25 Apr Framing the Picture of Strength: Comparing Window Durability
Home renovation projects are about as stressful as they are exciting. After all, before all of the rejuvenating changes can be manifested around the house, you first have to do your due diligence in research.
And if you’re new to the world of windows, searching for the most durable material can be a confusing, circuitous journey of internet surfing.
But don’t worry — before you close the blinds in overwhelm, we’ll help you parse through your options:
Widening Your Perspective on Wood
As clean, natural looks are consistently trending among homeowners, it makes sense that you may first gravitate toward wood frames for your replacement windows. Not only do they offer a wide variety of aesthetic options — from paint to design and more — but they also add a classic and luxurious touch, thereby enhancing your curb appeal.
But that doesn’t mean they’ll be your first pick once strength, insulation, and upkeep become the priorities.
“Wood window frames insulate relatively well, but they require regular maintenance, although aluminum or vinyl cladding reduces maintenance requirements,” according to the U.S. Department of Energy. “Metal clad wood frames may have slightly lower thermal performance.”
What’s more, wood is the most susceptible to cracking and warping, particularly when it faces the onset of the summer humidity and hurricane season.
Visiting Your Vinyl Options
If you’re looking to step up from wood, a vinyl frame for your replacement window would be your next best bet.
“In fact, the highest-rated wood window in our tests is on a par, performance-wise, with a vinyl window half its price,” as reported by Consumer Reports. In other words, vinyl is leaps and bounds ahead when it comes to durability.
This can be attributed, in part, to vinyl’s natural resistance to moisture, which is integral for Florida property owners. What’s more, vinyl frames are often designed with hollow cavities, thereby allowing space for extra insulation and padding.
So, if you’re looking for a cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative to wood, vinyl has certainly made a name for itself.
Forging Forward with Fibrex®
While vinyl may sound like the ideal choice, we have good news: Renewal by Andersen® of Florida has a revolutionary, industry-leading material that has proven superior to all other options.
Introducing: Fibrex®!
Fibrex® is a composite material that is twice as strong as vinyl. Thanks to the superior performance of this product, your replacement windows will prove resistant to cracking, pitting, corrosion, and rotting.
What’s more, Fibrex®…
- Has a lower thermal expansion rate than vinyl and is less likely to warp or bend
- Has a higher heat distortion point than vinyl and can withstand Florida’s hottest conditions
- Is made with 40% reclaimed wood fiber, meaning it is a “cleaner” and more environmentally-friendly material compared to other options
So, are you ready to find the Florida difference with a Fibrex® frame? Then it’s time to reach out to Renewal by Andersen® of Florida!
Our replacement windows are award-winning, recognized by ENERGY STAR®, and come with industry-leading warranties! Call our team today at (855) 830-2420 to get started with a FREE consultation.