Is Aluminum Or Vinyl Windows Better

Our experts tell us that in south florida most consumers are going with aluminum impact windows.

Is aluminum or vinyl windows better.

Aluminum windows will have you spending money on maintenance which is an unnecessary expense when vinyl is an option. When comparing aluminum vs vinyl windows you ll almost always pay more for aluminum. Vinyl windows are an attractive option that can easily be customized to match the style of a home. Materials used in their manufacturing are also very malleable meaning aluminum windows can be tailored for almost any frame shape.

If you re thinking that vinyl may be a better fit for your home that currently has aluminum windows you can replace your windows with a retrofit frame. Aluminum windows are much better at stopping noise than vinyl windows. Some aluminum windows actually have wood inside aluminum cladding to act as a thermal break. The costs will involve these factors.

Aluminum s main weakness as a window material is that it is a poor insulator. Vinyl windows are 40 more efficient than their aluminum counter parts. For aluminum window frames to insulate well they need what is called a thermal break in which the two halves inner and outer are held together by a non metal insulating material. Vinyl windows feature the same qualities but are significantly better insulators against heat and cold.

Some additional features of vinyl windows include. Plus vinyl windows have the better value and will help you save money in the long run as well. Available in many different finishes including wood grain finishes. The cost of installing a single vinyl window 700 to 800 compared to 900 to 1 100 for one fiberglass window.

They don t carry as high energy ratings as vinyl but they still insulate better than one pane glass. Aluminum is essentially unusable as window material in cold climates unless it includes a thermal break. But there are many details that can make the choice difficult. Vinyl windows excel when it comes to insulation and improving energy efficiency because the vinyl material minimizes heat transfer.

While aluminum windows will not block out all noise they do a better job than vinyl windows. Disposing of recycling old parts. Vinyl windows are roughly 10 to 30 percent cheaper to buy and install. Aluminum wood clad vinyl and fiberglass.

In fact vinyl windows should not be chosen for noise insulation because they do not insulate very well due to less mass. Vinyl windows insulate better than aluminum windows. In very general terms foam filled fiberglass framed windows perform better with foam filled vinyl coming second followed by composite and wood frame windows. Aluminum windows are more costly than vinyl but less costly than wood.

Both vinyl and fiberglass windows are cheaper than wood but of the two vinyl is the less expensive alternative. Aluminum windows are lightweight strong and durable. The labor to remove the old units.