Are Vinyl Windows Better than Aluminium?

Appearance

Aluminium windows are aesthetically pleasing even without being painted. Nevertheless, powder-coatings are available to customise the colour of your windows should you desire a specific colour. On the other hand, vinyl windows are plastic and less pleasing to look at. They too are available in a range of colours. However, unlike aluminium windows, the colour cannot be changed during their lifespan, as vinyl windows cannot be painted over. Both options can be customised in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

Maintenance

Vinyl and aluminium options are both almost maintenance-free. Unlike natural materials such as wood, they do not crack or warp with water, meaning they require very little maintenance over the years.

Durability and lifecycle

When it comes to durability and lifecycle, aluminium windows are vastly superior. Not only do aluminium windows offer a far higher level of scratch and dent resistance when compared to vinyl windows, but they also have more than double the expected lifecycle. Vinyl windows only last for around 20 years before they need replacing, whilst aluminium windows last around 45 years on average with the potential to last even longer. In addition to this, vinyl windows have trouble resisting extreme temperature changes, a problem aluminium windows do not have. For larger windows, aluminium also provides greater structural strength to support larger and heavier window panels.

Thermal efficiency

Whilst vinyl windows provide excellent thermal insulation, advancements in technology mean that aluminium windows too can provide good thermal efficiency. All of the windows in our aluminium windows range are A-rated for energy efficiency.

Cost

Vinyl windows often have a cheaper upfront cost, with aluminium windows generally having around 25% greater cost than their vinyl counterparts. However, as aluminium lasts far longer than vinyl and is more resistant to damage, purchasing aluminium windows now could actually save you significant amounts of money in the long term.

 

We choose aluminium for all our windows because we believe it is the superior material for making windows. Our expert team can customise your order to suit your property, with our years of experience giving us the knowledge to help you choose colour and style depending on your property and preferences. To find out more about our windows, request a free quote or call us today on 0800 840 1508 to discuss your property and needs.