Which Windows are Better, Vinyl or Aluminum?
Finding the right windows for your home is a difficult task, but do not worry, here is a short guide for your next window replacement project. A common question that homeowners ask is whether vinyl is better than aluminum and here is what we have to say on the matter:
Before we dig deeper in the subject, it’s very beneficial for you if you learn a bit of window basics. For replacing your windows, you should know that 4 things need to be chosen: the style, the framing material, the glass and the window company. Each of these has a great impact on the future of your home.
- Style of Window – The window’s style, also known as type, will influence aesthetic, but also the amount of ventilation and natural light you’ll have in your rooms. It also has impact on a home’s value.
- Framing Material – The material will determine the quality of comfort, the energy bills, the aesthetics and the amount of maintenance required. When it comes to framing material, homeowners have 4 main options: wood, fiberglass, aluminum and vinyl. These days, almost everybody chooses the latter since vinyl has a large lifespan (up to 50 years), high energy efficiency and a cheap price. Each material is suitable for a different household since some work better for rainy climates, some last longer and some are very cheap.
- Glass – This should be chosen based on its energy values such as U, R, SHGC and VT. These indicate the glass’s qualities, considering durability and strength to retain temperatures on the inside.
- Window and Doors Company – The window and doors company is up to you, but the better reviews and the bigger quality of installation, the longer your windows will last.
Pros and Cons of Vinyl Windows
We mentioned how vinyl is very popular amongst modern homebuyers and how it mainly has to do with energy efficiency and price. On top of that, vinyl requires little to none maintenance and doesn’t need repainting jobs like wood does.
The lifespan of vinyl is very long, in ideal conditions even reaching 50 years of age. This is why the warranties are great as well, since the last much longer than other materials, for example aluminum. However, vinyl has its own disadvantages and here are some of them:
- Limitations in style – Not having to repaint the frames is amazing, but this comes with a price. Unfortunately, vinyl isn’t that flexible when it comes to aesthetics. But as technology is moving forward, the market gets filled with new types of vinyl framing, when it comes to style and color.
- Bad for environment – Vinyl is very cheap to make, but in the process, the environment gets damaged. Additionally, recycled vinyl windows don’t work as great as brand-new ones. However, most window and construction materials aren’t that environmentally friendly. For instance, to produce wooden frames, you still have to cut a couple of trees here and there.
Pros and Cons of Aluminum Window
The second material which we will talk about today is aluminum. This is also popular amongst homeowners, but it mainly has to do with the price. Aluminum window frames are very cheap and they are also very effective when it comes to energy efficiency and insulation.
They are also very flexible, so they will fit into every possible window shape. But unlike vinyl, aluminum has more cons than pros. From a short lifespan to condensation, here are aluminum’s bad sides:
- Short lifespan – Aluminum can last a maximum of 20 years and only if it’s in good weather conditions.
- Condensation – It is widely known that this material is more prone to interior condensation. However, most homeowners solve this by simply using non-conductive material between the panes.
- Corrosion – Even though aluminum is extremely water resistant, it isn’t great for beachy areas. This is because it’s vulnerable to salt from seas and ocean, which always leads to corrosion.
