Best Material for Awning Windows

Awning windows protect your home from wind and rain, and increase the overall energy efficiency of your home. Awning windows are the most energy efficient windows and they come in various sizes, shapes, and materials. Although traditional awning windows were made from natural material like wood, the modern ones often feature more durable materials that do not require much maintenance. Awning windows made with different materials will offer different advantages and disadvantages. The most common types of materials used in the making of awning windows are;

Vinyl

Awning windows can be made using vinyl. Vinyl is slightly heavier than the other materials used in making awning windows. However, it has a better translucency which makes it a good choice for illuminated and backlit awning windows. The vinyl awning windows are a great choice for areas that have high humidity. Vinyl awning windows also resist UV light and mildew.

Acrylic

Acrylic is capable of holding up much longer than any traditional canvas. This material reduces fading and repels water effectively. You can choose from 100% acrylic fabrics, cotton-polyester blend with an acrylic coating, and polyester fabrics coated with acrylic. Uncoated polyester can be unsuitable for awning windows as it is more susceptible to sun damage. Polyester and acrylic awning windows are relatively heavy and usually opaque. The acrylic awning windows work well in areas having high humidity.

Fiberglass

The fiberglass awning windows are lighter than the awning windows made up of different materials. These awning windows are molded with the color in the material. This prevents the need to repaint but it also reduces your need to change its look in the future. Like the acrylic awning windows, the fiberglass awnings also can be slightly translucent and opaque. Overtime, the fiberglass awning windows can become brittle and crack, requiring a replacement.

Wood

Wood awning windows were very common earlier. They are inexpensive but require a lot of maintenance and more frequent replacements than the other windows made using modern materials. Wood awning windows also pose the risk of fire damage in areas where wildfires are a concern.

These are the most common materials used in making awning windows. They are all good and bad in different ways. You can choose the material that is best for your area and climatic conditions. Talk to the professional window installers in your area to know about the best energy efficient windows and they will make your selection and buying process easier.