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Window Frame Options And Materials
Discover types of window frames and materials, and get links to applicable pages that do deep dives into price ranges and consumer quotes. There are five main materials to choose from: vinyl, fiberglass, composite, aluminum, and wood. Selecting the most appropriate window frame material for your home is the first (and possibly) most important decision you can make. The decision will dictate how much you pay, the brand you buy, and the warranty terms and provisions you receive.
We will dig in below with unbiased pros and cons for each of the five main types of window frames, along with links to additional pages that compare replacement windows so that you can make the best decision for your situation!
Tom - HWRC Editor - Original Publish Date - April 16, 2013
Page Last Updated In 2025
Aluminum Windows
Description: Aluminum windows are less common in the replacement market than other materials. They tend to be more popular in the commercial market by companies like Schuco who focus on larger developments. Having said that, there are numerous aluminum window manufacturers and products available to homeowners.
More On Aluminum Window Costs
Compare Aluminum vs. Composite
Compare Aluminum vs. Fiberglass
Compare Aluminum vs. Vinyl Windows
Compare Aluminum vs. Wood Clad
Composite Windows
Description: Composite windows are made from a mix of materials that will be unique to each company. For instance, Andersen windows has a composite fibrex frame made from reclaimed wood and a thermoplastic polymer. Many composite frames are very strong and can be engineered to look similar to wood in their finish.
More On Composite Window Costs
Compare Composite vs. Aluminum
Compare Composites And Fiberglass
Compare Composite vs. Vinyl
Compare Composites vs. Wood
Fiberglass Windows
Description: Fiberglass is a strong, flexible material that is typically sold under a manufacturer's proprietary name. A good example is Ultrex by Marvin, a fiberglass material that is available on both their Integrity and Infinity window lines.
Read more on Fiberglass Window Costs
Compare Fiberglass vs. Composite Windows
Compare Fiberglass vs. Vinyl Windows
Compare Fiberglass vs Wood Clad
Vinyl Windows
Description: Vinyl window frames are the most popular replacement frame material due to their cost and performance numbers. High end vinyl extrusions outperform all other windows, although many proponents of other window materials claim that vinyl's performance numbers go down much quicker over time (the debate goes on). While not known for being the best looking material on the market, vinyl in a white or off white looks fine and can be an excellent investment.
Read more on Vinyl Window Costs
Compare Vinyl vs. Aluminum
Compare Vinyl vs.Composite
Compare Vinyl vs. Fiberglass
Compare Vinyl And Wood
Wood Clad Widows
Description: Wood frames are both the most expensive, maintenance intensive and most beautiful of all the materials. Homeowners who don't absolutely love the look of wood or who intend to paint the frames should bother with wood windows. Given the cost and maintenance requirements, wood windows are best left to homeowners who just can't live without them - although we must mention once more how nice high quality wood windows look.
Read more on Wood Window Prices
Compare Wood vs. Composite
Compare Wood vs. Vinyl Windows
Compare Wood vs. Fiberglass Windows
Related Topics: Replacement Window Cost Estimator
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