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Wood and vinyl windows are two of the most popular windows on the market. The former is prized for its classic aesthetic appeal while the latter is well-known for its ease of maintenance and affordability. However, the two are not without their disadvantages. For one thing, wood and vinyl windows are prone to warping.
What are the factors that can cause wood and vinyl window frames to warp?
Wood windows require a considerable amount of upkeep to maintain their aesthetic appeal. Their high-maintenance needs are partly caused by wood’s susceptibility to humidity levels. Wood expands as it absorbs moisture and shrinks as its moisture content decreases. If moisture is distributed unevenly throughout a wooden window frame, contraction and expansion in the different parts of the frame can contort the window.
Vinyl is moisture-resistant but is less rigid than wood. Vinyl’s flexibility is both an advantage and a disadvantage: Its flexibility allows it to be easily molded but this same quality makes vinyl unable to support heavy glass panes. This issue is compounded by vinyl’s susceptibility to heat: If vinyl is exposed to sunlight for a long period of time, it can soften, warping the frame.
To avoid the issue of warped window frames, you should choose replacement windows that can handle your area’s climate. Fibrex®, our patented PVC-wood composite, doesn’t expand or contract even when exposed to fluctuating temperatures. It’s exceptionally durable and resists a wide range of common window problems, including blistering, peeling, flaking, fading and rot. And thanks to Fibrex’s durability, manufacturers can use less material to create sleeker window frames that can support glass panes used in conventional windows, despite being a lot thinner.
Want to learn more about Fibrex’s benefits?
Renewal by Andersen® of Long Island offers a wide variety of premium windows, including double-hung windows. As part of our Signature Service, we customize each window according to our customers’ needs. To schedule a free consultation with one of our design experts, call us at (866) 609-5033 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Long Island, New York, as well as the surrounding communities.