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Aluminum vs. Vinyl Windows

If you’re in the market for replacement windows, you may find that the options are a little overwhelming. You might be juggling between what material to choose and don’t know where to start. We’re here to distinguish the differences between aluminum vs vinyl windows to help make your decision easier.

aluminum vs vinyl windows

There are some distinct characteristics that make up aluminum and vinyl windows, and both are a very common material choice for homeowners.

However, there are some key differences between aluminum vs vinyl windows and we’ll go over everything you need to know in order to choose the best windows for your home.

Vinyl vs Aluminum: Aesthetics

Your windows are a huge design element on your home. Sometimes, they’re even the focal point. You want the best looking windows possible to improve your curb appeal and the value of your home.

With that being said, vinyl and aluminum windows both have good aesthetic qualities. They can both come in a wide variety of colors and finishes.

However, when comparing aluminum vs vinyl windows, the edge has to go to vinyl. Why, you ask?

Although you can get both materials in various colors, vinyl windows have the colors baked into them so you’ll never have to repaint them and they’ll always look great.

Aluminum windows can chip and the paint eventually wears off, causing you to spend money to make them look good again.

Durability and Maintenance

You may be thinking that aluminum windows take the cake in terms of durability just because they’re made from metal. However, that’s not the case in the world of windows.

Vinyl windows are made with multiple chambers and have reinforced frames to give them ultimate structural integrity and strength. Vinyl windows can handle anything thrown at them.

Aluminum, on the other hand, is very susceptible to denting and dinging. With the hectic weather of the Midwest, that can pose a real problem for homeowners with aluminum windows.

Vinyl windows are durable enough to take a beating and still look great.

This goes hand in hand with maintenance. Vinyl windows require virtually no maintenance except for a good cleaning every now and then.

Aluminum windows will require repainting and possibly fixing dents as time goes by. For durability and maintenance, the winner of aluminum vs vinyl windows is definitely vinyl.

Aluminum vs Vinyl Windows: Which is More Energy Efficient

vinyl vs aluminum windows

Vinyl windows are by far the better option in terms of energy efficiency. Homeowners are paying more attention to energy savings than ever before and it’s one of, if not the, most important factors people consider when replacing windows.

Why are vinyl windows more energy efficient than aluminum? Aluminum windows absorb heat and will radiate that heat into your home.

By doing this, they make your home more uncomfortable and you’ll have to rely more on your air conditioner to keep cool in the summer. In return, you’ll see a spike on your energy bills.

Vinyl windows feature insulated frames to help keep your heated and cooled air from escaping. When you add that with argon gas-filled and low-e glass, you’re getting the most energy efficient window option on the market.

Plus, with aluminum windows being less durable, they can damage easier and spring leaks which greatly reduces energy efficiency.

Vinyl vs Aluminum Windows: Other Categories

Aside from the big three categories of looks, durability and energy efficiency, there are a few other categories that can help you decide what’s better between aluminum vs vinyl windows.

Noise Reduction

When you’re in your home, you don’t want to be able to hear everything that’s going on outside – you want peace and quiet.

Vinyl windows do a better job of reducing noise than aluminum windows. Vinyl windows have a thicker frame and since they’re foam filled, they can block out the outside commotion better.

Condensation

Condensation can become a major problem when it’s ignored on windows. You must wipe it away so it doesn’t build up and cause any mold or other problems.

Vinyl windows create less condensation because they are more energy efficient and don’t allow temperature changes to affect them as much.

Aluminum windows will create more condensation because of the heat transfer that aluminum is known for. You’ll have to keep up with maintaining it much more than you will with vinyl windows.

Cost

Another huge determining factor for homeowners when replacing their windows is the cost. When comparing aluminum vs vinyl windows, you’ll almost always pay more for aluminum.

Plus, vinyl windows have the better value and will help you save money in the long run as well. Aluminum windows will have you spending money on maintenance which is an unnecessary expense when vinyl is an option.

Aluminum vs Vinyl Windows: The Winner Is…

That’s right, vinyl windows is the clear victor in this match up. From aesthetics to energy efficiency and everything in between, vinyl outperforms aluminum in every aspect.

When the time comes for window replacement, Feldco has you covered. We’ve been serving the Midwest for over 40 years and have earned the title of America’s #1 window and door company.

Our industry-leading vinyl windows are the best on the market and will have your home looking better than ever while saving you money every month on your energy bills.

You can start your next replacement project today with a free quote online and join the over 400,000 homeowners who trust us for the best vinyl windows.

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