Choosing Windows For Your New Cabin

It is a fact that people do not put enough thought about which windows they will put into their cabin. This could prove to be quite costly further down the road. With some education and proper planning, you will be able to make a good choice for the windows of your new cabin that will ultimately save you time and money in the long run.

For cabins some people prefer to incorporate older widows and doors, however people also prefer new. For both reasons, there are a few choices that should be considered.

Currently there are four main types of windows on the market and all have pros and cons.

Wood frame windows – Wood framed windows do not conduct heat well, which is excellent because it means that when you pay to heat your cabin, the heat will stay where you want it – on the inside! The drawbacks of wood frames are normally issues with swelling / shrinking, warping, and water damage / rot.

Clad-wood frame windows – Clad-wood frames have a regular wood frame that is covered by a exterior layer of a weather resistant material, typically vinyl or aluminum. Clad-wood is an great product; they last a long and have a very low thermal conductivity. However, the wood clad frames are more expensive.

Aluminum frame windows – These windows have a greater durability than plain wood. They also weigh less, are thinner in thickness and are easier to work with. Aluminum frames are very inexpensive and very tough; they also transfer heat out of your home at a high rate, unless the widows has thermal break.

Vinyl clad frame windows – Vinyl window frames are the current popular choice. Although quality may vary, the right vinyl frame window can be a smart purchase. They do not conduct heat the same that aluminum frames do, also they do not have maintenance problems that wood frames have. They are less expensive than clad wood widow frames. Look for good welded corners to ensure that you are getting a quality frame.

The most important factor aside from the appearance of the window itself is heat transfer, since using a window that has a high heat transfer is close to leaving an empty hole in your wall were the window normally would go. It is better to spend the extra money allowed by your budget to get the quality you want. You’ll make the money back in the savings that you will receive on the heat bill.

Two key tips that any thrifty consumer should be conscious of when it comes to purchasing new or used windows …

Try to buy a ‘stock’ window size as opposed to a custom size. – Stock size windows are usually a lot less expensive than a custom size. Furthermore, it is easier to get a replacement for a stock sized window when it comes time to replace or upgrade your window. Be mindful that stock size windows vary by region, so you will need to do your homework to determine what sizes are common where you are building you new cabin or home. 

There is no reason to avoid buying a good used window. You can often find great used windows for a fraction of what brand new windows cost.

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