Most homeowners are less familiar with composite window frames than with the traditional wood, vinyl, or aluminum frames. Along with fiberglass frames, composite window frames are the newest additions to the window frame market. Often used for decks, the composite material looks like wood, and is made of various composite wood products, such as particleboard or laminated strand lumber. Anderson Windows also offers composite windows that feature pulverized wood fiber combined with thermoplastic polymer, a type of composite material that is both strong and sustainable.
These wood products are clad in an exterior material, usually aluminum or vinyl. This exterior cladding protects the wood and keeps the frame very stable. This article will provide you with more information on composite window frames for your home.
How Much Will Your Composite Window Frames Cost?
The costs for composite windows will vary based on the size, shape, and type of window. However, while more expensive than vinyl or aluminum, composite frames are generally an affordable option, and windows with this kind of frame range from $250 to $1,100 and up. A double-hung composite window costs about $500 to $1,000. The cost of the composite window frame itself tends to be all over the board. Usually, it ranges in price from $50 to $100 per square foot, depending on the manufacturer.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Composite Window
Composite window frames are fairly low-maintenance. Because they are clad in aluminum or other materials, these frames do not require refinishing every few years like wood. Composite frames also have better moisture and decay resistance, as well as better thermal properties, than traditional wood frames. Because of the frame's moisture resistance and strong aluminum or vinyl exterior, they are often a good choice for windows in coastal homes, which may be exposed to rain and salt spray.
Additionally, composite window frames are often available in a wide variety of colors.
Energy Efficiency for Composite Windows
Composite window frames were initially developed for the harsh, cold climates of Scandinavia and Canada. A composite window frame's interior wood material is a natural insulator, so this type of window frame can achieve high energy efficiency.
Additionally, composite frames are typically composed of the products leftover from the manufacturing of wood frames. This makes composite window frames more eco-friendly than vinyl, which is a petroleum-based plastic. For homeowners who are looking for an even stronger and more energy efficient option, fiberglass composite window frames are also available from certain window manufacturers.
Summary: A Strong, Eco-Friendly Option
Less expensive than fiberglass window frames, composite windows are a stable, low-maintenance, and green option for your home's windows. To find help choosing composite windows for your home, check out our database of local contractors.
