Is Aluminum Or Vinyl Windows Better

But there are many details that can make the choice difficult.

Is aluminum or vinyl windows better.

The cost of installing a single vinyl window 700 to 800 compared to 900 to 1 100 for one fiberglass window. The labor to remove the old units. Vinyl windows are 40 more efficient than their aluminum counter parts. Disposing of recycling old parts.

Some aluminum windows actually have wood inside aluminum cladding to act as a thermal break. Vinyl windows feature the same qualities but are significantly better insulators against heat and cold. 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 much better at stopping noise than vinyl windows.

Vinyl windows are roughly 10 to 30 percent cheaper to buy and install. Replacing aluminum windows with vinyl. In fact vinyl windows should not be chosen for noise insulation because they do not insulate very well due to less mass. They don t carry as high energy ratings as vinyl but they still insulate better than one pane glass.

When comparing aluminum vs vinyl windows you ll almost always pay more for aluminum. They are generally more durable than vinyl windows in hotter climates experts say and they cost a bit more than vinyl. 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. Some additional features of vinyl windows include.

Aluminum windows are lightweight strong and durable. There are five main types of window frames. Aluminum is essentially unusable as window material in cold climates unless it includes a thermal break. Both vinyl and fiberglass windows are cheaper than wood but of the two vinyl is the less expensive alternative.

Our experts tell us that in south florida most consumers are going with aluminum impact windows. 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. Materials used in their manufacturing are also very malleable meaning aluminum windows can be tailored for almost any frame shape. Vinyl windows insulate better than aluminum windows.

Aluminum s main weakness as a window material is that it is a poor insulator. Vinyl windows are an attractive option that can easily be customized to match the style of a home. Aluminum windows will have you spending money on maintenance which is an unnecessary expense when vinyl is an option. Aluminum windows are more costly than vinyl but less costly than wood.

Vinyl windows excel when it comes to insulation and improving energy efficiency because the vinyl material minimizes heat transfer. Plus vinyl windows have the better value and will help you save money in the long run as well. Aluminum wood clad vinyl and fiberglass.