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Home & Garden Articles
Window Hardware Comes In All Materials
Thu 30 Nov 2006 - 17:25
Window Hardware Comes In All Materials
By Jerry T. Blackburn
You can use a wide range of materials when building a window. You can base your decisions on what kind of design and energy efficiency you are looking for. You can build based on the kind of home you have and the temperature where you live in order to get the best windows. Here are some materials and their properties:
Wood
This is the tried and true material used to build windows for years. Wood is very easy to work with for a novice who wants to go it alone or for a professional doing a tough job. When it comes to wood you can get amazing detail and intricate designs that other options don't always give you. Energy efficiency is another trait of wood.
On the downside, wood requires high maintenance to keep up and you will have to give your wood windows a fresh coat of paint every so often. When the paint begins to peel your wood won't be protected and can rot. Wood windows will last for a while if given proper care.
Steel
Older homes and basements are where one usually finds steel windows. Steel is not energy efficient so it is not used often in newer dwellings. Heat goes out of steel frames very easily and they require lots of up-keep. It will rust quickly if not painted often. One good aspect about steel is that it is great storm proof hardware and will make a good storm proof window if you are building something with a special purpose in mind.
Aluminum
Aluminum is an also a poor choice for energy efficiency. It has the same durability as steel, but requires less maintenance. You don't need to repaint your aluminum windows and you buy them in many colors.
Vinyl
If you want something cheap and durable than vinyl is a great choice. Vinyl is also high on the energy efficiency ladder and does not require any maintenance because they don't need to be painted. You can find many colors for your vinyl windows and they also don't ever see a chip or a scratch on it!
Fiberglass
This is a fairly new kid on the market in terms of window hardware. When this material is insulated the right way it gives some of the best energy efficiency available. You won't lose heat in winter with your fiberglass window. These are amongst the most expensive options.
If you need to keep the heat out and the cold air in your house then look for a low U value on your window hardware material. If you need to keep the heat in and the cold out then you want the opposite. You can prevent heat from escaping by choosing an energy efficient material that is also well insulated. You may want to use insulated glass as well. There is argon gas between two layers of glass that will keep you warmer.
Make sure to note the style of your house when you want to buy new windows. Find something that will fit with the time period of your house to keep things look great!
Being specifically passionate about locks, Jerry Blackburn is editing quite some news stories on this particular subject. You might come across his publications on window hardware at http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com and other sources for window hardware tips.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jerry_T._Blackburn
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