Are Vinyl Windows Better than Aluminum? Pros and Cons...
Without a doubt, vinyl is much more energy-efficient than aluminum windows on the most basic level. Energy Efficiency advancements have changed things. In the past, aluminum was deemed as less energy efficient than vinyl, however vinyl has better insulating properties than aluminum which keeps the outside temperatures from transferring into your home.
It helps to know the difference in materials and what they are made of! Most of a vinyl window is made from a form of polyvinyl chloride, aka (PVC) plastic, which is a plastic polymer with additives that enable the manufacturer to mold it into many different shapes and colors and give the material the ability to resist degradation by the sun. Vinyl windows don't show as much wear and tear because of the material they are made from, whereas aluminum faces corrosion and fading.
Vinyl windows are easier to install. They also come at a lower cost and require less maintenance than aluminum windows. Vinyl windows should not be chosen for noise insulation because they do not insulate very well due to less mass. Vinyl windows actually are great for commercial projects thanks to their many benefits. After all, windows for commercial projects need to be energy-efficient, low maintenance, easy to install and easily customizable.
How Does Aluminum size up to Vinyl? Aluminum windows consist of obviously, aluminum, a light yet durable metal. Unlike natural wood or rock siding, -vinyl and aluminum are non-organic and produced in a factory. Aluminum is a mineral but in windows, it's actually a composite of aluminum mixed with other materials that when bonded together create the material that is used in modern aluminum extrusions. Aluminum frames are made through an extrusion process that presses the materials through a profile or die. Aluminum can be extruded, rolled or cast to form commonly used products in the construction industry. These can be customized based on design needs through die-extrusion processes or machine treated on existing profiles for design purposes.
Aluminum windows are stronger, more durable, offer better noise protection and offer better security. Aluminum windows are easily replaceable, and replacement costs are lower than vinyl. Aluminum windows are usually affected by moisture and are prone to rusting. They both have their ups and downs. It really just comes down to preference.
