market, each with different features, pros, and cons. However, with a bit of research on each material’s characteristics, your work will be made easier.
- Wood Windows and doors
Wood is the most common window material, and homeowners go for it because of its rich, magnificent look. You can get wood windows from different species of wood like mahogany, pine, and cider.
Wood is solid and durable. The material does not warp fast and has a high resistance to objects. Wood windows are also very energy efficient because the material is an insulator. You can choose many different styles of windows from the material because it is easy to manipulate.
While looking at the positives of wood windows, don’t forget to research the negatives. For example, wood is easily damaged by water. When exposed, the material absorbs moisture and swells. The swelling makes the windows more significant than the space, and they become hard to operate.
The swelling also makes the window start rotting. This makes the windows weak, and you will need to replace them within a short time. The rotting can also spread to the other parts of the house, causing damages to the curtains and furniture.
- Vinyl doors and Windows
If you are looking for energy efficiency, vinyl is the go-to window material. These windows are made with an insulating material that does not allow heat exchange into the house, hence low energy bills.
The windows and doors Toronto are affordable to buy and cheap to maintain. Vinyl does not fade and cannot be reprinted, so you will spend less to keep them. Also, when stained by a spot of dirt, you can easily clean the dirt by wiping the window with a wet cloth.
- Fiberglass Windows
Fiberglass has similar characteristics to vinyl. However, fiberglass is more durable and sturdy, and it has more insulating power. The windows are also more expensive to buy. Just like vinyl, fiberglass is low maintenance and does not fade, so no repainting.
Fiberglass doors and windows offer the right compromise between durability and aesthetic. It is a great option if you need something durable and attractive like wood but don’t have enough money to buy wood windows and doors.
Renovating your home with fiberglass windows and doors increases its value, and you’ll get a return on investment.
- Aluminum Windows
Aluminum windows are also standard because of their sturdiness and durability. These windows are resistant to dents, a reason most homeowners in storm-prone areas prefer them.
The disadvantages of aluminum are that it is prone to humidity. The window can rust when exposed, and it fades, meaning you will incur repainting costs. The windows and doors in Toronto are also not as energy-efficient as fiberglass, wood, and vinyl.
Choosing Window Panes
Once you have decided on the material to buy, the next challenge is choosing a windowpane. The number of panes in a window affects the window’s performance.
- Double-Pane Windows
These window panes are standard. Double window panes have two glasses with a layer of argon gas between the panes. Argon is an insulator and makes the window energy efficient. These windows give 90% protection on energy loss, reducing the cost of energy in the house.
- Triple Paned Windows
They resemble the double-paned, but these have three panes. A triple-pane window gives up to 97% protection against heat loss. They are also sound insulators and add to the home’s security since they are hard to break into.
Choosing the best replacement window is challenging. However, you can select energy-efficient material and a double or triple-paned window. If you live near the cost, aluminum is not a good option for the window because it rusts.
The saltiness of the cost and the humidity from the ocean can accelerate the rusting. Also, wood is not suitable for rainy climates because these windows will soak in water and damage.
