Window Frame Materials
The window frame is the main structure surrounding and supporting the sash and glass. Different frame materials offer different combinations of price, thermal performance, appearance, maintenance and available options.
Vinyl Windows
Vinyl is generally one of the more affordable frame options and is very common in replacement windows. It requires little maintenance and naturally provides good thermal performance. Many vinyl frames use multiple hollow chambers for strength and to help reduce heat transfer.
Typical Price Point: $–$$
Thermal Performance: Good to Excellent
Options can include double- or triple-pane glass, multiple Low-E packages, interior and exterior colors, woodgrain laminates, numerous operating styles, hardware and screens.
Foam-Filled Vinyl Windows
A foam-filled vinyl window starts with a vinyl frame, but some or all of the hollow chambers are filled with insulating foam. The goal is to reduce heat movement through the frame.
Foam-filled does not automatically mean better. Extrusion design, chambers, reinforcement, glass package, spacer, weatherstripping and other components all contribute to the performance of the complete window.
Typical Price Point: $$
Thermal Performance: Good to Excellent
Composite Windows
Composite is a broad category. These frames can use combinations of materials designed to provide strength, dimensional stability, low maintenance and good thermal performance.
Typical Price Point: $$–$$$
Thermal Performance: Good to Excellent
Depending on the product, options may include dark exterior finishes, multiple interior finishes, upgraded glass packages, different grille patterns and numerous operating styles.
Wood Windows
Wood windows are generally a premium-priced option and are often selected for appearance, architectural detail and a true wood interior. Wood is a natural insulator. Many modern wood windows use exterior cladding to protect the wood from weather.
Typical Price Point: $$$–$$$$
Thermal Performance: Good to Excellent
Wood often provides extensive customization, including wood species, stain-grade or painted interiors, exterior colors, custom sizes and shapes, grille patterns, hardware and glass packages.
Which Material Is Most Energy Efficient?
There is no automatic winner. Windows made from the same frame material can perform very differently. Compare the U-Factor and SHGC of the complete window rather than relying only on labels such as foam-filled, composite, triple-pane or premium vinyl.
Related Window Terms
U-Factor • SHGC • Low-E Glass • Insulated Glass Unit • Glass Spacer • Triple-Pane Glass • Window Sash