Aluminum vs. vinyl windows: Which is better for you?

Key points

• Vinyl windows can cost $500 to $830, while aluminum windows can cost $600 to $1,200. 

• Vinyl windows are durable and usually meet energy efficiency standards.

• Aluminum windows are strong and visually appealing but are less energy-efficient.

When adding or replacing windows for your home, the window frame material you select can determine the aesthetic, cost and maintenance requirements. Many homeowners pit aluminum against vinyl windows when deciding on a material.

Aluminum windows’ modern look can boost curb appeal, and they can withstand tough weather. Vinyl windows are great for budget-conscious shoppers and are energy-efficient.

Your decision between the two should come down to personal preference — however, you should consider their upfront costs, maintenance needs, and impacts on a home’s U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC).

“U-factor is the amount of energy that stays inside of the home. SHGC is the sun from the outside,” explained Chris Hock, owner and president of Earth Saving Solutions, a general contracting company in Denver. The lower the U-factor and the SHGC, the more efficient the window.

As building codes in some states get stricter and government agencies mandate lower U-factors, window material has come to play a huge role in meeting environmental standards and in the overall cost of building a home.

“The Environmental Protection Agency and other government agencies are starting to make it super strict,” Hock said, referring to U-factor requirements. “It has increased the cost of building a home significantly,” Hock added.

Aluminum vs. vinyl windows: What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

Aluminum and vinyl window frames have distinct advantages, making them popular in home construction. Likewise, both window types have weaknesses worth discussing when making your decision.

Aluminum windows advantages

Aluminum windows are lightweight but strong, able to withstand harsh weather conditions without too much damage over time. They are typically powder-coated and are well liked for their modern curb appeal and stylish colors, such as black, gray and brown. 

Hock said that aluminum is often the preferred window material for high-budget renovations.

“Back in the day, homes had wooden windows inside and out,” Hock explained. “The maintenance on wood windows is a nightmare, so if you have a high-end home and still want wood on the inside, typically my customers ask for an aluminum cladding on the outside.”

You can also paint aluminum windows with enamel paint. This is useful for a touch-up when their protective coating starts to fade — or to change the color entirely when repainting the rest of your home’s exterior.

Aluminum window disadvantages

Despite the durability of aluminum window frames, they dent and scratch easily, require a lot of maintenance and aren’t suited to all environments. They are particularly susceptible to corrosion in coastal areas.

“I would not want to have metal close to the ocean,” Hock advised. “I’d be worried that salt would have an effect.” While aluminum is unlikely to corrode unless exposed to the elements, older aluminum windows can show wear and tear significantly more than vinyl windows.

Hock added that aluminum windows conduct heat quickly and suffer from rapid heat transfer in the winter. As environmental regulations get more strict, it’s becoming more difficult to construct aluminum windows to code.

“Aluminum is amazing,” Hock said. “It’s super long-lasting … It’s light. The reason it’s starting to die out is that the way that it conducts heat makes it hard to get to that required U-factor. It’s very expensive.” 

Vinyl windows advantages

The best vinyl window frames are made from a synthetic plastic material called polyvinyl chloride. Vinyl requires less maintenance than aluminum and works well in most environments because it resists rotting and moisture damage. 

They are also more affordable than aluminum — not only because the materials cost less but also because they’re easier to install due to their flexibility.

Vinyl is especially popular for its insulating properties. It loses significantly less heat than other common window frame materials, including aluminum. Homeowners can add extra insulation as needed, but no other modifications are necessary to ensure energy efficiency. 

Vinyl window disadvantages

Vinyl windows are typically white. They can be custom-ordered in a variety of colors to better suit your design needs, but expect that to increase material costs. Unlike aluminum windows, most vinyl frames can’t be painted or stained to alter their appearance.

The quality of vinyl frames can vary widely, with a lifespan of anywhere from 20 to 40 years, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. You’ll know your home windows are reaching the end of their life when they begin to yellow and fade. 

Although vinyl is highly durable, it isn’t as structurally strong as aluminum. This means that it may not stand up to extreme temperature changes and can be susceptible to warping.

How much do they cost?

The cost of replacement windows of any material can vary greatly depending on the brand, quality, size and features chosen.

Stay away from builder-grade windows. You don’t want the cheapest window.

Chris Hock

Aluminum window cost

Aluminum windows tend to cost more than vinyl windows. Expect to pay somewhere between $600 and $1,200 per window, according to Hock.

Vinyl window cost

Vinyl windows are more cost-effective than aluminum frames, though Hock still advised homeowners to prioritize high-quality window brands.

“Stay away from builder-grade windows,” Hock warned. “You don’t want the cheapest window.”

The table below includes Hock’s estimates for various types of vinyl composite windows, which are a popular type of vinyl frame composed of 40% wood fiber for additional strength and longevity.

Window Type	Estimated Price
Single-hung vinyl composite frame	$500
Casement vinyl composite frame	$660
Double-hung vinyl composite frame	$830

Which is easier to care for?

Aluminum and vinyl windows are both low-maintenance options. However, neither material is maintenance-free, and the specific upkeep required differs for each.

Aluminum window care

Aluminum window frames are corrosion-resistant but can still rust with extended exposure to moisture. This is especially true in humid or rainy climates. You should wipe accumulated moisture off aluminum windows often, and use an aluminum cleaner to remove rust or lubricate moving parts. Hock told us that aluminum-clad windows with a wood interior require extra care.

“Every seven years, you probably have to sand down a good portion of your wood and clear coat it,” Hock said. With regular maintenance, you should expect aluminum windows to have a life span of 20 to 25 years.

Vinyl window care

Vinyl windows are easy to care for and typically only need to be cleaned to remove built-up algae or dirt. Fluctuating high and low temperatures over the years can cause seals to crack, so you may also need to caulk your windows occasionally to maintain energy efficiency.

“Just keep them clean and free of debris,” Hock said, referring to both the interior and exterior of a vinyl window. Since vinyl windows often come in casement style, he recommended regularly lubricating moving parts such as elbows and gears.

What’s next?

If you need new window frames, contact the best window installation companies in your area. Get quotes from multiple professionals and ask them to provide proof of their certification from a professional association such as the American Window and Door Institute or Installation Masters.

Seek out Energy Star-certified windows, which are more likely to increase your energy savings. Look for a warranty that covers specific repairs such as glass or window hardware. You can also ask each professional you talk to about their preferred brands. Hock listed Andersen, Marvin, Milgard and Pella among his top window brands for quality.

“A middle-grade window is still a fantastic window that’s going to give you long-lasting satisfaction,” Hock said. “You want a window that is built solidly,” he added. “Stay away from the lowest end, because the vinyl will deteriorate in a short period. Just spend a little bit more.”

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