When it comes to window replacement, many homeowners struggle to choose between aluminum or vinyl. Both options are low-cost and highly efficient, but which one is best for your home?
Vinyl windows offer a range of colors, textures and styles to suit any home. They also feature thicker frames that are less susceptible to temperature fluctuations than aluminum frames.
Durability
Unlike aluminum, vinyl windows aren’t prone to corrosion and can resist rust. They also withstand harsh climates without warping or cracking. This durability makes them a smart investment. They’re also easy to maintain since they don’t require refinishing or sanding like wood windows. You can simply wipe them down to remove dirt and debris.
Vinyl windows are also a great choice for Florida homeowners. They come with insulated glass and LoE coatings, which help save energy by reducing your heating and cooling costs. They also reduce noise, and protect your furniture and fabrics from harmful UV rays.
The exact lifespan of vinyl windows varies widely, depending on your climate and maintenance routines. However, they can last for up to 30 years on average. This is considerably longer than the lifespan of most other window frames. Aluminum frames, which are a popular alternative to vinyl, may last 20 to 25 years. They’re resistant to salty air and water, but they can corrode if they’re exposed to direct sunlight.
Energy Efficiency
Vinyl replacement windows are naturally insulating, and they can reduce energy costs by keeping cold air in during Florida’s hot summer months. The insulating qualities of vinyl are even more noticeable with energy-efficient options, like argon or krypton glass fills, and low-E coatings.
Unlike aluminum frames, vinyl doesn’t expand or contract in response to extreme temperature changes. That’s a huge benefit for homeowners in climates with frequent swings in weather.
As long as they’re not subjected to natural disasters, properly installed and maintained vinyl windows can last 30 years or more. The lifespan of a window depends on many factors, including installation quality, vinyl color and ingredients, and maintenance. However, many experts agree that vinyl is a good choice for Florida homes that want to maximize durability and energy efficiency. Max Guard’s impact-resistant vinyl hurricane windows are designed to withstand anything mother nature throws at them. Contact us today to find out more about our products and services.
Aesthetics
If you want your replacement windows to be a true extension of your home’s architectural style, consider vinyl. Its thicker frames are available in textures and colors that realistically mimic the appearance of wood, making it a good fit for bungalows, Victorians, and Tudors.
However, for a sleek, modern look, you may prefer aluminum. This material’s thin frame is typically smooth or has a powder-coated enamel finish. Its resistance to corrosion makes it a great choice for coastal homes, but you may need to retouch the finishes periodically to prevent pitting and corrosion.
Aside from their aesthetics, both vinyl and aluminum windows offer excellent durability. While both will expand and contract with temperature extremes, vinyl is less likely to warp. They’re also impervious to moisture and insect damage, so you don’t have to worry about stuck sashes or rotting frames. Aside from a wipe down now and then, they require little maintenance. That’s why they can contribute to substantial energy cost savings for your South Florida home.
Maintenance
When properly installed and maintained, vinyl windows can last a lifetime. They are made from virgin pharmaceutical vinyl, which means they never have to be recycled or remade. In fact, once they have reached the end of their lifespan, they can be melted down and reused to make new PVC replacement windows.
You can customize your vinyl windows by choosing frames in white, beige, bronze, pebble khaki or black, as well as tint colors for added privacy. You can also boost privacy and UV protection with custom window screens.
Renewal by Andersen offers a variety of styles, materials and designs for homeowners in Palm Coast. Their Fibrex material combines the strength of wood with vinyl’s low maintenance, and their narrow frames provide unobstructed views and energy efficiency. These durable windows are perfect for Florida’s scorching summer weather. To learn more, visit the company’s website. Or, fill out the easy form on this page to be connected with local professionals.