From aesthetics to functionality, upgrading your home’s windows has many benefits. However, all windows aren’t created equal.
If you’re upgrading your home with new windows, you have many options to choose from, including two popular materials: vinyl or aluminum. Which begs the question: Are vinyl window frames or aluminum window frames better? As it turns out, there’s no clear winner between the two. Both are excellent choices—each with its own set of advantages for homeowners.
That’s why we created this guide overviewing the benefits of vinyl and aluminum window frames. Use it to make the most informed decision when shopping for replacement windows.
BENEFITS OF VINYL WINDOWS
There’s a reason—well, many of them—why vinyl windows top the list of window replacement types, according to the Home Improvement Research Institute. These include the following four advantages:
1. They’re cost-effective
If you’re upgrading your windows on a budget, you can’t do better than vinyl. According to Remodeling magazine’s 2023 “Cost Vs Value Report,” vinyl window replacements make the top 10 for home improvement projects in terms of cost recouped outpacing other popular remodeling jobs like bath remodels, deck additions, kitchen remodels, and roofing replacements.
Not only is vinyl significantly less expensive than materials like wood and fiberglass, but they also shine when it comes to performance.
2. They’re energy-efficient
In addition to being inexpensive to buy and install, vinyl windows have a secondary financial advantage thanks to strong thermal performance ratings. They’re also excellent at reducing air drafts. Combined, these characteristics add up to lower utility bills, less wear and tear on your HVAC system, and a lower carbon footprint for homeowners. Simply put: they’re one of the best defenses against wasted energy.
Says Energy.gov of the efficiency advantages of vinyl windows, “Just because vinyl is a less expensive material doesn’t mean it has to be ‘cheap.’ A well-constructed, properly installed vinyl window can be a practical choice budget-wise while still offering excellent energy efficiency measures through insulated glass and tight construction that reduces air leakage.”
3. They’re low maintenance
Dealing with a long list of maintenance requirements is not only a hassle; it’s also expensive. Vinyl window replacements spare you the headache because they are low maintenance. In addition to a quick and easy installation process, vinyl windows are easy to clean and require little care and maintenance.
Unlike wood-framed windows that rot and crack over time, vinyl windows are resistant to environmental factors and prevent degradation from sun exposure.
Furthermore, vinyl’s good moisture resistance means it won’t swell or warp. You also won’t ever have to repaint them.
Given that durability tops the list of criteria for homeowners when evaluating window features, it’s not surprising that vinyl is favored by so many homeowners.
4. They’re available in many styles and colors
As vinyl windows have become increasingly popular, color and style options have expanded. This means you can select windows that complement and enhance your home’s appearance and curb appeal.
Plus, whether you’re going for a traditional or modern aesthetic, you can achieve it with aluminum windows.
BENEFITS OF ALUMINUM WINDOWS
As with vinyl windows, investing in aluminum windows offers many advantages. Here’s a breakdown of four of the top benefits you can look forward to with aluminum windows:
1. They’re affordable
Like vinyl windows, aluminum windows are usually found at a lower price point than frames made with alternative materials like wood and fiberglass.
Factor in their other upsides, and the takeaway is clear: If bang for your buck is important to you, aluminum may be a stylish and sensible pick.
2. They’re aesthetically appealing
A lightweight metal, aluminum allows for a customized fit with a breadth and depth of possible configuration. Their slim profile creates a sleek, modern aesthetic while also enhancing the sightlines of a space and allowing plenty of natural light to flood into interiors.
Because of their expansive glass area, aluminum windows are often featured in contemporary home designs.
3. They’re durable
Built to last, aluminum windows deliver appealing long-term value. Durable aluminum can withstand exposure to the elements and is much less likely to incur damage from moisture than wood frames. Furthermore, their mechanically joined corners help them resist warping to maintain their shape.
Aluminum’s strength and durability also make it an ideal choice for larger size windows, while their high degree of impact resistance is suitable for homes in areas prone to severe weather.
HGTV asserts, “Aluminum windows are practical in rainy, humid climates, and they meet stringent coastal building codes in hurricane-prone areas thanks to their strength.”
Because of these exceptional qualities, a whopping 76.6 percent of homeowners choose aluminum when replacing storm windows in their homes.
4. They require minimal maintenance
Aluminum windows are easy to maintain. This means you’ll spend less time cleaning them and more time enjoying your view. Not to mention that minimal maintenance means less wear and tear over time.
Vinyl Vs Aluminum Windows: Which Are Right for You?
When it comes to deciding between vinyl and aluminum windows, there is no “right” or “wrong” answer. In fact, both options check many of the same boxes.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. The more informed you are about the benefits of each of these popular types of windows, the more easily you’ll be able to identify which option is best for you.
Perhaps Bob Vila puts it best in concluding, “Regardless of which option you choose—vinyl or aluminum—replacement windows can be viewed as an investment in preserving the overall value of your biggest asset—your home.”
