Vinyl vs Aluminum Windows
As you shop for new home windows, it’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons each material offers. How will your new windows best suit your unique needs?
Perhaps you’re looking for a durable material with the aesthetic flexibility to match your existing exterior design.
Or perhaps you want to showcase a brand new look for your home? Let’s take a look at vinyl vs. aluminum windows and which material comes out on top.
Vinyl vs. Aluminum – Which One is Best?
Contents
There are plenty of things to consider as you are comparing vinyl and aluminum window materials. Everything from regional temperatures to the desired color and design style. These factors can all impact the final decision you make for your replacement window project. Here’s what you should consider as you try to make your choice:
Design Style
Vinyl offers a polished look to the exterior of your home compared to the utilitarian look aluminum can have. Vinyl can also be manufactured with a wood-grain appearance for those who love the look but hate the maintenance of real wood.
In addition, vinyl is manufactured as one piece, so if it gets scratched or chipped, it won’t be as visible. Aluminum windows are typically painted or powder-coated, so these same chips and scratches will be significantly more visible as the metal shows through.
One of vinyl’s biggest advantages is that are inexpensive, durable, and very low maintenance.
Durability and Strength
Vinyl replacement windows are incredibly durable, surpassing aluminum counterparts. Offering superior resistance to scratching and marring, as well as denting, it’s easy to see why vinyl is still such a popular choice. Aluminum is slightly stronger than vinyl, but the difference isn’t too significant.
Maintenance
Maintenance concerns can certainly be a huge factor in your ultimate decision for replacement windows.
Vinyl materials require minimal maintenance, needing only a mild soap and water wash 1-2 times a year.
Corrosion isn’t an issue with vinyl and you won’t have to worry about vinyl pitting or fading.
However, it may be a problem with aluminum from time to time.
You won’t ever have to repaint or restain your vinyl windows since they are manufactured with the same color throughout.
Aluminum windows will require more significant maintenance as these windows have moving parts. They need to be lubricated regularly. If painted, your aluminum windows will also need routine touch-ups between re-painting.
Cost
In most cases, aluminum windows are more expensive unless you choose the most basic of products. Vinyl is often the more affordable option and offers a better value for the cost.
Performance
When looking for performance, vinyl simply can’t be beaten. Vinyl offers a considerable amount of benefits when it comes to performance, including:
- superior noise reduction
- excellent heat transfer resistance
- less condensation
- industry’s top choice for energy efficiency
Conclusion
Vinyl windows create less condensation than aluminum windows and they are extremely energy efficient. Aluminum, on the other hand, transfers heat and creates condensation. This can also lead to rot, mildew, and mold. Therefore, vinyl windows remain extremely popular for residential use. Why not check out some vinyl window replacement costs HERE…