Windows influence more than 25% of the energy usage in a home. If your current windows are worn out, installing new vinyl or aluminum windows can greatly improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Reducing energy costs is just one of the many benefits new windows can provide. But before you’re able to reap all those benefits, you have to decide on vinyl vs. aluminum windows.
Since each type of window brings a lot to the table, we’ve created the following comparison guide to help you decide.
Window Design
Both windows have a number of similarities in regards to design. They come in single or multi-pane, as well as single or double hung. You can also find just about any finish or color to perfectly match your home’s style.
One design difference is thickness. Vinyl is the thicker option and available with a number of wood style finishes. This relates to another key difference, which is vinyl windows look less utilitarian.
The combination of those factors means vinyl windows are typically regarded as having a more traditional aesthetic. If you want your home to look as modern as possible, aluminum windows may be the way to go.
Strength and Durability
You will get significant protection against issues like marring and cracking with either type of window. Vinyl windows have a reputation for resisting chips and dents. Any that do occur are unlikely to be very visible.
With aluminum windows, homeowners often have concerns about fading, dents or corrosion. While those can be valid concerns for certain styles, these windows are actually extremely durable and strong.
Combined with the lightweight and warp-resistant nature of aluminum, these windows are very popular choices for frames that are extra wide or tall in size. Aluminum also provides a high degree of impact resistance.
Energy Efficiency
Even though modern homes are 30% larger than average older homes, they consume close to the same amount of energy. The reason is modern homes have many more energy efficient features.
Windows play a key role in this type of energy efficiency. Regardless of the age of your home, you can benefit from upgrading to the right type of windows.
For a direct comparison of aluminum windows vs. vinyl, the latter does come out ahead. Energy efficient vinyl windows feature argon gas-filled glass and low emissivity.
Those features combine to make vinyl very good at insulating a home, which is helpful when it’s both hot and cold outside.
Vinyl windows are likely the right choice if energy efficiency is your top consideration. But if you’re on the fence, aluminum will still perform well as long as you choose an option that has thermal breaks.
Maintenance Requirements
Some homeowners enjoy doing work around their house, while others want to do as little as possible. As with energy efficiency, vinyl is the leader in this area. Once installed, you shouldn’t have to do any maintenance.
The only possible exception is if the installation isn’t done correctly and caulking needs to be applied. But as long as you choose a reputable window company, that won’t be an issue.
Aluminum windows don’t require a ton of maintenance. However, you will need to periodically put some work into them, including potentially touching them up with paint or a completely new coating.
The other type of maintenance aluminum windows require is lubrication. This will prevent the moving metal parts from getting worn out or damaged.
Cost
Because there are so many different window types available, costs can vary a lot. As a general rule of thumb, vinyl windows have a lower price tag than aluminum.
With the example of replacing six windows, the absolute base cost will start at several thousand dollars and go up depending on what you choose.
One thing to keep in mind is that new windows do add real value to a home. That includes reducing energy costs, as well as providing a substantial return if the house is sold.
When you’re budgeting for replacement windows, be sure to take the full cost of labor into account as well.
Condensation and Noise Reduction
Although it’s generally not much of an issue in San Diego, aluminum windows are more prone to condensation than vinyl.
And as far as reducing noise from outside your home, vinyl windows are viewed as the more effective option. Keep in mind that proper sealing goes a long way towards noise reduction with either window type.
Installation
This factor fully depends on the company you choose. A reputable service provider will make the installation of either window type completely painless on you.
Expect to kick things off with a free window consultation and full estimate. From there, an installation date will be chosen. A sign of a great provider is performing a follow-up inspection after all the new windows are installed.
Deciding Between Vinyl vs. Aluminum Windows
As this comparison shows, both types of windows have a lot of positive qualities. The decision between the two comes down to what’s most important to you, as well as the design of your home.
If energy efficiency is your number one priority, vinyl windows are the way to go. For a modern home with large window openings, aluminum windows will provide the right look and very impressive durability.
Since new windows are a significant home investment, you don’t need to make your final decision alone. You can enlist the professional expertise of US Window & Door. We have a track record that spans over three decades.
As part of our free estimate process, we’ll be happy to provide our recommendation based on all of your home’s individual factors.
To learn more about the quality of our windows and services, we encourage you to take a look at our work and then give us a call. You can also explore our Milgard aluminum windows in San Diego.
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