Vinyl Vs Metal Windows

Composite window frames are made from a mixture of two or more materials like wood plastic metal and vinyl.

Vinyl vs metal windows.

Aluminum is essentially unusable as window material in cold climates unless it includes a thermal break. Vinyl window frames are typically plainer and thickerthan aluminum windows because they are made from polyvinyl chloride pvc. Vinyl windows insulate better than aluminum windows. You don t need to paint it.

Advantages disadvantages frame appearance aesthetic. The major drawback to aluminum frame windows is their metal frame they conduct heat easily earning them a high u value. Installing windows can be a do it yourself diy project but if done poorly even expensive windows will. They may include metal as an internal structural element to stiffen the frames.

Many individuals find that aluminum windowsare more attractivebecause the frame is thinner. If replacing matching former window. Paint on this material can peel and crack. Aluminum windows are more costly than vinyl but less costly than wood.

Higher is not better here the higher the u value the more heat a frame loses compared with vinyl or wood frames which fall within the 0 3 to 0 5 range aluminum frames can have a u value as high as 2. Aluminum framed windows while a popular choice in florida lack energy star ratings but most experts maintain that the u factor is not that important here and current florida codes ignore it. Both materials are available in virtually any style you want such as single and. Fibrex is a brand of composite material from andersen windows that is made from 40 percent wood fiber and 60 percent thermoplastic polymer.

However vinyl windows allow the ability to paint the frame which is an option that many homeowners like. Vinyl windows excel when it comes to insulation and improving energy efficiency because the vinyl material minimizes heat transfer. They don t carry as high energy ratings as vinyl but they still insulate better than one pane glass. Vinyl windows are made from extruded polyvinyl chloride pvc as the base material.

Vinyl is superior to aluminum windows in resisting corrosion in coastal environments. Our experts tell us that in south florida most consumers are going with aluminum impact windows. The case for aluminum windows. They are generally more durable than vinyl windows in hotter climates experts say and they cost a bit more than vinyl.