Cincinnati February/March 2024
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FRAME MATERIALS<br />
FIBERGLASS<br />
• Offers more variety in terms of window<br />
appearance<br />
• Frames tend to be slightly thinner than<br />
vinyl, leaving more glass exposed<br />
• Fiberglass is paintable and vinyl is not<br />
• Can be textured to look like real wood<br />
• Highly durable. Resists warping and<br />
cracking<br />
VINYL<br />
• Typically the least expensive material<br />
• Highly energy-efficient<br />
• Requires little maintenance<br />
• Standard exterior colors available<br />
• Interiors are typically white<br />
• Durable, cleanable and holds up well<br />
under cold and hot conditions<br />
• Unpainted vinyl is resistant to the<br />
effects of UV exposure<br />
ALUMINUM<br />
• Less energy-efficient than wood or vinyl<br />
• Stronger and more durable material<br />
than vinyl<br />
• Structurally allows for larger sheets of<br />
glass<br />
• Typically more expensive than vinyl, but<br />
less than wood<br />
• Standard exterior colors usually match<br />
interiors<br />
• Low maintenance. Holds up well under<br />
cold and hot conditions<br />
WOOD<br />
• Represent custom craftsmanship, superior<br />
quality<br />
• More expensive than vinyl or aluminum<br />
• Best for energy-efficiency and soundfiltering<br />
• Traditional details<br />
• Available in a variety of different woods.<br />
Can be painted or stained<br />
• Requires maintenance. Susceptible to<br />
rot, bug infestation, warping or cracking<br />
or due to weather ➻<br />
Black double hung window: Courtesy of Marvin<br />
BLACK WINDOWS<br />
Although they have been around for centuries, black window<br />
frames have grown especially popular over the past<br />
few years. While often associated with a farmhouse or<br />
industrial look, this color can work with almost any style of<br />
architecture. The key is the contrast it creates against the<br />
exterior siding, brick, stone or stucco. A sharp contrast creates<br />
modern appeal.<br />
Typically, black will not be an upcharge from other finish<br />
colors—and it’s a standard option on some materials<br />
such as fiberglass. Clad, aluminum and fiberglass windows<br />
are coated to protect from fading. Interior colors are often<br />
black or white, but there are other options, depending on<br />
the frame material you select.<br />
If you are worried about black windows being trendy—<br />
don’t. While more homes are featuring them than ever,<br />
black windows are a classic, timeless choice. There are no<br />
signs they will be going out of style—it’s a look that will be<br />
going strong for years and years to come.<br />
housetrends magazine <strong>2024</strong> 57
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