Home Improvement

Vinyl vs. Aluminum Windows: Which Is Better?

Would you like to do some home renovations that are going to offer you a great return on investment? Replacing the windows throughout your house is a great place to start.

Window replacement should increase the value of your home by about 80% of the cost of your new windows. And in some cases, the ROI could be even higher than that.

Before you start planning a window replacement project, though, you should take a look at the material options that you’ll have when installing new windows. You’ll quickly see that vinyl windows and aluminum windows are two of your best bets.

You should also make it a point to do a material comparison so that you can see how vinyl windows and aluminum windows stack up against one another. You can compare everything from their durability to the material cost that you’ll pay for them.

Continue reading to weigh both of these material options so that you know which one you should pick in the end.

The Pros of Vinyl Windows

Over the last decade or so, vinyl windows have turned into the go-to windows for many homeowners. They’re arguably the most popular kinds of windows used during home renovations.

Why? Well, for starters, vinyl windows are among the most durable windows in the world right now. As long as you go with vinyl windows manufactured by a reputable brand, they should last for decades before you’ll need to replace them.

Vinyl windows are also very versatile as far as their appearance is concerned. Although most people picture white windows in their heads when they think about vinyl windows, vinyl windows come in a wide range of colors. You can find some that will work perfectly in your home based on its current style.

And as if all of that wasn’t enough, vinyl windows are also extremely energy-efficient, and they’re also some of the most affordable windows around. It really makes them a no-brainer for most people who are considering putting new windows into place in their homes.

The Cons of Vinyl Windows

It’s hard to find many issues with vinyl windows. As you just read, there are so many advantages to going with them when you’re in the process of doing window replacement.

But if there is one criticism of vinyl windows, it’s that almost everyone has at least a few of them installed in their homes right now. As a result, your home’s windows aren’t exactly going to stand out and look unique when you go with vinyl windows.

Not to worry, though. If you’re concerned about making your vinyl windows look different than the vinyl windows that your neighbor has, you can always choose ones that are a different color. That’s one way to get around the fact that you’re likely going to have the same kind of windows as many of those people who live around you.

The Pros of Aluminum Windows

Just like vinyl windows, there is a long list of reasons why you’re going to love aluminum windows when you have them installed in your home. They’re also available in many different colors, which will give you tons of options when you’re looking for windows that are just the right shade for your house.

In addition to coming in many colors, aluminum windows have also earned a reputation for being almost as durable as it gets. They’re actually even stronger than vinyl windows and work great in homes with bigger windows in them.

When you install aluminum windows in your home, you’re also going to sleep better at night knowing that you have some of the most unique windows in your neighborhood. There is a good chance that you’re going to be one of the few people on your block with them.

If these types of things appeal to you, you might want to think long and hard about investing in aluminum windows while working your way through your upcoming home renovations.

The Cons of Aluminum Windows

The pros of aluminum windows definitely outweigh the cons. But it’s still worth noting some of the things that you might not love about aluminum windows when you put them into your home.

One of the biggest complaints you might have right off the bat is that aluminum windows will require a little more maintenance than vinyl windows. You’ll need to use a special aluminum cleaner on them to stop rust and corrosion from taking a toll on them.

You’re also not going to like the fact that aluminum windows are less energy-efficient than vinyl ones. They can conduct heat and make the rooms in your house warmer than they should be. It could lead to higher energy bills, especially in the spring and summer months.

And speaking of bills, you’re often going to have to pay more to have aluminum windows installed than you would have to pay for vinyl windows. Those looking to save money on window replacement should try to go with vinyl windows over aluminum ones.

Do You Want to Use Vinyl Windows or Aluminum Windows During Home Renovations?

As you can see, there are lots of pros and cons that will come along with installing both vinyl windows and aluminum windows in your home. It’s going to be up to you to consider each of them before picking one kind of window over the other.

You should sit down with a window specialist and discuss these two types of windows at length. It’ll put you in a position to pick out the right one when everything is all said and done.

It’ll also put you in a position to do the best possible home renovations. You’re going to get the most bang for your buck when you select the windows that are going to look great and perform well in your specific home.

Are you interested in getting your hands on some more practical home improvement tips prior to doing home renovations? Find them by poking around on the rest of our blog.

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