Homeowners who are considering replacement windows have to make the difficult decision of deciding on the best window for their home. With the vast choices in window materials, making a decision can be overwhelming. In the past, nearly all homes were constructed with wooden windows. But for today’s world, the inefficient features of those windows don’t make them the optimal choice for homes. Today, the most popular window choices for new construction and replacement windows are vinyl windows and aluminum windows. This blog will go over their pros and cons to help you decide on the optimal window for your home.
Energy-Efficiency
Vinyl windows are known for their energy-efficiency that provides homeowners savings on their energy bills. Vinyl windows are energy-efficient due to their design reducing heat transfer and limiting the amount of light penetration that shines through the window. They’re great at regulating the temperature of the home, enabling your HVAC system to work less.
Aluminum windows are not as energy-efficient as vinyl windows. Aluminum is a great heat conductor, which allows more heat to enter your home. This might lead to your HVAC system having to work harder to regulate the temperature. If your home’s inside is cooler than the outside, these windows are more prone to condensation, which can lead to issues such as rust and mold.
Installation
Both vinyl and aluminum windows should be installed by a professional window installer. Improperly installing a window can cost you big time as you won’t be seeing energy savings or other benefits. The material for vinyl windows is flexible, making it easier and quicker to install. On the other hand, aluminum windows are more challenging to install, as they need to be measured to perfection for a proper installation. They take a longer time to install than vinyl windows due to their inflexibility.
Prices
Vinyl windows are a budget-friendly choice and are relatively less expensive than aluminum windows. The installation costs of aluminum windows may also be higher due to the higher difficulty level.
Appearance
Vinyl windows have a more traditional window look with their plain and thick window frame. Aluminum windows have a thinner frame, providing a more modern look. Although many people find aluminum windows attractive, they have very little flexibility since they cannot be painted. Aluminum window frames can get damaged over the years and begin to rust. Due to these widows not being able to be painted, you would have to replace them if you’re unhappy with their appearance, unlike vinyl windows which can be painted.
Maintenance
Both vinyl and aluminum windows are considered low maintenance, just requiring some cleaning from time to time. However, aluminum windows may require more periodical cleaning as they’re more likely to get stuck on the track. Since they’re prone to condensation, you’ll have to make sure you wipe it away and keep the metal clean to prevent it from rusting.
Vinyl Windows Pros
- Energy-efficient
- Less expensive
- Can be painted
- Easy to install
- Does not fade to light
- Increases home value
Vinyl Windows Cons
- Can expand, contract, and warp under extreme conditions
Aluminum Windows Pros
- Durable
- Narrow sightlines
- Increases home value
Aluminum Windows Cons
- Cannot be painted
- More expensive
- Prone to condensation with could lead to corrosion
- Allows for heat transfer making it less energy-efficient
Different homes have different needs and preferences. Before deciding on vinyl or aluminum windows, make sure you analyze your home’s needs and what you value most. Take the time to decide on things like how important energy-efficiency is for you and how much time you’re willing to put in their maintenance. Having a general idea of what you’re looking for will make it easier to decide between vinyl and aluminum windows. We hope this blog helped you decide on the perfect window for your home. If you’re ready to get new windows for your home, give WindowFits a call at 1-951-677-2593 or click here for a free quote.