Expert Window Replacement in Rossmoor

HISTORY OF WINDOW FRAME MATERIALS

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For hundreds of years, windows were made almost exclusively with wood frames. Ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans relied on wood because it was the only suitable material available at the time. Much of this wood came from old-growth forests and was exceptionally durable, but long-term exposure to moisture and weathering always posed challenges.

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In the early 1900s, steel window frames emerged as an option, made possible by factory mass production. After World War II, aluminum frames gained popularity and were widely used through the 1990s. However, stricter energy-efficiency standards, such as California’s Title 24 energy code, have since significantly reduced residential demand for aluminum due to its poor thermal performance.

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Vinyl window frames were first introduced in Germany after World War II as the building industry faced severe wood shortages. In the United States, vinyl windows began gaining traction in the 1960s and continued to evolve over time, offering advantages such as lower maintenance and improved energy efficiency. The energy crisis of the 1970s accelerated vinyl’s acceptance, and today, approximately half of all windows produced in the U.S. use vinyl frames.

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Wood, steel, aluminum, vinyl—window frame materials have continuously evolved as technology and performance expectations have advanced. Now, in the 2020s, the industry is seeing another significant shift with the rise of fiberglass window frames.

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Fiberglass frames are up to eight times stronger than vinyl, offering superior resistance to bending, warping, and flexing, along with excellent long-term durability and energy efficiency. Among these innovations, Infinity® from Marvin®, a fiberglass window system, has quickly become our top product choice. Notably, all 23 Rossmoor Mutuals have approved Infinity® from Marvin®, underscoring its performance, reliability, and suitability for demanding residential applications.

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