Thermal Break Aluminum Windows Vs Vinyl

Vinyl window vinyl is itself the best thermal break.

Thermal break aluminum windows vs vinyl. Aluminum windows are lightweight strong and durable. Find out which is best for impact heat and humidity like in florida and texas costs new constructions energy savings and replacements. Industry estimates vary but vinyl windows generally cost 30 percent less than comparable aluminum windows. It minimizes heat transfer from the outside of the room to the inside.

Aluminum is essentially unusable as window material in cold climates unless it includes a thermal break. For aluminum window frames to insulate well they need what is called a thermal break in which the two halves inner and outer are held together by a non metal insulating material. Aluminum frame windows offer the low cost and low maintenance of vinyl versions. The major drawback to aluminum frame windows is their metal frame they conduct heat easily earning them a high u value.

Vinyl windows are less expensive than aluminum. These are made of vinyl. Because it s well known that modern vinyl does best to insulate and maintain in home temperatures often times people assume then that aluminum windows must be completely opposite in this sense. Vinyl windows feature the same qualities but are significantly better insulators against heat and cold.

Vinyl windows have a return on investment of around 74 which is one of the best investments that can be made in a home. The most obvious and critical difference between vinyl and aluminum is the superior energy efficiency of vinyl. Our windows are equipped to perform with large continuous thermal breaks ranging from 1 3 8 to 2 3 8 throughout the frame compared to poorly insulated windows with only a thermal break if that. Homeadvisor s vinyl or aluminum window guide compares which is better and pros and cons or each.

Aluminum s main weakness as a window material is that it is a poor insulator. Materials used in their manufacturing are also very malleable meaning aluminum windows can be tailored for almost any frame shape. Some aluminum windows actually have wood inside aluminum cladding to act as a thermal break. On average homeowners can expect to pay.

Higher is not better here the higher the u value the more heat a frame loses. Aluminum is a very popular fabric to make the frame of windows from but it is also a very conductive metal allowing heat and cold to move around easily. Aluminum windows are more costly than vinyl but less costly than wood. Discover the difference between aluminum clad wood vs vinyl clad and how they compare to glass frame windows.

Aluminum windows along with almost all other windows have a return on investment of around 60 to 80. The wider the thermal break the better the window will insulate. Aluminum is also softer and easier to manipulate so it could fit unusual windows.