Which Windows Are More Expensive: Vinyl or Aluminum?
Most people don’t put too much thought into different types of windows, but when shopping for your property, you may have to choose between aluminum and vinyl windows. Each type of window has its own features and benefits. Weiye Group is a renowned comprehensive aluminum extrusion processing enterprise with clients worldwide.
We provide aluminum profiles and fabricates such as curtain walls, furniture, windows, and doors for commercial and domestic use. We understand the importance of selecting windows that balance functionality and cost-effectiveness. We highlight their respective features, benefits, and limitations, perform a cost comparison and walk you through selecting the right window type. Take a look:
Vinyl Windows
Vinyl windows are a combination of PVC, stabilizers, and pigments. PVC is the primary component. It is short for polyvinyl chloride, a type of plastic known for its durability and affordability. However, the synthetic material requires stabilizers to protect it from UV rays and pigments to give it color. Most vinyl windows are usually white but can also be manufactured in various colors.
Like other types of windows, they also feature frames, sashes and may include glass panels. These windows come in various styles, too, including awning, casement, single-hung, and double-hung. Of course, casement windows open outward. Awning windows open outward, too, but at an angle.
On the other hand, single-hung feature one up-and-down sash, while double-hung feature two. Under the light of these facts, vinyl windows can be a brilliant selection, see the benefits below.
Vinyl Windows: Benefits Revealed
1. Affordable
The best thing about vinyl windows is how affordable they are. Windows made out of this material usually cost less than wood or aluminum. This difference in price comes from the difference in the materials used.
Building vinyl windows is also easier compared to other materials. This simplicity is also reflected in the final price. Other than saving you money upfront, it’ll save you money in the future too. These windows don’t need a lot of maintenance like painting and staining. They’re rust resistant, fade resistant, and crack resistant as well.
2. Efficiency
A house can get really hot during summer and really cold during winter if it’s not built correctly. Most homeowners are moving towards energy efficient installation which includes vinyl frames.
PVC isn’t a strong conductor for heat so it’ll keep your house cool during summer and warm during winter, helping manage the temperature of your home and reduce energy bills.
Most of these windows have a special type of glass that reflects heat to keep your house warm when it’s cold outside and cool when it’s hot outside. They also feature air-tight seals that prevent any heat loss and keeps room temperatures consistent. In general, using vinyl for your windows will make your home more efficient at keeping temperatures right where they need to be.
3. Wide Range of Styles and Colors
As mentioned, vinyl windows are typically white but can also be made in various colors to match your home decor. They also come in various styles, including single-hung, double-hung, casement, and awning.
Disadvantages of Vinyl Windows
Despite all that you stand to benefit, vinyl windows still may somewhat fail in some areas. See below:
1. Not as Strong as Aluminum Windows
Vinyl windows are durable but less strong than their aluminum counterparts. Aluminum is a strong yet lightweight material. The strength varies by alloy. For example, 6063, commonly extruded for use to make window frames and curtain walls, can withstand up to 31,000 psi. And so, aluminum windows are best used where strength is preferred.
On the other hand, vinyl is not as strong as aluminum. Also, it’s vulnerable to changes in temperature and can cause structural issues when it expands and contracts.
2. Environmental Effect
Vinyl is a plastic produced from fossil fuels and chemicals. Lately, there has been huge concern about the impact of producing and using such materials. The extraction of petroleum for use in manufacturing significantly damages the planet. The manufacturing process can also release harmful pollutants into the air and water. Moreover, PVC windows are less recyclable than aluminum or wood windows. Most vinyl windows end up in landfills once out of use.
3. Limited Color Options
As mentioned, vinyl windows can be made in various colors but are typically neutral options such as tan, white, or beige.
Aluminum Windows
Aluminum windows are made from aluminum, a metal known for its durability, strength, and lightweight. The primary material, aluminum, is mostly found in the frames. These frames combine with glass panels and thermal breaks to offer various benefits. They include
1. Durability and Strength
Aluminum windows emanate strength in longevity. As mentioned, the strength varies depending on the alloy. 6063 is the alloy commonly extruded for use to make window frames and curtain walls.
It can withstand up to 31,000 psi. Moreover, aluminum is naturally resistant to corrosion and rotting. It also doesn’t warp easily. These properties make aluminum windows perfect for properties in harsh climates. They can withstand moisture, extreme temperature, and strong winds and provide many years of service.
2. Design Versatility
Aluminum is strong yet easy to cut, bend, and structure into various shapes. This allows a wide range of design options. Frames can be cut slim to increase glass area and achieve unobstructed views without reducing the window strength. Additionally, they can be shaped to fit various architectural visions, including traditional, contemporary, and modern styles.
3. Wide Range of Styles and Colors
Regarding design flexibility, aluminum windows come in various styles and color options. Indeed, you can get aluminum windows in single-hung, double-hung, casement, or awning options. As mentioned, awning windows open outward, at an angle, while casement windows simply open outward.
On the other hand, single-hung feature one up-and-down sash, while double-hung feature two. These aren’t just in the neutral white, tan, and beige colors common for vinyl windows. Aluminum windows come in an unlimited range of colors, offering much flexibility for homeowners looking for windows with vibrant or custom color options.
4. Environmental Sustainability
Aluminum is a relatively abundant metal. It’s extracted from open-pit mines in various places and can be recycled indefinitely without losing its characteristics. This makes it useful for minimizing the environmental impact of manufacturing. Indeed, over 3/4s of aluminum ever produced is still in use today.
Recycling aluminum helps conserve bauxite ore, water, and energy and reduce greenhouse emissions., It also prevents landfills. Aluminum windows are a great option for people looking for eco-friendly building and construction materials.
Disadvantages of Aluminum Windows
Some of the disadvantages below can be countered provided you have the right equipment, such as thermal conductivity and maintenance. Either way lets how aluminum falls short.
1. Thermal Conductivity
Aluminum doesn’t insulate heat well, which means aluminum windows might require special features to make them energy efficient. But adding these features can cause charges to spike as manufacturers typically charge more for windows with special energy-saving parts.
2. Maintenance Requirements
Strength and durability are the two things aluminum windows are known for. However, all durable things need some upkeep. You’ll have to lubricate hinges, locks, and any other part of the window that moves so it continues to work smoothly. And if there’s any damage, you’ll have to inspect it and reseal it.
3. Cost Considerations
Compared to vinyl windows, aluminum ones will usually cost more. This is because of how we get aluminum compared to PVC. It’s harder and more expensive to mine or source aluminum and refine it so that we get what we want.
They can be more expensive and a bit of a hassle to install and keep maintained. Eventually, you’re going to have to repaint them or finish them again to keep them strong and new. Those downsides aren’t enough to overlook the value in aluminum windows. They last a long time. There’s always a little give and take when it comes to costs.
A Cost Comparison: Vinyl vs Aluminum Windows
When people think about windows, vinyl is the first thing that comes to mind. They’re cheap and cost-effective. But when it comes down to it there are factors that make aluminum worth your while too.
The price tag is one thing but you also have to consider how much money you’ll have spent at the end of the day. Before deciding on which type of window you’d like, take your time with this one.
Initial Costs
Below we’ve compiled general prices for the house staple:
Vinyl:
$200 - $500
Aluminum:
$300 - $800
Just from seeing these numbers, it’s clear that vinyl doesn't cost as much as aluminum does. But let's go even further than that. Even when it comes down to putting them in, vinyl windows are lighter and don’t need as much equipment as aluminum windows for installation.
Which makes sense since aluminum is known for being heavier. Some extra work may need to be done for aluminum windows. They’re bigger so they might need reinforcements here and there just to make sure everything stays put. It’s also important that whoever installs them knows what they’re doing since precision and expertise is key.
The Cost Down the Line
Just as important as upfront costs are taking into account long-term costs and future savings associated with both window types. Vinyl windows are energy efficient and remove the need for excessive cooling or heating. They also don’t require much maintenance. No regular painting or staining is needed.
On the other hand, Aluminum windows don’t offer the same benefits as some others you could go with like energy efficiency or low maintenance. But they make up for it in durability, and that they last longer than others. That’s why they’re best used for places where strength is better, like garages. Also, thanks to new technology, it’s not hard to find a window that protects you from all types of weather.
Design is also something else that aluminum windows are good at giving you freedom in. You have full control over how your windows are made by simply asking manufacturers to do it according to your vision.
Things You Should Remember When Getting a Window
There are a lot of things that come with choosing a window:
• Budget: These don’t cost pocket change so make sure you pick the right one. Aluminum windows cost more than vinyl but do offer some benefits such as durability and freedom in design
• Climate - There’s a difference between cold climates and warm climates. You’ll need to choose based on where you live. From vinyl frames that help keep cold air out during winter periods to aluminum which comes in styles made to keep cool air in during summer
• Lifestyle - Aluminum windows are perfect for those who like to invite people over often. This is because they are designed with thinner frames which allows for bigger glass sections and clear views.
• Home style - Pick a window that matches your home. Both aluminum and vinyl come in various designs and colors that can accommodate any home.
Wrapping It Up
There’s no mistake in choosing either window type, but an overall difference is how they’re made. Aluminum windows are different from vinyl windows as they use extrusions along with glass panels and thermal breaks instead of PVC. Due to this, they aren’t low maintenance or naturally energy efficient but offer other advantages such as durability, aesthetic design freedom, and color options. They also have an edge in being eco-friendly compared to vinyl windows since it’s easy to recycle aluminum without affecting its properties
Aluminum windows are the best option for those looking for environmentally sustainable building and construction parts. Moreover, advancements in technology imply you can now get aluminum windows designed to keep your house cooler during summer and warmer during winter leading to reduced energy bills.
Weiye Group manufactures and supplies aluminum windows for domestic and commercial use. Feel free to ask for help selecting the right window type for your property. Our team is always waiting to help.