What Is the Difference Between Vinyl & Aluminum Windows?
Windows are more than glass. The material used to frame, or case, the glass varies from home to home and business to business. Vinyl and aluminum are two of the most popular choices.
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Material
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Vinyl windows are constructed from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a type of plastic used to make pipes. Aluminum is a metallic element that can be found in the Earth's crust.
Price
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While prices vary depending on the manufacturer, aluminum windows tend to rest on the inexpensive end of the spectrum. Vinyl windows are comparable in price to aluminum, but costs can vary depending on the thickness and quality of the vinyl.
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Energy Efficiency
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Because aluminum conducts more heat and cold than vinyl, making it less energy efficient, aluminum windows are not the ideal choice when it comes to keeping hot or cold temperatures out of a house.
Aesthetics
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Manufacturers can mold or stain vinyl to suit any style, and vinyl resists stains and blemishes. It also tends to defy fading for longer periods than aluminum windows.
Tip
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Do not confuse "vinyl" with "vinyl-clad," meaning the material inside is aluminum or some other product covered in a thin layer of vinyl. For true vinyl windows, purchase 100 percent vinyl options.
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