Whether you are a seller or you want to buy replacement windows and doors Oakville, it is essential to have some knowledge about them. Different types of doors and windows are made from different materials and have different opening styles.
This makes it hard for homeowners to decide on which door or window is best for their home. If you are a retailer, you need to know the different types of windows and doors Oakville materials to advise your customers on which one to buy.
Window Materials
As a buyer, the first thing that comes to mind with the thought of which window to buy is the frame’s material. People prefer different frames for various reasons. When purchasing, ensure you compare the properties of each and their advantages and disadvantages to make the right choice.
Wood
Wood is the most common windows and doors Oakville frame, and people prefer it because of its magnificent look. You can get wood frames from different species of wood like pine or spruce. Homeowners prefer it because it is a natural insulator and is durable. However, wood is easily damaged by insects like termites.
They invade the frame, and the damage is unrepairable. Wood also absorbs water and swells, and this can cause rotting of the frame. Besides wood frame being expensive to buy, it is too costly to maintain. You have to keep repainting this frame to maintain its look.
Aluminum
These frames are also common in many homes because they are affordable. Aluminum is more durable than wood because it does not absorb water, neither is it invaded by insects. The frame is also lightweight and easy to work with. However, these window frames are not the best to install if your house is located along the coast. Due to high salt concentration, aluminum gets oxidized and rusts, making your windows look ugly. Aluminum is also a poor insulator, meaning that your electricity bills will be high. The rusting of aluminum makes the material weak, and this can raise the chances of burglars breaking into your house.
Vinyl
Vinyl is known for its energy-efficient. These frames are made from Polyvinyl Chloride, and it has internal hollows that control expansion and contraction. Vinyl frames are made with a solid color that hardly peels or fades. This means that you will not incur the expense of repainting hence low maintenance cost.
Vinyl frames are hard to break, and they do not warp or bend. With them, your energy bills will reduce because they are energy efficient. When you notice a stain on your vinyl windows, use a clean damp cloth and wipe. The setback of vinyl is that you cannot repaint it to the color of your choice. That is why it’s advisable to buy a color that corresponds with your surroundings.
Fiberglass
These window frames resemble vinyl, and they are also known for their energy efficiency. Fiberglass is a bit expensive but very durable. They do not warp or crack and can withstand pressure. They are also suitable for houses along the coast because they do not rust.
Glass Panes
When doing window replacement Oakville, you will also be required to choose a type of glass.
Single-Pane Glass
This is a common type of glass. It has a single pane, and the glass is very clear. Although it is very affordable, a single glass is not energy efficient, and it can break easily.
Low-E Glass
Low-E glass is also called low-emissivity glass. This glass can be combined with other features to give a special coating responsible for heat insulation. To add on insulation, the glass is tinted, so that heat from outside does not get in. Tinting also blocks UV rays during summer from getting in the house. UV rays are dangerous because they cause fading of furniture and carpets.
This tinting is also helpful in winter because it blocks heat from escaping the house, maintaining the correct temperatures inside. This is an advantage because you will pay less on energy bills. This glass comes with different ratings, and the more energy efficiency rating the glass has, the more energy-efficient it is.
Tempered Glass
This windows and doors Oakville glass is made by a heat-treating process, and it is very strong. It hardly breaks, and if it does, it shatters into tiny pebble-like pieces.