A Quick Guide to Choosing the Best Material for the Front Windows and Doors in Edmonton
So, you are building a new house in Edmonton? You probably already have a design idea for the house. You probably also have the design for the front windows and doors. But, have you decided on the material? There are different materials that you can use and they all have pros and cons. It’s important that you choose them carefully because the front windows and doors are the entry points to your house. They symbolize your personal style and pride.
To help you choose the perfect material, here’s a quick guide.
- Wood – A Long-term Investment
Wood is historically a classic option. You’ll never go wrong with the material on your front windows and doors in Edmonton. It promotes an element of luxury when well-crafted and painted. However, you should know that wood comes in different grades. The cheapest is Hollow Grade. It’s short-lived (about 20 years). The most expensive is Solid Grade, which enjoys a longer lifespan (up to 100 years). Nonetheless, the disadvantage of wood is that it’s not energy-efficient. So, you’ll be faced with higher energy bills.
- Metal – For Maximum Security
Contrary to what most people in Edmonton believe, there are cheaper metals for front doors and windows. However, such options come with a shorter lifespan. They barely last 7 years. For this reason, if you want a long-term solution, you’ll have to invest in reinforced steel. The material is ideal in places where security is a concern. The biggest setback here is the price. Reinforced steel is not a cheap material.
- Glass – For Better View and Adequate Sunlight
This is perhaps the commonest material for front windows and doors in Edmonton. The reasons include clear view, sufficient natural light, and contemporary styles, among others. However, despite these reasons, glass is prone to crack and it’s expensive to fix and install. Additionally, the material allows nosy neighbors to spy your house.
- GRP Composite – An Attractive Modern Option
Glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) is new in Edmonton. However, it has amazing properties. Actually, it enjoys the benefits of wood, glass, and plastic. Simply put, you have a material that’s attractive in appearance, strongly-built, and thermal-efficient. It’s ideally meant for the front door. Its shortcoming is that it’s easily scratched and expensive (a GRP door cost at least $900)
- Vinyl – A Cheap Option
If you have a small budget but still want the best material, the most reasonable option for your front doors and windows in Edmonton is vinyl. Nevertheless, it comes with a shorter lifespan (about 20 years). Moreover, you have to be aware of setbacks like cracking and breaking when excessive force is applied.
- Fiber Glass – All-Round Option
Lastly, if you are looking for a universal material for all your doors and windows in Edmonton, regardless of the style that you opt for, you have a great choice in fiberglass. The material may be more expensive than metal and vinyl but it’s a cheaper option to wood. It’s strong enough to last you a couple of decades. The only shortcoming is that some options, especially cheaper ones, may become hollow and eventually crack.
Choosing the right material for your front windows and door is key to improving the overall appearance and value of your home. With the above guide, you should be able to arrive at the best material. With the right style, you’ll have built a home that you are proud of.