Which is better for your new windows for your home- Aluminum or Vinyl? The answer may surprise you.
Aluminum Windows vs Vinyl Windows - Which is Better?
If you are considering new windows for your home, you will find that you have many more options available now than in the years past. Virtually unlimited choices of colors, finishes, styles, and materials are available to help you find the right look for your home.
You will also be making a large financial investment. According to Home Advisor, the average cost of windows installation nationally is $5582, with each standard window costing $300-$1,200 to install. Prices will vary depending on a number of factors, one of them being window frame material.
The two main choices for window material for new construction windows are currently aluminum and vinyl. Wooden windows, which are typically found on older homes, generally aren’t as popular as newer technology windows and windows with more energy efficiency that are currently on the market.
Aluminum windows and vinyl windows both have benefits and disadvantages, and understanding the advantages of each type can be very helpful in purchasing new windows. We have listed out some pros and cons of both aluminum and vinyl/PVC windows, as well as some additional helpful information to help you make the right choice before purchasing your new windows.
What are the benefits of Aluminum windows?
Aluminum windows are often associated with businesses and commercial structures, and tend to have a characteristic industrial look and feell. Aluminum windows for your home take the benefits of commercial windows and offer longevity and reliability you won’t see with vinyl or wooden windows.
Lifespan - Aluminum windows are built to last and have a longer lifespan than vinyl windows. If properly cared for and maintained, you can get anywhere from 40-50 years from your windows. They are built strong and are incredibly durable. Compare that to wood windows which average about 10-15 years before the need for maintenance or repair. Plus, aluminum doesn’t degrade like vinyl.
Energy Efficiency advancements - In the past, aluminum was deemed as less energy efficient than vinyl. Advancements in technology have brought aluminum windows a long way. An aluminum window that is double glazed can be just as energy-efficient as vinyl windows. Additional coatings can be applied to help with energy efficiency and insulation can be enhanced with thermal breaks that prevent a great deal of cold and heat transfer to and from the inside of your home.
Better Security - Security is also a top concern when buying new windows. Aluminum is a stronger and more durable material than vinyl and offers structural advantages due to its build strength. Also, the quality and design of locks can help increase the levels of security of your windows.
Stronger than vinyl windows - If you want a window that has larger glass or protection against the elements, aluminum windows are stronger than vinyl windows and are the better option. To get the same level of protection from a vinyl window, the costs jump as much as 25-30%, making vinyl a more expensive option compared to aluminum windows.
More modern styling - the look of aluminum is sleek and modern with different finish and color options available to a homeowner looking for something beyond the status quo. Less framework and slimmer profiles deliver more streamlined contemporary aesthetics vs bulky vinyl windows. Aluminum frames also allow for larger glass panes, better views, and more light inside your home.
What are the benefits of Vinyl/PVC windows?
While Aluminum windows have some amazing benefits, vinyl windows do offer benefits of their own.
Vinyl/PVC windows tend to be cheaper than aluminum windows - As aluminum windows are stronger, more secure, and tend to have a much longer life and many more options for customization, this does come at a price. An aluminum window may cost more upfront, but in the end, it can be much more cost-effective over the lifetime of the window, resulting in long term savings. But in the short term – plastic is often cheaper.
Soundproofing - Vinyl windows do offer a slight edge over aluminum for soundproofing. This in no way implies aluminum is bad at soundproofing. There is just a slight edge in the favor of vinyl, though both materials offer superior levels of soundproofing.
Energy-efficiency - Vinyl windows have a reputation for being more energy-efficient than aluminum. While this was true in the past, innovations have helped aluminum windows catch up to their PVC counterparts and options are available for aluminum windows to match energy efficiency with vinyl windows.
More traditional appearance - if you want a window that looks like a typical window on every house, vinyl windows are the way to go.
Less maintenance - this is a popular feature for vinyl windows, but that also doesn’t mean aluminum window care and maintenance is excessive. In general, it’s fairly comparable to vinyl window upkeep, with additional care needed for aluminum with condensation and proper lubrication of moving parts to prevent wear and to extend the lifespan of materials.
Disadvantages of Aluminum Windows
Some of the disadvantages of aluminum windows we have discussed here can be alleviated with additional options, while others are minor and may not be a deciding factor in purchasing aluminum windows over vinyl windows.
Aluminum windows cost more than vinyl - If you are looking for a long-lasting window, Aluminum will be lower cost in the long run for the life of the window even if upfront costs are higher.
Efficiency - aluminum conducts heat and cold and is a poor insulator on its own. Vinyl is more energy-efficient, but recent advancement with aluminum windows such as coatings and thermal breaks help increase their efficiency to be on par to vinyl.
Non-traditional styles - If you’re looking for a “window-looking window” then aluminum is not for you. The strength and construction of aluminum windows allow for more glass and more unique designs, such as the Tilt and Turn style of windows. They are an amazing solution for new windows and are anything but the traditional up and down windows with multiple options for opening and tilting. This is certainly not a disadvantage unless you want a basic, traditional window.
Disadvantages of Vinyl/PVC Windows
Some of the disadvantages of vinyl windows have been mentioned previously. If these factors don’t fit into your requirements for new windows, then purchasing aluminum windows for your home in place of PVC windows is the better option.
Not environmentally friendly - There’s no way around it, vinyl is not a natural material like aluminum and in turn, it is not a sustainable material that can be recycled. If you are trying to remain environmentally conscious, vinyl is not the way to go.
Not as strong as aluminum - Aluminum widows have stronger frames, allowing for the ability for more glass to be used. This allows for greater views and more light to pass through, especially in the case of Slider Windows.
They’re simple and basic when it comes to style - Most vinyl windows look like… windows! If you want the typical window look and want your windows to look like all your neighbors or the stock at the big box store, then vinyl is the way to go.
And you can’t change that style - You can paint or refinish aluminum. With vinyl, the window you have is the window you will have, so be sure you like it enough to keep it for years. If you like changing things up every few years, repainting or recoating – aluminum can be a better choice to make sure your windows are updated as your taste and style changes.
Which is better for my home - Aluminum Replacement Windows or PVC/Vinyl Windows?
Once you’ve weighed the disadvantages and benefits of aluminum windows and vinyl windows, the final choice is ultimately which system fits better for you and your home.
If your window choices are simpler and you don’t need the highest levels of security, strength style or durability, vinyl windows may be best for your project.
If you demand more from your windows, and prefer the highest levels of security, strength, durability, and value to your home, along with modern style options – then aluminum windows may be best for your space. As aluminum continues to grow in popularity, – affordability and pricing are becoming less of a disadvantage when comparing to vinyl windows.
Types of aluminum windows you can consider for your home include:
The right windows will add value to your home that you will enjoy for years to come. If you need further information and have any questions concerning custom windows for your home, contact Vetrina Windows at 888-342-9097 or use the form on our contact page to request more information.
