There are four primary factors you need to consider when choosing windows for your home:
- Design and style
- The material used to make the windows
- Quality
- Cost
However, you may find that the availability of a particular design and style can limit your material choices. Additionally, the material used to make the windows can impact their quality.
Materials for Windows
Essentially, there are three basic (generic) materials used for windows and window frames: wood, metal (including both mild steel and aluminum), and various synthetic materials such as PVC, vinyl, and fiberglass. When comparing wood versus vinyl windows, the major differences are appearance and cost. However, vinyl introduces an additional factor: performance. Unlike wood, vinyl doesn’t warp when it gets wet, and it doesn’t require painting or varnishing. This means no peeling or flaking, making vinyl windows much easier and more effortless to maintain.
That said, vinyl windows were originally designed as “replacement windows” to fit over an existing frame, filling a significant gap in the market. They’re also often considered inferior to wood, as they typically don’t last as long, especially in areas with major temperature fluctuations. Because of this, it’s rare to find vinyl windows in architect-designed homes. Styles are somewhat limited, and vinyl windows tend to look less sturdy than wood when viewed up close. However, if cost is a primary factor, vinyl windows are definitely worth considering.
If you’re involved in selecting materials for your new house, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with all the available window options in your region.
Wooden Windows
Wooden windows come in various sizes and styles, and they open and shut in different ways. Some examples include:
- Casement windows, which are hinged on one side
- Awning windows, hinged at the top and opening outwards
- Double-hung or sash windows, with two sections that both slide vertically
- Gliding windows, which slide horizontally
- Picture and transom windows, which don’t open but are included to match double-hung and casement windows
- Bow and bay windows, designed to project outwards from the wall, increasing space in the room
There are many companies that manufacture wooden windows, with variations within all product ranges. One well-known North American manufacturer is Marvin (www.marvin.com and marvincanada.com), which has outlets across the USA and Canada. The company prides itself on producing energy-efficient products that meet or exceed the tax-credit ENERGY STAR guidelines. These features relate primarily to glazing and include:
- U-factor: This measures insulation and the rate of heat loss. The lower the number, the better the U-factor.
- Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC): This measures how efficiently the glass blocks heat from the sun. The lower the number, the better the block factor (although in colder climates, you might not want to block out the sun).
- R-value: This measures resistance to heat loss and is important for insulation.
Another factor is the design pressure (DP) rating, which measures the pressure a window can withstand when it’s closed and locked tight. This is important for preventing air leaks and ensuring structural integrity. It also plays a role in resisting forced entry. Generally, wooden windows have a higher DP rating than vinyl windows, meaning they perform better under pressure.
Independent consumer reviews of Marvin windows are generally positive, but there are many companies that do not produce high-quality designs. Joints should be tight and well-finished, and the wood should feel smooth and look appealing. At the end of the day, discerning customers often believe that quality vinyl windows are a better option than cheap, poorly made wooden windows.
Vinyl Windows
Although vinyl windows were initially designed as replacement windows, they are now widely manufactured as “new construction” windows and are available in a variety of superior designs and styles. For instance, Window City (www.windowcity.net), one of Canada’s largest vinyl window manufacturers, offers a range of styles that suit houses of all sizes, fitting the typical Canadian heritage look.
Then there’s Vinyl Window Designs (www.vinylwindowdesigns.com), which was founded in Ontario 25 years ago. The company, now also manufacturing aluminum windows, prides itself on producing top-quality vinyl windows. Their commitment to excellence is demonstrated by the Canadian ENERGY STAR Manufacturer of the Year award they received in 2006.
Like wooden windows, vinyl windows are made in various sizes and styles, including casement, awning, double-hung, and various sliding options.
Type and Style of Windows
The type and style of windows you choose should complement the design of your home. For example, if you’re building a cottage-style home, you’ll likely want windows with small cottage panes. On the other hand, if your home’s design calls for large sliding windows that open up to the garden, cottage-paned windows wouldn’t be appropriate. This is another good reason to explore the product ranges offered by local manufacturers.
If you’re working with a professional designer or architect, they should be able to make suggestions for suitable window styles. However, it’s still a great idea to do some research on your own. Browse current magazines and search online using keywords that are likely to lead you to helpful resources. For example, if you want to know more about wood versus vinyl windows, simply type that phrase into Google and see what results appear. If you’re just gathering ideas, you don’t need to worry about assessing quality yet—just focus on the type and style of windows that appeal to you.
If you’re still in the design phase, check out Andersen Windows’ website (www.andersenwindows.com), which features a helpful design guide that allows you to see what different types of windows will look like on a wall. This illustrative tool can help you make an informed decision, which you can then discuss with your architect or designer.