Vinyl vs Aluminum Windows: Why vinyl windows outperform aluminum
When you are thinking about replacing your old aluminum windows you may have wondered whether to go with wood windows or vinyl windows or stay with aluminum windows. Which is better? Why the hype about vinyl windows anyway? If you are examining the options in order to find the best window for your needs you should be well informed about the advantages of vinyl windows over aluminum windows.
When you compare vinyl vs aluminum windows you should be looking at the application or purpose of this replacement window. When you are trying to decide between buying an two door sports car or an SUV you cannot merely state that one is better than the other. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. The same applies to choosing a vinyl window or aluminum window.
Aluminum windows are preferred in commercial buildings because they have a greater strength to weight ratio. Aluminum can occupy larger spaces, be thinner and stronger than their vinyl window or wood window counterparts.
However,aluminum is also the preferred material used in high performance engine blocks. Why? Because aluminum dissipates heat very effeciently. This is an application where you want to transfer heat through the metal.
Let's examine this concept for a second. You're living in a residential neighborhood and want to replace your windows. You consider aluminum because of its strength, but you want your home to be cosy and warm in the winter. You also want to save on those energy bills. Heating and cooling costs can quickly justify the cost of installing replacement windows, and this is where vinyl replacement windows shine.
Vinyl windows are great because they have developed the material (PVC) to such a degree that vinyl windows are very durable and a good quality vinyl window can withstand brutal hurrican force winds. Another fact to note is that vinyl windows are going to be very low maintenance when compared to most other window types. They never need painting and there are more options available as far as aethestic beauty is concerned than any other kind of window.
Vinyl windows should be your window of choice if you live in the Pacific Northwest, especially Seattle in Washington State, an area that receives a lot of rainfall. In such areas you are more susceptible to higher heating or cooling bills. Vinyl windows are a logical choice.
Lets take a look at some key points of a high quality vinyl window (WeatherPro):
- Dual window panes (Cardinal LoE3 366 Glass)
Dual pane windows are filled with argon gas. The high performance low e 3 glass increases energy efficieny. - Foam-filled frame:
Foam filled frames that are positioned in strategic places, greatly improves insulation and in turn also the energy efficiency of this window. - Multi-chambered window frames:
The multi chambered frames increase strength and reduce saging over time thereby reducing the chance of added air leakage. - Super spacer window seals:
The WeatherPro window has Super Spacers which are responsible for keeping the argon gas sealed inside, improving insulation and energy efficiency of the window. - Internal drainage system:
Sloped chambers aid in the redirection of water to the weep holes helping to prevent standing water within your window frame, a common cause of mold growth.
