A Greater Vision : The Selection Process & Aesthetics

The Selection Process

Four window types are commonly used in commercial structures: double-hung, casement, fixed and awning. A double-hung window consists of two sashes operating in a rectangular frame with upper and lower halves able to slide up and down. A casement window swings open on side hinges. A fixed window has no operating sashes, and an awning window is similar to casement, but the sash is hinged at the top and always swings out.

How Window Materials Meet Selection Criteria Wood Aluminum Vinyl Fiberglass Aesthetics Warm, natural beauty; many finish options Many finish options Limited color options Many color options Energy Efficiency Natural insulator Natural conductor Good insulator Good insulator Environmental Impact Very low embodied energy; can be recycled High embodied energy; can be recycled Medium embodied energy; not recyclable Low embodied energy; limited recyclability Price Medium to high first cost; low long-term cost Medium to high first cost; low long-term cost Low first cost; higher long-term cost Low first cost; low long-term cost Durability High High; but potential for thermal break failure Low; cracks easily High Maintenance Interior wood surfaces may need refinishing; scratches can be repaired Low; not scratch resistant Low; may require early window replacement Low; high scratch and dent resistance

Aesthetics

The choice of materials is influenced by the architect’s perspective and the project design intent. Several things must be considered: scale and proportion, sightlines, relationship to other interior finishes, frame profiles, and glass types. Hardware and location of window treatments (room side or between-glass blinds) also influence the choice of frame material.

Of the four framing materials, wood is unique because it allows different finishes for the interior and exterior and provides a warmth and natural beauty not offered by the other materials.

Aluminum offers a broad selection of anodized and painted finishes that typically are the same on both sides. Aluminum can be combined with wood in an aluminum clad wood frame that offers the warmth and natural beauty of wood on the interior and the durability of aluminum on the exterior.

Vinyl framing offers few color choices and has the same finish on both sides. Medium to dark colors are especially limited. Some manufacturers offer surface treatments such as laminates or other coating options to increase color selection and surface appearance.

Fiberglass has high design flexibility with many color options. The material is typically painted the same color on both sides but offers the potential for different colors on the exterior and interior.