Doors & Windows
New doors and windows can dramatically improve your home's energy efficiency, security, and appearance. Sanborn Construction handles expert installation and replacement of all door and window types, ensuring a precise fit, proper sealing, and a clean finish every time.
- Exterior door installation and replacement
- Interior door installation
- Window replacement and installation
- Sliding glass door installation
- French door installation
- Energy-efficient window upgrades
- Trim and casing work
- Weather sealing and insulation
Window Selection Guide
Selecting the right windows for a Portland-area home involves more than choosing a style. Frame material, installation method, and window type all affect long-term performance, energy efficiency, and overall value. Whether you are planning a full window replacement or a targeted upgrade, the following overview covers each consideration to help guide an informed decision.
Frame Materials
The frame material determines how a window performs over time — affecting insulation, energy efficiency, maintenance requirements, and longevity.
Vinyl
The most widely used window frame material in residential construction. Vinyl frames are dimensionally stable, moisture-resistant, and require no painting or staining. They provide strong thermal performance at a competitive price point.
Wood
A traditional choice that offers superior insulating properties and a classic aesthetic. Wood frames can be painted or stained to match any interior, though they require periodic maintenance to protect against moisture and weathering.
Aluminum Clad
Features a wood interior for warmth and insulating performance, with an aluminum exterior shell that protects against moisture, UV exposure, and weathering. This combination delivers the aesthetic appeal of wood inside the home with the low-maintenance durability of metal on the outside.
Fiberglass
One of the most dimensionally stable frame materials available, fiberglass expands and contracts minimally with temperature changes. It resists warping, rotting, and corrosion, and can be painted to match any color scheme.
Installation Methods
The appropriate installation method depends on the condition of the existing frame and the scope of the project.
Retrofit (Pocket) Installation
The existing window frame and trim are left in place, and the new window unit is inserted directly into the existing opening. This method is less invasive, more cost-effective, and ideal when the surrounding framing, sill, and interior trim are in good condition.
New Construction (Full-Frame) Installation
The entire window assembly — including the frame, sill, and surrounding trim — is removed down to the rough opening. A new window with a nailing fin is then installed from scratch. This method is recommended when the existing frame shows signs of rot, water damage, or structural compromise.
Window Types
Window style affects ventilation, ease of operation, and the overall character of a space. Each type is suited to different applications and architectural contexts.
Single Hung
Features two sashes — an upper fixed sash and a lower operable sash that slides vertically. A cost-effective and widely available option well-suited for bedrooms, living areas, and any application where ventilation from the lower half is sufficient.
Double Hung
Both the upper and lower sashes are operable, allowing ventilation from the top, bottom, or both simultaneously. Many double hung windows tilt inward for easy cleaning from inside the home, making them a popular choice for multi-story applications.
Slider
One or both sashes glide horizontally along a track. Sliders are a practical choice for wide openings where vertical clearance is limited, such as above countertops or in contemporary single-story designs.
Casement
Hinged on one side and operated with a crank, casement windows swing outward to open fully. This design provides excellent ventilation and a tight seal when closed, making them one of the more energy-efficient window styles available.
Awning
Hinged at the top and opening outward from the bottom, awning windows allow ventilation even during light rain. They are commonly installed above or below fixed windows and in bathrooms where privacy and airflow are both priorities.
Fixed / Picture
A non-operable window designed solely to frame a view and maximize natural light. Fixed windows are highly energy-efficient due to the absence of moving parts and are frequently combined with operable windows to create larger, more dramatic compositions.
Not sure where to start? Sanborn Construction is a licensed window replacement and installation contractor serving the Greater Portland Metro Area. We handle both retrofit and full-frame installations, help you select the right frame material and window style, and ensure every project meets Oregon residential energy code requirements.
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