The Lowdown on Window Hardware and Frame Materials
Windows and window hardware are important elements for your home’s energy conservation, protection, and exterior appeal. It all comes down to making the best choices of style and material when it comes to replacing your windows. Homebuilding experts claim that this is one area of your home where you should not try to save money.
There are all sorts of styles in windows available. They can be made of wood, metal, vinyl and others. And remember, when it comes to windows – you pretty much get what you pay for. While quality replacement windows may cost more upfront, they will pay for themselves in the long run by providing superior weather protection, lesser maintenance, and even lower energy cost for your home.
The Material
Windows and window hardwares are available in a variety of materials, ranging from natural wood to composite. The design of your windows has a significant impact on their energy efficiency. The glass (double or triple pane), the gas used as a filler between the panes, and the material used to make the frame are all factors. The following are the most commonly used frame materials for replacement windows.
Wood
Wood is a popular material among homeowners. It is incredibly efficient, does not transmit cold, and does not allow condensation as other materials do. However, because wood can shrink and expand in response to humidity, it may eventually warp or rot if not properly protected and maintained. Wood windows can last for decades if properly cared for. Wood windows are typically unfinished, and painting them may increase costs. Some manufacturers, however, offer pre-painted windows in a variety of colours.
Vinyl
Vinyl windows are made of thick, stiff, and impact-resistant PVC. They have a hollow air space within the frame, making them energy efficient and resistant to heat loss and moisture. They are inexpensive and efficient, but they can distort when subjected to high heat or cold. This can have an impact on their operation, making them prone to air leakage and lowering their energy efficiency.
Aluminium
Under the correct environmental conditions, aluminium-framed windows can be more durable than wood-framed windows. They’re also easier to install because they’re thinner and lighter. Aluminium windows are frequently insulated with foam or vinyl, which can prevent heat loss and condensation; however, you must ensure that the windows have thermal breaks and are designed for your climate.
Fibreglass
Fibreglass-framed windows have the advantage of being exactly in tune with the glass inside. While vinyl and wood both expand and contract in response to variations in temperature or humidity, fibreglass and glass practically never do. Fibreglass windows can have their interiors and exteriors painted in a variety of colours to achieve a variety of design effects. They can also have wood window stops installed on the inside, which hides the majority of the fibreglass and gives them the appearance of a clad-wood window.
The Hardware
All operable windows include essential window hardwares for opening and closing, as well as latches, locks, and other features. Some even have movable blinds put between the glass these days. Window hardware can be both practical and decorative. There are numerous sorts of windows. It’s always a good idea to consult with your designer or design-build renovation contractor about which style is ideal for your home. Here are some examples of window hardware styles:
Cranks
Cranks are used to operate casement, awning, hopper, and skylight windows. Non-metallic finishes are available from some manufacturers. Newer variants have fold-away handles that are less noticeable and do not interfere with window coverings.
Hinges
The best casement, awning, and hopper windows have enough space between the sash and frame for easy maintenance.
Counterbalances
On double-hung windows (those with moveable top and bottom sashes), the sash is counterbalanced on the sides by weights or torsion screws. Weights are commonly found in pre-war dwellings. To lift and retain the sashes, double-hung windows from the 1940s and later employ springs, torsion screws, or retractable sash cords.
Sliding Hardware
Most vinyl and aluminium replacement windows have light sashes that slide in the sill tracks. Larger sashes, such as those seen in sliding patio doors, are often supported on the bottom track by a heavy-duty roller.
Window Security
Latches are used to fasten windows firmly. A sash lock connects the upper and lower sashes of a double-hung window to keep them secure. Some double-hung windows include security latches that allow the window to be opened slightly for ventilation.
Some sliding patio doors may be pushed open or pulled off their rails. Insert a dowel into the inside tracks of your patio door to hold the movable sash closed. Patio door track locks are also available, which secure the bottom of the door in place. Wedge locks, key-driven latches, or locking pins can also be used to prevent double-hung windows from being fully opened.
Do It at Your Own Pace, but Don’t Wait Too Long
Window replacement is frequently done as part of a larger home repair job that is contracted out to a professional contractor. These renovations can cost tens of thousands of dollars and are frequently funded with a home improvement loan. A DIYer, on the other hand, may accomplish this operation for a fraction of the cost by purchasing insert replacement windows. Replacing three or four windows every year with inserts allows you to remodel your entire property in a few years without breaking the bank.
Unless you’ve owned your home for many years, you might not have needed to consider replacing windows. The mechanics and operation of windows are rarely something homeowners need to consider—at least not until something goes wrong. Air leaks, water penetration, heat leaks, fogged glass, and bug incursions are just a few of the various reasons you should consider new replacement windows for your house.