Technological Advances in Windows and Doors

Over the course of the past three decades, there have been many advances in the exterior fenestration industry. One might argue that window and door innovations have helped set the pace for today's increasingly "maintenance free" home improvement products. With the introduction of exterior cladding and insulating glass, today's consumers are faced with many new options designed to increase the efficiency and aesthetic of their homes.

Historically speaking, windows and doors were primarily manufactured using wood materials. While wood is strong and looks great, it also requires a great deal of maintenance. If wood isn't treated properly, moisture will eventually begin to penetrate the surface and more likely than not, cause it to break down and rot. Typically speaking, wood windows and doors should be re-painted every 3-5 years. Depending on the size of a house, this can be a costly and time consuming process. Unfortunately, when this maintenance schedule is neglected, the associated costs increase exponentially.

This is why home improvement industry experts agree that selection of windows and doors is one of the three most important decisions a consumer makes when restoring an older home, or building a new one. Choosing the right window can increase the life and energy efficiency of a home dramatically and at the same time creating a unique and awe-inspiring look.

Today's window marketplace offers more choices than ever before and it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each. In order to combat the maintenance issue of wood materials, window and door companies began offering units with a clad exterior during the 1970's. Exterior cladding covers and essentially protects exterior wood from the elements. Clad exteriors can be made using Vinyl, Aluminum, Fiberglass or other composite materials. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages.

Vinyl, or plastic cladding, offers an inexpensive solution to the problem and a long life. Additionally, thermal properties of vinyl are great for colder environments because it's a weak conductor. Simply put, it doesn't aid in the transfer of heat or cold from the exterior to the interior of a building. Simultaneously, vinyl has a downside. Vinyl cannot be painted and color choices are often limited. Also, the strength of the cladding is arguably the weakest option. Lastly, when used as cladding, vinyl often (not always) must wrap the interior and exterior of the window and therefore the traditional aesthetic of a wood interior can be lost.

Aluminum cladding, while often more costly than vinyl, offers more flexibility and typically more strength. Roll form aluminum is a thin sheet which is bent to cover and protect the exterior of the window. Extruded aluminum is heavier weight and doesn't "wrap" around the window. Instead it often fits the wood it protects like a puzzle piece. Both aluminum options offer many more color choices because aluminum can be painted. Today, many major aluminum clad window and door manufacturers offer 20 or more exterior colors with a few offering greater than 60. It would be hard to argue that aluminum isn't the strongest cladding material we've mentioned. Additionally, aluminum cladding is applied only to the exterior of the window which preserves the rich and traditional wood interior. This isn't to say aluminum cladding doesn't have its disadvantages. First, aluminum transfers far more heat and cold than vinyl. However because the aluminum fits the exterior like a puzzle piece, the interior wood often breaks the thermal transfer and these windows can be considered equally energy efficient. Another disadvantage is that as a metal, certain elements will begin to break down (or pit) the aluminum. Historically speaking, it was a bad idea to install aluminum windows within a close proximity to the ocean. However, many of today's aluminum window manufacturers have made advances by offering a higher nickel content to the aluminum and reduced the risk of corrosiveness dramatically. Exterior cladding isn't the only advance revolutionizing the window and door industry. Insulating glass is now available. With two layers of glass protecting an inner layer of argon gas (high insulating values), heat transfer though windows has been reduced significantly. Many window companies also offer a coating on the glass which can further reduce thermal transmission as well as block out harmful UV rays. In addition to obvious benefits, this coating can also reduce or slow the fading of carpets and furniture. Insulated glass increases energy efficiency and decreases the cost to heat or cool your home by keeping warm air in and cold air out (and vice versa).Today's energy companies see the value in energy efficient windows and doors. Many even offer rebates and discounts for installing energy efficient windows. The advantages don't stop there. Insulating glass also eliminates the need for storm windows in most cases. This improves the appearance of a building from the exterior and also the view from the interior.

Many advances have been made in the world of windows and doors over the course of the past 30 years. They've become largely maintenance free and energy efficient while maintaining a great look. Today's consumer who is remodeling or building a house has thousands and thousands of options regarding windows and doors. It is important to do an ample amount of research before deciding which type is right for you and remember… a window and door are only as good as their installation. Make sure the contractor you select possesses extensive experience and a solid technique. While it is important to consider all options before making your final decision, this is often easier said than done. Companies such as http://www.1-800-Fixed-Up.com exist primarily to assist in connecting you with pre-screened and qualified contractors in your area. Their professional industry knowledge and experience can help guide you through the delicate process.

Courtsey of Scott C Chase