Comparing Aluminum And Vinyl For Your Replacement Windows
If you have an older home, there's a good chance you have aluminum windows. They were very popular years ago, but today, vinyl windows are often the top choice. If it's time to replace your windows because you're renovating or you just want better energy efficiency, you may wonder if you should stay with aluminum frames or switch to vinyl. Here's how the two compare.
Energy Efficiency
Vinyl windows are generally more energy efficient than aluminum simply because aluminum allows for more heat loss. However, aluminum frames can be more energy efficient if you buy higher-end models. Also, when it comes to the glass, both frames can hold double pane, energy efficient glass, which in itself will lower your power bills. Aluminum frames made today are more energy efficient than frames made years ago, but the basic frames are not as efficient at those made from vinyl.
Maintenance Required …show more content…
They don't rot or succumb to insect damage. Neither needs to be painted, so you won't have to worry about painting the frames over the years. To keep the frames looking like new, you'll have to wash them occasionally, but that's about all the maintenance they need. Aluminum doesn't rust, but it does pit over time. You don't need to repair the pits, but they may detract from the appearance of the windows. Vinyl may fade color slightly due to UV exposure. White vinyl is a popular choice for windows, so fading is not noticeable. However, if you choose a darker color for the vinyl frames, the color may slowly fade as the years pass. You can paint both aluminum and vinyl frames to hide these imperfections, but if you do so, that increases the amount of maintenance you'll need to do since the paint will eventually flake and need to be
If you have an older home, there's a good chance you have aluminum windows. They were very popular years ago, but today, vinyl windows are often the top choice. If it's time to replace your windows because you're renovating or you just want better energy efficiency, you may wonder if you should stay with aluminum frames or switch to vinyl. Here's how the two compare.
Energy Efficiency
Vinyl windows are generally more energy efficient than aluminum simply because aluminum allows for more heat loss. However, aluminum frames can be more energy efficient if you buy higher-end models. Also, when it comes to the glass, both frames can hold double pane, energy efficient glass, which in itself will lower your power bills. Aluminum frames made today are more energy efficient than frames made years ago, but the basic frames are not as efficient at those made from vinyl.
Maintenance Required …show more content…
They don't rot or succumb to insect damage. Neither needs to be painted, so you won't have to worry about painting the frames over the years. To keep the frames looking like new, you'll have to wash them occasionally, but that's about all the maintenance they need. Aluminum doesn't rust, but it does pit over time. You don't need to repair the pits, but they may detract from the appearance of the windows. Vinyl may fade color slightly due to UV exposure. White vinyl is a popular choice for windows, so fading is not noticeable. However, if you choose a darker color for the vinyl frames, the color may slowly fade as the years pass. You can paint both aluminum and vinyl frames to hide these imperfections, but if you do so, that increases the amount of maintenance you'll need to do since the paint will eventually flake and need to be