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Energy efficient replacement window Frames and Spacer Materials
Energy efficient
replacement window frames are available in a variety of materials including
aluminum, wood, vinyl, and fiberglass. Frames may be primarily composed
of one material, or they may be a combination of different materials
such as wood clad with vinyl or aluminum-clad wood. Each frame material
has its advantages and disadvantages.
Though ideal for strength and customized energy efficient replacement
window design, aluminum frames
conduct heat and therefore lose heat faster and are prone to
condensation. Through anodizing or coating, the corrosion and
electro-galvanic deterioration of aluminum frames can be avoided.
Additionally, the thermal resistance of aluminum frames can be
significantly improved by placing continuous insulating plastic strips
between the interior and exterior of the frame.
Wood frames have higher R-values, are not affected by temperature
extremes, and do not generally promote condensation. Wood frames do
require considerable maintenance in the form of periodic painting or
staining. If not properly protected, wood frames can swell, which leads
to rot, warping, and sticking.
Vinyl energy efficient replacement window frames, which are made primarily from polyvinyl chloride
(PVC), offer many advantages. Available in a wide range of styles and
shapes, vinyl frames have moderate to high R-values, are easily
customized, are competitively priced, and require very low maintenance.
While vinyl frames do not possess the inherent strength of metal or
wood, larger-sized energy efficient replacement windows are often strengthened with aluminum or steel
reinforcing bars.
Fiberglass frames are relatively new and are not yet widely available.
With some of the highest R-values, fiberglass frames are excellent for
insulating and will not warp, shrink, swell, rot, or corrode.
Unprotected fiberglass does not hold up to the weather and therefore is
always painted. Some fiberglass frames are hollow; while others are
filled with fiberglass insulation.
Spacers are used to separate multiple panes of glass within the energy
efficient replacement windows.
Although metal (usually aluminum) spacers are commonly installed to
separate glass in multi-pane energy efficient replacement windows, they conduct heat. During cold
weather, the thermal resistance around the edge of a energy efficient
replacement window is lower
than that in the center; thus, heat can escape, and condensation can
occur along the edges. To alleviate these problems, one manufacturer has
developed a multi-pane energy efficient replacement window using a 1/8-inch-wide (0.32
centimeters-wide) PVC foam separator placed along the edges of the
frame. Like other multi-pane energy efficient replacement windows, these use metal spacers for
support, but because the foam separator is secured on top of the spacer
between the panes, heat loss and condensation are reduced. Several
energy efficient replacement window manufacturers now sandwich foam separators, nylon spacers, and
insulation materials such as polystyrene and rock wool between the glass
inside their energy efficient replacement windows.
Log cabin floor plans
Building your own log cabin is an exciting experience. Find information
about choosing the best log cabin floor plan for your needs.
walk
in bathtubs
Shop for all kinds of walk in bath tubs. Purchase these kinds of tubs when
mobility is decreased but independence isn't. Greater safety and convenience.
Indoor decorative fountains
An indoor fountain can help create a relaxing environment inside your home. Find
great buys on indoor decorative fountains. we have hundreds of listings.
Bathroom shelves
Keep your bathroom organized with the right bathroom shelving. Find great deals
on all kinds of bathroom shelving. Browse our huge selection.
Bath
vanity stools
Find great deals and bargains on vanity stools here. The bath vanity stool has
been seeing an increase in popularity in recent years. Many designers are adding
them to their designs for bathroom makeovers.
Discount handheld GPS
With a hand held GPS unit you will never get lost again. This is the
perfect gift to give to your spouse and children.
fiberglass inground pools
Discover the wonderful world of fiberglass pools. You will be able to
compare prices on all kinds of in ground fiberglass pools and
accessories here.
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