If you’re in the market for replacement windows or if you’re comparing different home improvement projects and currently have aluminum windows and have done your research on aluminum windows, you’ve surely come across information, at least a little bit of information. It seems that the only information that exists is about how bad they are. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find any positive information about aluminum windows on the web, and the question I get most often from my home improvement clients is, “Are they really as bad as they’re cracked up to be?”
Unfortunately, the answer is: “It depends.” I know you were hoping for a quick and easy answer, but the fact is, it really depends on what’s important to you. If you want a quick answer so you can move on to a more interesting topic, then no, aluminum windows aren’t as bad as most people think they are, in fact there are many advantages when it comes to aluminum. windows and depending on your situation, they may outweigh the disadvantages.
Pro #1 – Structurally, aluminum is the strongest compound for making windows. If you leave a piece of white aluminum window sash material out in the sun in Death Valley for 20 years, other than some dust and debris, wipe it clean and it will look exactly the same as it did 20 years ago. I doubt you can say that about vinyl windows and you definitely can’t say that about wood. PVC vinyl windows are getting better and better, but no matter how many UV inhibitors you put in the resin, there’s only so much abuse a vinyl window can take.
Pro#2 – Large windows are a possibility with aluminum. Due to the structural strength of aluminum, the sky is practically the limit when it comes to window sizes. That’s why skyscrapers are made with aluminum windows; As you can see, there are no vinyl or wooden windows in skyscrapers. So, if you’re building a large custom home or remodeling your home and want some big, expansive windows, chances are you’ll be pushed toward aluminum; otherwise your sizes will be limited. With very few minor exceptions, almost all commercial buildings are built with aluminum storefronts or windows. Very rarely will you walk into a 7-11 or grocery store and see a wood or vinyl front door. They are aluminum because aluminum has been shown to last the longest of all available options. You will see fiberglass entry doors in some commercial buildings and yes, fiberglass is nearly as impervious to the elements as aluminum, however, in most designers’ opinions, aluminum has a better finish and fiberglass still needs maintenance, such as painting or staining.
Pro#3 – Aluminum windows are the most profitable option, at least as an initial investment. Of course, there are different levels of quality and yes, the brand A window may cost more than the brand B vinyl window; however, for comparable quality levels, aluminum windows will be the most cost effective. For example, Milgard Windows, the lowest priced line of windows is their aluminum window. The glass that makes up the majority of the window is the same in all products, but the aluminum window is the cheapest window they offer.
Pro#4 – You usually have more color options with aluminum. Colored vinyl windows are not yet ready for mass production, especially in extreme climates like southern Nevada, Arizona, and the California desert. Many window manufacturers refuse to sell their white or desert tan vinyl let alone a colored version. With wood windows, you get a lot of color options, but once again, it’s the aluminum on the outside that has a different color. Aluminum windows are pretty much the only window you would trust a black or dark brown color in high temperature regions. Aluminum can easily be painted to match any color you want at a reasonable cost. This is why they are still seen in custom large homes, because they are the only window that gives you the color and size options often needed when designing a custom large home.
So as you can see there are a lot of positives so why do they get such a bad rap? Well, there is only one real negative when it comes to aluminum windows and it is very important, especially nowadays.
Con#1 – They are extremely inefficient when it comes to thermal power protection. Energy efficiency is a big topic these days and if you want to sell a product you better make sure it is energy efficient or else you are doomed. Therefore, all competing products continually indicate how inefficient and how energy efficient vinyl, wood and fiberglass are. So there is nothing to say about it, the fact is that yes, aluminum windows are not as energy efficient as the other alternatives.
Metal conducts heat. If it is hot outside and you are inside your house and you feel the aluminum window frame, then you will feel hot. The same is true in the winter, the frames will be cold and the aluminum will transfer that temperature difference to your home. There’s nothing you can do about it. So you have to decide if energy efficiency is your main concern. If so, I would not recommend buying aluminum windows.
However, if you’re dead set on aluminum windows but bummed out by the whole energy efficiency thing, I’ve got good news for you. There is a way to get the best of both worlds. There is a product called “Thermal Break Windows”. These are aluminum windows that are also energy efficient. In layman’s terms, aluminum is basically “broken” by a filament that prevents heat transfer through the window frame. Therefore, the outer part of the frame is separated from the inner frame by an energy efficient rubber compound that allows it to have the strength and reliability of aluminum while maintaining energy efficiency.