Composite Frames and Other Materials

There are very few companies today selling composite frames when compared to vinyl or wood windows. Renewal by Anderson has a Fibrex frame, which is in short, wood fibers with vinyl. The theory is that you will get the strength of wood with the low maintenance and look of vinyl. The idea of a frame like this is great, but shortly after Anderson introduced there Fibrex frame a universal way of rating windows was introduced. The Nation Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) rates all windows and gives them a rating based on energy performance. Go to www.NFRC.org for more information.

The frames did not rate any better than wood or vinyl frames. The ratings come from the overall performance of the window. The companies  that are manufacturing composite frames have very similar glass packages in their window to what is being sold with wood and vinyl windows alike. From a salespersons perspective frames made from materials like Fibrex are great to have in your bag of tricks to sell a homeowner because it something they are less likely to see from another vendor. This in turn will help them stand out in the pack. Their frames have the best of both worlds, but it has very similar glass. The best advice I can give you, is always check the ratings carefully.