Vinyl vs Aluminum Windows

If you have lived in a home with aluminum windows and it’s to replace them, you may start wondering if you should stick to aluminum or change to vinyl windows.

We will go over some of the reasons why to choose vinyl or aluminum windows.

Vinyl replacement windows

Quality vinyl windows are more popular every year because they are good for energy efficiency. They are also very durable, come in various colors, and are practically maintenance free. “About 96 percent of white vinyl is what we sell,” says Vivian Demarco from View Guard Windows, in Riverside, CA. “Homeowners look for the most energy efficient window, with low e, double-pane for outside noise reduction, and argon gas filled glass. They are also looking for easy to clean and maintain windows.”

Aluminum Windows

Aluminum windows are more popular in areas that are prone to high winds and hurricanes, impact resistant windows have grown more over these past years. Some of the issues are that they are not as energy efficient, which is seen on the cost of the windows. Vinyl replacement windows are about 20-30 percent more than the cost of impact resistant aluminum.

“In places like Florida, many homeowners have turned to aluminum impact windows,” Demarco says. “The impact resistant windows are secure and can withstand very high winds and hurricane, however the energy efficiency does not work quiet as well as vinyl, these windows are also one-pane glass which means more outside noise can be heard from your home.”

Cost of Windows

Replacement Window can range anywhere from several hundred to several thousands dollars, it depends on how many windows, aluminum or vinyl windows, and the features you choose, such as glass type, awnings, grid patterns, and styles.

The cost can also be based of the complexity of the window installations and the type of windows. For the homeowners that plan to stay in their homes for years to come, avoid buying low end replacement windows, like single-pane windows. In the long term, it will provide poor energy savings. One way you can tell how efficient a window will be, is by reading the display performance ratings sticker located on the window.

According to the American Architectural Manufacturer’s Association the minimum air filtration leakage is less than .30 cubic feet per minute. The lower that particular number, the better the window will be.

So which window should you choose?

It really all depends in the location you are living in. In Southern California the risk of high winds and hurricanes are not probable, and so vinyl windows would be perfect for your home. In the long run you will be saving money, and making your home more comfortable.