For 40 years, Magic has provided the GTA with some of the most advanced residential windows in the world. Our innovative replacement hybrid vinyl windows and doors, as well as our Window Walls can add style and performance to any home. Welcome to our blog, where we provide consumers with the information and inspiration they need to make informed decisions about Toronto window replacement.
The frames that hold your windows and patio doors in place are of the utmost importance to the unit’s efficiency, durability and longevity. These structures surround and support the window glazing and ensure that the window stays sealed and secure. How the frame reacts to factors like wear-and-tear and changing weather conditions are key indicators of quality. And while there are a wide range of frame materials to choose from, these different materials can each come with different detractors that affect performance. Read on to learn about these different frame options and why Magic’ reinforced Hybrid Fusion Frames® are an excellent, innovative choice for homeowners. These hybrid vinyl window and doors are more stylish, durable and cost-effective than traditional vinyl frames.
Understanding Traditional Vinyl Windows and Doors and Other Frame Materials
As we’ve already mentioned, frames are essential for the strength, structural integrity and aesthetic quality of any replacement window or door. Here is a breakdown of the different frame options that homeowners can choose from.
Vinyl Windows and Doors
Traditional vinyl frames are some of the most cost-effective on the market. These windows are durable, energy efficient and require minimal maintenance if constructed properly. That said, these vinyl window frames are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) a chemically-created form of vinyl that is prone to expansion and contraction in fluctuating weather conditions.
Aluminum Window Frames
While standalone aluminum frames are durable and relatively inexpensive, they have a very high U-factor. U-factor is a measure of thermal transmittance or the rate of heat transfer through a material. Aluminum loses heat and cold very quickly, making it the least energy efficient frame option. For more information on U-factor and aluminium frames, read our blog: The Parts of a Window.
Wood Window Frames
Wood frames are sturdy, constructed from a renewable resource and have a high aesthetic value. That said, wooden window frames are very expensive, require regular maintenance (painting, sanding, caulking) and are prone to rot and mildew. They can also expand and contract in extreme weather conditions leading to insulation issues.
Composite Window Frames
Composite frames can be used in a number of different applications because they appear to be solid wood, but are in fact a combination of materials such as wood, vinyl and resins that come together during the manufacturing process.
Fibreglass Windows and Doors
Fibreglass is the newest material to be used in window frames. It’s a strong, durable material that requires very little maintenance. The hollow core in the frames is often filled with foam for additional insulation. While these frames are stronger than vinyl, they are still prone to expansion and contraction in varying weather conditions. The corner of a fibreglass windows, known as the miter joint, cannot be welded together. Instead, they must be mechanically pressed together which can eventually lead to issues like water penetration.
Introducing: Hybrid Fusion Frame® Vinyl Windows and Doors
In developing an alternative to traditional designs, we chose to improve upon the existing advantages of vinyl. For added performance, Magic uses a modified vinyl window frame design. Our Hybrid Fusion Frame® design consists of a skeleton of stainless steel and anodized aluminum wrapped in vinyl (U-PVC). Anodization is an electrochemical process that converts the aluminium surface into a decorative, durable, corrosion-resistant material. In this way, we provide the best of both worlds: the strength and durability of steel and aluminum with the efficiency of high-performing U-PVC.
These modified frames are far more effective at adapting to weather fluctuations, keeping the home better insulated year-round. The steel and aluminium skeleton keeps the frame rigid and firm even during Canadian weather fluctuations.
We’ve also improved on traditional frames with our ultra-slim design, which reduces the frame’s size and maximizes the glass surface. Plus, homeowners can also choose to customize the look of these high-performance frames. With a wide-range of colours and textures to choose from, we can help you match an existing style or branch out into new aesthetic territories. This way, you can achieve the beautiful look of wooden window frames without the cost of purchase and upkeep.
What You Get With Hybrid Fusion Frame® Windows & Doors
- A rock-solid frame constructed from anodized aluminium and stainless steel
- An outer surface of U-PVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride)
- The long-lasting strength and support of steel and aluminium
- A durable and efficient vinyl surface that won’t expand and contract
- A stylish, ultra-slim profile that places visual emphasis on the window’s glass
- Above all, cost-effective, high-performance window frames that we guarantee will last 40 years or more
Bring Performance Home With Magic
Our patented Hybrid Fusion Frame® windows and doors are just one of the many ways in which we have revolutionized replacement windows. Our performance enhancing windows and doors can improve upon your existing units in a number of ways. For more information, book a free, no-hassle consultation with us today. One of our certified project managers will help to explain the innovative design features that set our windows apart and we can customize them to suit any home.