Frame Materials

The composition of a window frame determines the strength, durability and overall insulating ability of the window. Each composite has its unique advantages and perhaps in some commercial or industrial uses, aluminum would be a choice, therefore, we feel we should mention it here.

Vinyl

Vinyl windows have demonstrated several significant points of undisputed superiority. Vinyl does not swell and shrink when exposed to extreme moisture conditions, this allows for smooth operation in all weather conditions. The fundamentally high insulating qualities of Vinyl compared to other window materials provide a higher “edge of glass” rating that is important in saving energy cost. Vinyl does not rust, pit or corrode, never needs painting and is easily cleaned with a damp cloth and some mild detergent. Vinyl is comfortable to the touch in either sub-zero or tropical weather conditions. Vinyl windows can come in several colors ranging from white to beige or tan. Due to the suns harmful UV light, dark colors are avoided, as they tend to fade over time.

Aluminum

Aluminum windows are an ideal choice for mild climates where design or price outweighs energy efficiency. Aluminum windows continue to be a popular choice in areas of the desert Southwest. Although aluminum is resistant to corrosion in the form of "rust," it will degrade or "pit" to some extent over time if not protected. Anodizing is a process to protect the surface of the aluminum when no color is achieved; the material is "clear anodized." The process also allows for a color to be applied, usually a brown, dark brown or black. Specialty colors can also be produced but are susceptible to UV rays. Aluminum has a high thermal conductivity allowing for loss of inside heat through the frame and reducing the “edge of glass” rating. To achieve energy ratings near to those of vinyl, Windows America of Portland offers the “thermal break” aluminum window. This window frame is essentially filled with an insulating material to decrease energy loss through heat transfer.

Wood and/or Fiberglass

Windows America of Portland does not offer an all-wood window. Because of woods vulnerability to the exterior elements and extremely high maintenance, it is virtually impossible to guarantee this frame composite. Understanding the attraction to wood and its warm look and beauty, we offer a unique frame composite of fiberglass with wood laminate covering.

Milgard WoodClad™ windows are truly the best of all worlds. With this unique product, we have joined the strength and energy advantages of pultruded fiberglass with the warmth and appeal that only wood offers. Inside, the beauty of clear, vertical grain Douglas fir warms interiors, for a look you just can't find in an ordinary pine window. The interior is stainable, paintable and can be refinished. Outside, the strength of fiberglass protects your investment from the harsher side of Mother Nature. Fiberglass is perhaps the best exterior material we've found. It's paintable. It's stronger than aluminum and has an extremely low expansion and contraction rate. Because of the newness of fiberglass/wood laminate as a window frame composite, this is our most expensive window line.

Windows America of Portland can offer a wide variety of choices.
We feel that the best value is in the high quality vinyl lines we carry.