Which is Better – Aluminum or Vinyl Windows?

Which Windows Are Best for You – Aluminum or Vinyl?

Whether you’re building a home or are doing some needed home improvements, choosing the right windows is an important decision. Your windows really help to define the look of your home, and the windows you choose also play a significant role in your home’s overall energy efficiency. Which windows should you choose? Aluminum windows are known for being stronger and more impact-resistant, while vinyl windows are recognized for their greater energy efficiency. Which is better?

Why People Are Attracted to Aluminum Windows

Aluminum windows became a popular choice after WWII, and there are still some positive features about aluminum windows that draw people’s attention. Aluminum is an adaptable material that’s fairly easy to work with for manufacturing purposes. One key advantage that aluminum holds over the steel windows that came before it is the fact that aluminum doesn’t rust. Aluminum is a fairly durable material, and it provides good protection from the elements. Still, there are some downsides to aluminum too. It can be expensive, it allows heat to penetrate and is thus harder to insulate, it doesn’t hold paint well, and it’s prone to corrosion from condensation.

Why Vinyl Windows Are Really a Better Choice

Just as vinyl siding has become the most popular siding material in America, more and more people are now seeing the benefits of choosing well-designed-and-engineered vinyl windows. They often come at a lower cost than other windows made with other frame materials (including aluminum), provide excellent energy efficiency, and can be produced in a number of attractive colors and designs.

Here are a few more features of vinyl that makes it a great solution for your window needs:

• Versatile in Appearance

Modern vinyl can be made to look smooth, or can be designed to include some interesting textures; vinyl can even be made to mimic the look of wood grain. With vinyl, you can have the look of wood (similar to modern vinyl siding products), without having to worry about all of the maintenance requirements that go along with real wood.

• Colors? Vinyl Gives You Long-Lasting Options

Vinyl can be produced in many attractive colors which are actually blended into the vinyl itself. Vinyl is also known to hold its color well, and isn’t prone to fading from sunlight exposure. Plus, you won’t have to worry about peeling paint or the need for frequent repainting.

• Simple to Maintain

A wood or metal window frame will generally need more maintenance over time than a vinyl frame requires. Vinyl doesn’t need painting or staining, but there are paints specially designed for vinyl should you want to change the color at some point in the future. And as far as window cleaning goes, vinyl is a very simple material to clean – just a little soap and water is generally all you need.

• Better Design for Insulation and Energy Efficiency

We’ve already pointed out that aluminum is a poor insulator, due to the fact that it’s a conductive metal. Wood is a better insulator than metal, but wood’s insulating performance doesn’t surpass that of modern vinyl windows. In fact, the hollow cavities of some vinyl frames can actually be filled with additional insulation, making them thermally superior to wood frames. This additional insulation potential with vinyl also helps with noise reduction, too.

• The Price Is Right

Of the major window materials that are available, vinyl is actually the cheapest option – in more ways than one. Vinyl windows are generally less expensive to purchase and install, and the long-lasting durability of vinyl will help you to pay less in maintenance costs over time, too.

Still Like the Idea of Aluminum or Wood? Consider a Combination Clad Window

Do you appreciate all the benefits that vinyl offers, but would still like to incorporate some wood or aluminum into your windows? You can! There are combination window options which combine the look of wood on the interior with the performance of vinyl on the exterior. Alternatively, you could choose a vinyl window with exterior aluminum cladding, which allows you to combine the best worlds of each.

Skywalker Offers Quality Vinyl, Combination, and Clad Window Installations

Skywalker Windows and Siding is proud to partner with several preferred providers of vinyl window and combination window products, including Pella Windows, Aspect Windows by ProVia, and West Window Corporation. No matter what type of window design you need, Skywalker can provide you with a selection of high-performing, attractive products.

And Skywalker Windows & Siding doesn’t just offer the best products; our team also has the tools, training, and experience to provide you with the best window installation services, too! Nobody takes better care of their customers than Skywalker, and we’d be honored to have the opportunity to show you the Skywalker difference.

Skywalker is one of the highest-rated, most-awarded contractors serving the NC Piedmont Triad, Piedmont Triangle, and Roanoke, VA areas, and we’re simply your BEST choice for all of your windows, siding and other home improvement services. Reach out to us today at (336) 265-9595