When it comes to choosing new windows for your home, two of the most popular options are plastic (vinyl) and aluminum. Both have their advantages and disadvantages in terms of thermal insulation, durability, maintenance, and cost. Here is an overview of how plastic and aluminum windows compare.

One of the main reasons homeowners choose new windows is to improve the energy efficiency of their home. Windows can be a major source of heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Highly energy efficient windows include many layers of material to slow down heat transfer, improving insulation.

Plastic windows excel when it comes to thermal insulation. Vinyl and other types of plastic are poor conductors of heat, so vinyl windows provide an impressive barrier against both cold and heat. Multi-chamber plastic frames with a core filled with insulation, combined with multiple layers of glazing, create outstanding energy efficiency and noise reduction.

In contrast, aluminum is an excellent heat conductor. While some aluminum window designs incorporate thermal breaks, plastic still outperforms aluminum for keeping a home insulated. The vinyl light of a triple pane plastic window offers some of the best thermal resistance available in residential windows on the market today.

 

Durability is another consideration when shopping for replacement windows. Both vinyl and aluminum hold up well over years of use, but they differ in the issues they experience.

Plastic windows are not susceptible to rust, corrosion, pitting, and oxidation problems that can plague metal window frames like aluminum over time. However, plastic can crack under an impact or extreme weather. Plastic also expands and contracts more than aluminum in temperature changes, which can cause sealing issues and condensation between window panes over time. Overall, vinyl windows provide excellent durability with little maintenance for many years.

Aluminum offers outstanding strength and true structural integrity. It resists expansion and contraction, keeping seals and frames intact. However, aluminum can be dented and is prone to surface corrosion in some environments. Coastal climates are especially hard on aluminum, as the salty sea air causes pitting. Choosing aluminum frames with a baked enamel finish improves corrosion resistance. Aluminum requires minor upkeep like paint touch ups but still typically offers a long lifespan.

Care and maintenance requirements also factor into the plastic versus aluminum decision. Both materials need little maintenance over the years when properly installed.

Vinyl continues to earn high marks for convenience. It never needs repainting to maintain its appearance. Any minor surface scratches are usually barely noticeable. Plastic frames and sashes sweep clean with soap and water. Vinyl windows operate smoothly for decades with little wear on moving parts like hinges and locking mechanisms. Replacing broken vinyl window components is inexpensive and simple.

Aluminum also slides and locks easily with little lubrication for years on end. Its stiff structure resists sagging over time. However, taller aluminum windows may eventually need adjustment on the balances that offset sash weight. Aluminum needs repainting every decade approximately to look its best, avoid corrosion issues, and maintain window seals. Hardware and individual frame components are generally easy to replace, though matching finishes may prove challenging. Overall, both vinyl and aluminum windows serve their purpose with little homeowner intervention once installed. Choose the best plastic windows here - https://vinyllight.ca/

In conclusion, plastic and aluminum each have strengths and weaknesses when used for window frames, sashes, and glazing. Homeowners seeking thermal efficiency above all may prefer vinyl windows, while those in coastal or cold climates need aluminum’s structural integrity. Ultimately installation quality trumps materials alone for getting the longevity and performance you want from new windows. Investing in experienced installers helps ensure your windows will meet your needs for many years to come.