Arizona Home Windows — what to know about window frames

When thinking about energy efficiency and heat transfer in Arizona homes, often what is thought of is a barrier or shade to keep the sun out. While barriers such as sunscreens, shades and tints do help keep your home cooler, your windows’ efficiency can be affected by the material of the window frame.

Clear Cut Glass, an Arizona home window and sunscreen company shares the five types of window frames that affect your home’s energy.

Common Window Frame Materials:

• Aluminum: Aluminum frames or other metal frames have the most thermal conduction of all the window frame materials making them the least energy efficient option although they are strong and relatively maintenance-free.  When the hot Arizona sun heats up the frame on the outside, it will transfer the heat to the inside frame that is on the inside of your house – making it hotter inside the home.

• Wood: Wood frames have fairly good thermal insulation but need to be maintained often, as wood is so susceptible to weather changes and the expansion and compression of a wood frame can affect whether the window is working correctly.

• Composite: A composite window frame is made from wood but is not a piece of lumber; it is usually particleboard or composite wood products, which are pieces of wood that have been pressed together. This type of frame has the same thermal properties or better than wood frames but is less maintenance.

• Vinyl: Vinyl has better thermal insulation than wood frames and has good moisture resistance. It is also a very affordable but practical option.

• Fiberglass: Fiberglass window frames are the best frames in terms of thermal insulation, as they are made hollow so that the space can be filled with fiberglass. They are also very durable.

To learn more about Clear Cut Glass or to request a free estimate, visit our website at ClearCutGlass.com or better yet, give us a call at 602-490-0550.