When shopping for replacement windows, many homeowners start their search by comparing different types of glass. While glass is an important factor to consider when buying windows, you should also think about the frame holding that glass. After all, if the frame is weak, even the best glass will fail to do its job over time.
Below, this replacement windows company in Racine, Wisconsin is going to explain the characteristics of strong window frames, and how they can help improve your home’s comfort.
What makes a window frame strong?
Wisconsin winters are long stretches of freezing temperatures while summers here are rather warm and humid. These swings can take a toll on low-quality materials. Especially cheaper vinyl.
Vinyl responds to the Wisconsin climate by expanding in the heat and contracting in the cold. After years of this movement, the frame can twist slightly or even pull away from the glass. Even a microscopic gap is enough for cold air to slip inside your home, which is why many people sometimes feel a draft even when the windows are fully closed.
As a top-rated replacement windows company in Racine, Wisconsin, our team at WASCO recommends frame materials that best suit the local climate.
For example, the frames used in our 1400 Series Casement, Awning and Picture windows are made from thick-walled RAU-PVC. This material looks like your average vinyl, but it’s stronger and more dimensionally stable. It does not stretch or shrink as easily so the frame can retain its shape season after season.
Inside each frame are multiple insulated chambers that trap air and slow heat movement. This naturally improves the window’s energy performance.
The design also includes steel reinforcement pockets for larger window sizes. These hidden reinforcements prevent the sash from bending or sagging over time. They also help the window continue to open and close smoothly, even after many years of use.
What does a strong frame do for comfort inside your house?
The first improvement most homeowners feel is better insulation. When a frame keeps its shape, the sash can press firmly against it to create a tight seal. That seal prevents cold air from seeping in around the edges.
When you pair that solid frame with WASCO’s high-performance glass (including LoĒ coatings that reflect heat and warm-edge spacer systems that reduce heat transfer at the edges), the window becomes a stronger barrier against the cold.
A strong frame also reduces outside noise from entering your home. Because the frame does not bend or warp, the weatherstripping stays fully compressed. This constant pressure forms a more effective sound barrier, so outside noise has a harder time reaching the inside of your home.
The long-term durability is another major benefit. Weak frames can slowly start sagging or warping. This can happen so gradually that you may not even notice it until the window becomes difficult to open or starts leaking air.
As the top-rated replacement windows company in Racine, Wisconsin, WASCO designs its frames to prevent this kind of gradual decline. Whether it is the 1400 Series, the System 700 Premium Vinyl line or the European Tilt & Turn models, every frame is made to retain its shape through years of freezing nights, hot afternoons and everything in between.
Looking for a replacement windows company in Racine, Wisconsin?
If you’re ready to partner with the top-rated replacement windows company in Racine, Wisconsin, WASCO is here to help. Our team can help guide you toward the best window options for your home. Contact us today to begin the process.
