Summary: Aluminum vs. Vinyl Windows Houston? Shopping for windows for your Houston home can be a daunting task. Many homeowners are torn between replacing their outdated windows with either vinyl or aluminum framed windows. Let’s dive in and discover which is better for Houston homes taking into account energy-efficiency, aesthetics, and value.
Are Vinyl Windows and Aluminum Windows Equal?
There are several good windows in the marketplace in both vinyl and aluminum. Being the Houston Window Experts, we have evaluated and have chosen several excellent brands. Leaving aesthetics aside for a later discussion, let’s talk about Heat Transfer and heat conductance.
Vinyl Window Frames: Vinyl, of PVC is a great insulator. It does not conduct or transfer heat from the exterior frame surface that’s been in the hot sun all day to the interior facing frame. If the frame does not heat up, it can’t radiate heat into your home (from the frame).
Aluminum Window Frames: Okay, with aluminum there is old school and new school. Old school aluminum was either a single extruded piece of aluminum or two pieces locked together. This type of frame conducted heat. Frame outside in the blazing hot sun got smoking hot…too hot to touch. With direct contact to the interior frame, heat was transferred directly to the interior frame. The interior frame radiated heat into your rooms.
New school aluminum windows have what’s called a Thermal Break between the two extruded aluminum frames. Usually consisting of a non-conductive epoxy resin layer. This method is extremely effective at stopping heat transfer.
Bottom Line Comparison of Frames: Vinyl windows still have slight edge in preventing heat transfer. Both are excellent choices for our Southern climate.
How Does The Strength of Vinyl Compare To Aluminum?
In most practical comparisons of strength, we talk about design pressure and a windows ability to stand up to severe weather. For the frames ability to withstand the impact of hail and debris, aluminum comes out on top. Both materials are rigid enough to withstand normal day to day wear and tear.
When comparing extruded aluminum vs vinyl windows Houston for tensile strength and rigidity, Aluminum wins this contest.
Vinyl vs. Aluminum – Head To Head Comparison
- Material Properties: Aluminum is a metal and is known for its strength and rigidity. Vinyl (PVC) is a plastic, and while durable, it’s not as structurally robust as aluminum.
- Structural Integrity: Extruded aluminum frames allow for thinner profiles and larger glass panes due to their superior strength. This makes them ideal for contemporary designs and large windows. Vinyl frames, by contrast, often need to be thicker to achieve sufficient structural integrity, which can result in bulkier-looking windows.
- Resistance to Warping/Cracking: Aluminum holds up well in extreme temperatures and is less prone to warping, cracking, or bowing under prolonged heat or UV exposure. A potential issue with lower quality vinyl windows. Especially so in hot climates or with darker colors.
- Impact Resistance: Hail and rocks thrown by a lawn mower can damage both types of window frames. Vinyl (especially cheap vinyl) can crack and chip. aluminum will take a greater beating and will dent with really high impact. If you choose darker colors remember that vinyl windows in white and tan may have the color mixed with the vinyl. If you want darker frames, typically it is an acrylic paint. For aluminum, all colors are power-coated. Very durable.
Here’s A Few Other Things To Consider:
- Energy Efficiency: Vinyl is a better insulator than aluminum. Aluminum is a conductor of heat and cold. However, modern aluminum frames often incorporate “thermal breaks” to improve energy efficiency, but vinyl generally still has an edge in insulation properties.
- Cost: Vinyl windows are typically more affordable than aluminum windows.
- Maintenance: Both are relatively low-maintenance, but aluminum can be susceptible to corrosion in coastal or humid environments and may show scratches more easily. Vinyl is generally maintenance-free and doesn’t require painting.
- Lifespan: While both are durable, aluminum windows can often last longer (up to 40+ years) than vinyl (20-30 years), especially when properly coated and maintained, and in suitable climates.
In Conclusion…
When choosing your replacement windows, both Vinyl and Aluminum are great choices. Your home will gain style and curb appeal. You’ll save money on energy bills. Your family will be more comfortable and feel safer.
But, it also matters who you choose to perform the work. Houston Window Experts operates under the guidelines of:
Best Products: Our product selection is deeper than most other companies. We carry almost 2 dozen brands that we have personally tested and evaluated. There is zero chance that you can’t find a window you’ll love from our selection!
Best Processes: Our window installation process protects your home during the entire process – from careful removal of your old windows, preparation of the opening, perfect placement of your custom ordered windows, flashing and sealing for a Leak-Free Guarantee, and complete cleanup after project completion.
Best People: We guarantee that you’ll be delighted with every contact you make with our people. They have all been carefully selected and trained to deliver the highest quality work with a positive, respectful and courteous manner.
But you’ll never know until you make the call! Call us today or use our contact form to find out how we can transform your home into an energy efficient, curb appeal standout that you’ll be proud to share with your neighbors and guests!
