Vinyl Windows Vs Aluminum Windows

For the past decade and a half, residential users have started preferring vinyl windows over any other type of windows. But is it really better than aluminum windows? The following extract is going to compare the two to find out which one is actually better.

Home decoration can sometimes be a very intimidating task. Many times, home decorating involves replacing windows. This will invariably trigger the debate on vinyl windows vs aluminum windows. It will encompass issues such as cost, performance, climatic reaction and aesthetics.

Whenever you are choosing any window for your home, obviously you have to choose it according to the ambiance of your home. If the theme of your home demands aluminum windows, there is no point in choosing anything else. But if you have a vinyl flooring, then what's the point of choosing aluminum windows?. Vinyl windows and aluminum windows have certain pros and cons when compared with each other. But in the end, it's just a matter of choice.

Vinyl Windows

Advantages
This is the most popular window type. Hence they are widely available. These windows are the most inexpensive windows that are available in the market. There are no maintenance issues as well. Vinyl windows never require painting and are not affected by moisture as well. Certain vinyl windows come with insulated core. This makes them soundproof and allows them to be thermally insulated as well.

Disadvantages
Vinyl windows have to be cleaned very routinely. Maintenance of these windows is very less but you have to deal with a lot of window cleaning. Lubrication of the hinges is also a task that you cannot fret away from. There is no variety in colors. You will probably have to choose from white, tan and bronze. The most important disadvantage of all is that these windows are environmentally hazardous. This is so because vinyl windows are made up of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This chemical cannot degrade and is hence very dangerous for the environment. Vinyl replacement windows cost is more than the aluminum cost.

Aluminum Windows

Advantages
Most of the window manufacturing companies do not bother about noise resistance. They are under the pretext that vinyl windows offer better insulation to noise than that of the aluminum windows. But this is not the fact. Aluminum does score substantially over the vinyl windows in this regard. Vinyl windows need to be considerably thicker than aluminum windows for the same dimensions. The main advantage of the aluminum windows is that they are easily replaceable.

Disadvantages
Aluminum windows cannot escape the bland look that metallic windows have. And we all know that looks play a very important part in home decor. The energy efficiency of these windows is also very low. Meaning, they gain or lose heat very rapidly. Aluminum windows have a condensation problem. The morning dew will settle in the windows causing it to rust. There are also very few commercial suppliers available in the market. So availability can be a problem at times. Aluminum windows can be very difficult to order as well.

After knowing the various aspects of these windows, if you are still debating on vinyl windows vs aluminum windows, then let me tell you that this debate is never-ending. Replacing aluminum windows with vinyl windows is purely a matter of taste. Professional help in solving the issues may help. But ultimately, it's your own decision. Changing windows is the first thing that you can think in home improvement.