Atlanta Window Replacement Options: Frames
Replacing windows can be a little scary if you don’t know what your options are. At North Georgia Replacement Windows, our goal is to take the headache out of Atlanta window and door replacement. We want you to be happy with your choice for many years to come and we’re here to help you through every step in the process.
With temperatures dropping to nearly freezing each night in Atlanta, it’s already time to bring in the plants and get ready for the holidays. It’s also a perfect time to replace old or damaged windows with new, energy-efficient ones.
Atlanta window replacement will keep your home warmer in the winter, reduce your energy bills, and give your home a fresh, updated look that’s sure to leave a good impression on guests.
We offer a huge variety of window choices, but there are three main types: wood clad, vinyl, and cellular PVC. All three are virtually maintenance-free and look fabulous in a variety of settings. Here are some quick facts about each material to help you decide which one is best for your project.
Wood Clad
Wood is the most traditional window framing material. It is a renewable resource, and people have been using it for hundreds of years. Wooden windows can be easily painted or stained to suit changing tastes or decorations. They add rustic charm and sophistication to any home. They don’t attract condensation like aluminum windows can, and they quickly add value to your home.
While some people feel that wood windows require more maintenance and replacement, it isn’t always true. Almost any wood window becomes maintenance free when combined with a exterior made of vinyl, fiberglass, or aluminum. These clad exteriors are aesthetically pleasing, highly efficient, easy to clean, and they protect the wood underneath. Vinyl clad comes in just a few colors and aluminum can be any color to match your home. Fiberglass windows can even be painted on the exterior.
Wood does have some drawbacks, however. Without regular maintenance or cladding, wood can rot, warp, twist, or expand and contract according to the weather. And, of course, they’re susceptible to termite infestation. Wood is also not the cheapest material.
Vinyl
People choose vinyl windows because they are cost-effective and energy-efficient. They provide a lot of insulation, which means that your home will be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer and your energy bill will also be lower. A wide range of colors are available, they are resistant to weathering, and they never need to be painted.
While high quality vinyl windows will last for years and years, cheap or inferior quality vinyl windows may discolor in intense heat, and some styles can’t be painted if they get damaged or your tastes change.
All vinyl windows look different from traditional wood windows. This can be a challenge if you’re not replacing every window in your home or building from scratch. When replacing only a few windows, don’t mix and match windows on the same side. Instead, replace every window on one side, then replace the sides when you have the time and budget.
North Georgia Replacement Windows will never try to cut corners on vinyl windows. We want you to be happy with your windows today and tomorrow.
Cellular PVC
Cellular PVC is similar to vinyl but much stronger. It looks just like wood but will not rot or weather like wood. It’s about the same weight as wood and can be sawn and sanded just like wood, too. It also withstands heat better than traditional vinyl. It insulates better than vinyl and wood, making it the most energy-efficient frame option available.
Cellular PVC is newer to the market than wood or vinyl. While it lasts longer than any other material and provides the greatest relief in energy costs, cellular PVC can be more expensive than other window materials. It is manufactured from manmade materials, so it encourages less dependence on natural forests but is not considered an eco-friendly choice.
If you want to custom paint or eventually change your window frame color, cellular PVC is an excellent choice. However, if you want to paint over dark colors, you must use vinyl-safe paints to avoid warping.
Have questions? Need help choosing the optimal windows for your home? Contact us online or call us at 770.888.1604 to discuss your window replacement options.
