Comparing Vinyl vs Wood vs Aluminum Replacement Windows for Chicago Homeowners

How do vinyl replacement windows compare with wood and aluminum windows? What is the difference between vinyl, wood, and aluminum windows? When you start to shop for new replacement windows, you might be a little confused with the many options available to choose from. It’s impossible to say one is better than the other because each of them has their own pros and cons. In this post, you will get some great information to help you compare various features of vinyl, wood, and aluminum windows.
 

Vinyl Windows
 

Vinyl has a nice external appearance, making it very attractive. It comes in different styles and colors. Most vinyl windows are designed to mimic the appearance of wood. Many homeowners are advised to consider the long term benefits of the window they are thinking of buying. A vinyl replacement window will look as new in the next 15 years as it did the day it was purchased. Generally, vinyl won’t scratch or fade because the color is the same throughout. It also doesn’t require maintenance. It is typically less expensive.
 

Wood Windows
 

Wood is a natural insulator making it energy efficient and one of the best options for replacement windows. Wood is also considered the most attractive material in terms of its appearance. That’s why vinyl manufacturers are working hard to imitate the look of real wood. Maintenance is one major reason many homeowners avoid wood. While newly installed wood replacement windows can look beautiful, it requires a great deal of maintenance.
 

Aluminum Windows
 

Aluminum materials are known for their extraordinary strength. You can paint aluminum with any color of choice. This can help to match the color of your window frames with your home. However, outer coating or paint can chip off over time, and this will expose the metal underneath. Aluminum is a good noise insulator, but quite inefficient in terms of energy saving. As always, aluminum is a good conductor of heat and cold.
 

Compare Vinyl, Wood, and Aluminum Replacement Windows for Your Chicago Home

How does vinyl vs. wood vs. aluminum replacement windows compare? To begin with, let’s admit that comparing windows is a little tricky as different people have different preferences on which windows suits their needs. However, there are those who want to replace their old windows, but are not sure which replacement window to choose. In this post, we will try to compare the three popular window materials: aluminum, vinyl and wood. After that, you’ll be able to see which material is the best choice for your home.
 

Vinyl
 

Vinyl windows are arguably the most popular replacement windows available on the market. This is due to its low price, high performance, and availability. Vinyl windows beat their aluminum counterparts when it comes to energy efficiency. Vinyl is almost scratch-free, while aluminum is subject to scratches and dents. Maintenance is one of the major reasons many homeowners are selecting vinyl windows over wood and aluminum. While wood replacement windows would need to be stained or painted on a regular basis, vinyl windows are nearly maintenance free. They only need to be cleaned with water and soap once in a while. Vinyl windows do not require sealing or painting. The limited colors of vinyl and the fact that you cannot repaint it to your preferred color is, perhaps, the major disadvantage of these windows.
 

Wood
 

For centuries, wood has been a popular window option and the most used material for windows. Homeowners liked it due to the fact that it could be stained to maintain the wood appearance or painted in a different color to match the rest of the home. Wood is also a good insulator, easy to work with and fairly strong. Nevertheless, there are a few major issues with wood windows that have caused many homeowners and constructors to shift their attention to vinyl and aluminum. As you already know, wood requires a lot of maintenance such as painting, staining, sanding, etc. Also, wood frames are subject to decay, which can make them not to last for long. Again, vinyl replacement windows prove to be the best choice when it comes to durability and maintenance.
 

Aluminum
 

There are many reasons why aluminum windows are gaining in popularity day by day. First and foremost, aluminum is a very strong metal and also durable. When compared to vinyl replacement windows, aluminum is three to five times stronger. It is less expensive than its wood counterpart and is also inexpensive to install. Unlike vinyl windows, aluminum can be repainted into different attractive colors. Moreover, it can be shaped into any style of window of your choice. Unfortunately, there are a few significant downsides to aluminum replacement windows. Number one, aluminum is not known for being a great insulator. That's why aluminum windows prove to be unpopular choice when it comes to energy efficiency. It is not always recommended in areas that experience extreme climates. 

Again, unlike wood and vinyl, which won’t rust, dent or crack, aluminum is prone to denting and rusting. It should be noted that different people have different tastes and preferences. Thus, the ultimate decision is in your hands. Evaluate your budget, needs, and preference, and then you can decide whether to pick vinyl, wood, or aluminum replacement windows for your home.

Vinyl vs. Aluminum vs. Wood Replacement Windows

There are three main materials which today’s manufacturers use to make replacement windows: vinyl, aluminum, and wood. Each material has its own pros and cons. At Woodland Windows, the popular material used for replacement windows is vinyl. Vinyl windows made are from polyvinyl chloride (PVC)—a plastic material. So why is this material popular?  

Vinyl Windows
 

Vinyl windows are loved by many contractors since they are considered superior to other materials. They are energy efficient, economical, and don't require much maintenance. Vinyl windows are almost maintenance-free as opposed to their wood and aluminum counterparts. Vinyl is resilient and extremely durable. Its surface won’t fade or discolor from the weather. Despite being created from plastic, vinyl windows are relatively strong.
 

Cons of Vinyl
 

However, like every window type, vinyl windows do have several cons. To begin with, they can discolor when exposed to extreme climates. They can warp in severely hot temperatures and are usually difficult to shape.  Again, vinyl windows cannot be repainted, meaning once you purchase them, you remain with the original color.
 

Aluminum Windows
 

Aluminum replacement windows, on the other hand, come in a huge assortment of pre-made custom shapes and designs. They are versatile and can also be painted any color. Although they have a commercial or industrial look, aluminum can be attractive. They have great strength, are very durable, and are effective in blocking out outside sounds. They are easy to clean, need little maintenance, and are very resistant to cracking, braking and dents. Aluminum is a great choice for large commercial properties, while not recommended as much for small residential homes.
 

Cons of Aluminum Windows
 

Nonetheless, aluminum replacement windows have one significant downside—they are good conductors of heat and cold, meaning they are not the best when it comes to energy efficiency.
 

Wood Windows
 

Wood replacement windows are still found in most residential homes. As a matter of fact, wood has been a key product of construction for many, many years. Wood is the only material that has stood the test of time and has proven to be a vital building material. Wood is a good choice for extreme hot or cold climates.
 

Cons of Wood Windows
 

Like vinyl and aluminum, wood windows also have their own drawbacks. Over time, wood could rot, crack or be infested by termites. Extreme heat can cause the wood to warp. Unlike vinyl, which is almost maintenance free, wood will need regular maintenance to prevent any serious problems from developing.
 

Conclusion
 

Vinyl, aluminum, and wood replacement windows are available on the market. Wood can offer style and value to your home if you are ready to provide the extra maintenance it needs. Vinyl tends to be more attractive, and does not need any maintenance. Aluminum is less prone to damage from the weather. So, you have many options when it comes to replacement windows. It is important to take time to choose one which best suits your needs and budget.

Vinyl Windows vs Aluminum Windows vs Wood Windows

If you are remodeling your home and are debating whether to use vinyl, aluminum or wood windows, then keep reading and discover the pros and cons of the three most common types of windows.

 

As a homeowner, it is important to make a wise choice after understanding the good and the bad of vinyl windows, aluminum windows, and wood windows.
 

Choosing a Replacement Window
 

When selecting a window you first need to consider the theme of your house. For instance, if your home has a general wooden theme or already has  wooden windows installed, then new wood windows will help accentuate the original theme that your home already has. There are many factors that distinguish vinyl windows from wood and aluminum windows, such as cost, reaction to weather, and performance.
 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Vinyl Windows

 

Vinyl windows are arguably the most popular and extensively used replacement windows. They are usually inexpensive and do not need a lot of maintenance. Also, they do not need to be painted and are not affected by moisture. They offer sound and thermal resistance and can match well with vinyl flooring.
 

Even though vinyl windows require less maintenance, they do require cleaning once in awhile. Also the colors of vinyl windows are mostly limited to bronze, white, black, and tan. In fairly old homes, vinyl replacement windows may not be the best choice, since they cannot be painted in a different color that will go with the rest of the décor of the house.
 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Wood Windows
 

Wood windows add warmth and beauty to a room. They always add style to the house's décor. Unlike vinyl, wood windows can be painted into different colors to match the décor of a house. Aside from looking elegant, wood windows provide great insulation, as well. Also, wood windows act as a sound barrier. And, additionally, they are environmentally friendly because wood is a renewable resource.
 

One of the major disadvantages of wood windows is the fact that you need to treat them frequently to protect them against rotting. If you ignore doing regular maintenance work, it may well result in weathering or early deterioration of the window.
 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Aluminum Windows
 

Aluminum windows are long-lasting and are good at resisting all the elements. In fact, old structures that were constructed before 1970s still have aluminum windows. The window is less expensive and requires very little maintenance.
 

Despite the many benefits of aluminum windows, it is one of the poorest when it comes to energy efficiency. For this reason, heating and cooling your home can be very expensive with aluminum windows. Although aluminum is rust-free, it often tends to oxidize with time—hence it looking dull.