The Qualities of the Best Replacement Windows on the Market – Part 1: The Materials

The key to a high-quality window is the material it’s made of. Windows not only need to be durable enough to withstand any type of weather conditions, they must also be aesthetically appealing.  Fibrex, a window frame material, is touted as one of the best available materials on the market today ., When coupled with low-e glass, Fibrex ensures  lasting and efficient window units.

What is Fibrex?

Fibrex is a composite window framing material exclusively manufactured and used by Andersen Windows and Renewal by Andersen. While it is a relatively new material that is made up of 40% wood fiber and 60% thermoplastic polymer, Fibrex has proven to be stronger and more energy-efficient than vinyl, and has the ability to block energy transfer, as well.

Fibrex frames are highly durable and come in different options to match your home’s style. Some other benefits include:

• does not peel or flake, making repainting unnecessary.
• does not expand, contract or warp when exposed to changing weather conditions.
• resists fungal growth, does not decay and will not rot like wood.

Low-E Glass: Why It Matters

A high-quality window should also be fitted with low-e glass to make it energy-efficient. Low-e glass prevents infrared heat and UV rays from passing through the window. During summer, less heat from the sun passes through the glass, thus saving on cooling costs. In winter, less heat is transferred from the home, which saves on heating costs.

Although the major benefit of low-e glass is its energy-efficient properties, the material also has other advantages to offer, such as enhanced safety. Since low-E glass has a thin transparent coating, it will not shatter into bits even when hit by a hard object, making it somewhat similar to the windshield glass on cars.

Little Things Matter, Too: Hardware and Accessories

The two major materials of a window are the frame and glass, but windows also feature hardware and accessories — and a quality window certainly would not be complete without high-quality accessories. Always make sure that any hinges, handles and locks are made of a reliable metal, rather than cheap plastic material.

When searching for quality windows on the market, make sure that whatever window you choose has — at the very least — the  properties mentioned above. Regardless of your design choices, if you’re looking for windows that will last for years throughout  any type of weather conditions, then always make top-quality frames, glass and accessories your priorities.

In the next post, we’ll take a look at the features that replacement windows should have. Stay tuned!