Vinyl or Aluminum Replacement Windows? Which is better?
When homeowners are considering replacement windows they have more choices in materials, finishes, and styles today than ever before. In the past, most homes in the United States were constructed with wooden windows—and older homes can still be found with these charming if inefficient features—vinyl and aluminum replacement windows have become the more popular choices for new installations and replacements. Both aluminum and vinyl are typically more durable, lower-maintenance, and less expensive than wood, but each material has its own pluses and minuses.
If you’re choosing between vinyl and aluminum replacement windows, you know this decision is not one that can be solved with a coin toss, either. New windows are a fairly pricey proposition, ranging from a low of about $375 up to more than $1,500 per window, according to industry estimates. Contractor referral website Angie’s List says that members report paying an average of $729 per replacement window, including installation.
To help shine a light on the right choice, we’ve laid out some differences between these two popular types of windows. Keep reading for key considerations in the decision of vinyl vs aluminum windows.
Vinyl frames are more traditional in appearance than aluminum frames
When considering style, vinyl and aluminum replacement windows hit many of the same notes: Both are readily available as single- or double-hung, single- or multi-pane, and nearly any color or finish you could desire, depending on the manufacturer. That said, vinyl window frames are typically thicker than aluminum frames and offer options of smooth, textured, or faux wood finishes. In fact, the wood-grain texture achievable with vinyl windows is a big plus for homeowners who like the look of wood but long for the durability of newer materials.
With aluminum frames, a wood look would be a mere coating essentially painted on and therefore does not typically appear quite so realistic. Thinner aluminum frames are typically finished in a smooth or textured powder-coated enamel for an ultimately sleeker, modern appearance that is more conducive to fitting in with contemporary architectural styles.
Aluminum frames are more prone to dents, corrosion, and fading
Both types of replacement windows are very resistant to scratching, cracking, and marring. Vinyl windows, however, boast extra durability when it comes to dents and chips, too. In the rare circumstances that your frames were to be damaged, vinyl frames—which are constructed of the same material all the way through—would be less likely to show any chips or scratches than aluminum frames, where any damage to the finish will expose the raw metal underneath.
The Window Professionals
The Window Professionals are a full-service company and we offer no down, 100% financing through Ygrene and the PACE program.
If you have any questions about windows or doors please stop by our beautiful showroom in Jupiter or Miami.
We can answer any questions you may have, we have been helping people with their windows and doors in South Florida since 1989. If you want it done right, think the Window Professionals.
Please visit our showrooms:
Jupiter: 1319 Jupiter Park Drive, Jupiter, FL 33458
www.windowprofessionals.comwww.windowprofessionals.com
Call (561) 745 6122
Miami: 10001 S. Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33156