Metal windows vs vinyl windows

That's great. Just fill in the required fields and hit submit. Note that your comment will need to be reviewed before its published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Wood Windows Until vinyl windows came into the picture in the s, wood windows were the norm.

There are also serious downsides to aluminum windows: They transfer heat and cold, which hurts energy efficiency. The enamel finish on aluminum fades and changes color. They show a lot of damage from chips and dents.

This adds to their cost. Vinyl Window Vinyl windows create less condensation than wood or aluminum windows. This is especially true in the north part of the nation. When condensation seeps between the window and the wall, it causes rot, mildew and mold. Vinyl Window Vinyl is itself the best thermal break. It minimizes heat transfer from the outside of the room to the inside.

These are made of vinyl. Vinyl Window More effective. Aluminum Window Less effective. Vinyl Window Less efficient to recycle. Aluminum Window Very efficient to recycle. Vinyl Window Lower maintenance requirements than both wood and aluminum. No need to repaint or restain ever, since they are the same color throughout. Aluminum Window Aluminum windows must be lubricated regularly, since their moving parts consist of metal against metal.

If painted, they will require regular maintenance. Vinyl Window Typically less expensive with better value. Aluminum Window Typically more expensive if you get anything but a bottom-line product, which is highly energy-inefficient.

Chart information sources: Windows-Homequote , EnergySolutions. That said, vinyl window frames are typically thicker than aluminum frames and offer options of smooth, textured, or faux wood finishes. In fact, the wood-grain texture achievable with vinyl windows is a big plus for homeowners who like the look of wood but long for the durability of newer materials.

With aluminum frames, a wood look would be a mere coating essentially painted on and therefore does not typically appear quite so realistic. Thinner aluminum frames are typically finished in a smooth or textured powder-coated enamel for an ultimately sleeker, modern appearance that is more conducive to fitting in with contemporary architectural styles.

Both types of windows are very resistant to scratching, cracking, and marring. Vinyl windows, however, boast extra durability when it comes to dents and chips, too. In the rare circumstances that your frames were to be damaged, vinyl frames—which are constructed of the same material all the way through—would be less likely to show any chips or scratches than aluminum frames, where any damage to the finish will expose the raw metal underneath.

Aluminum can also face challenges of corrosion and color change. Over time, the steel or zinc fasteners used for aluminum windows will corrode and pit, especially in environments like coastal towns with salty air. The enamel finish on aluminum windows is more subject to fading in strong sunlight than the dyes used in vinyl construction. These days, vinyl and aluminum materials have emerged as two front-running options for windows and doors.

In a battle between vinyl vs. Vinyl and aluminum window material for frames and sashes both have pros and cons. They both have different aesthetic options and are used in residential and commercial properties.

When it comes to vinyl window frames vs. Both offer a wide range of colors and finishes and are readily available in nearly any window configuration you could need i. However, off-paper and in real life, these two frame material options look quite different.

Aluminum windows are generally thin-framed, so most of the window is the glass pane. On the other hand, vinyl windows usually mimic traditional window frame features, though they come in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you can get a traditional style with a modern color.

Both options are pretty durable, especially when compared to conventional wood frames and sashes. Aluminum tends to visibly chip or dent.