Home : Best Replacement Windows : Vinyl vs Aluminum Windows
Vinyl vs Aluminum Windows Introduction
Vinyl vs aluminum windows - let's compare these two window materials on strength, style, energy efficiency, and what you can expect to pay. As a beginning note, vinyl makes up some 75% of the residential replacement window and door market. Aluminum makes up less than 10% of this same market. However, many wood windows do use an exterior aluminum cladding to protect the windows or patio doors from the outside elements. Also, the only place where these two very different materials compete for business in down south where very hot climates make aluminum windows a viable choice.
My Take On These: A high quality vinyl window and patio door make much more sense in every location in the United States - except for ultra hot climates. Here, a high quality aluminum window can withstand everything that the environment throws at it. As well, if you're someone who loves a thin and modern looking home, aluminum is probably the call (despite the drawbacks of metal). So read on and let's see how vinyl vs aluminum windows stack up against one another.
(Always Get 3 to 4 Local Price Quotes - And My Personal Advice)
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Page Sections
- Vinyl vs Aluminum Windows Introduction
- Material Strength Comparisons
- Vinyl vs Aluminum Windows On Style
- Energy Efficiency Head To Head
- Aluminum Windows vs Vinyl On Pricing
- Vinyl vs Aluminum Windows Q And A
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| CATEGORY | WINNER |
| Strength | Aluminum Windows |
| Style | Aluminum Windows |
| Price | Vinyl Windows |
| Energy Efficiency | Vinyl Windows |
| My Pick | Vinyl Windows |
Vinyl And Aluminum Strength Comparisons
How well do vinyl and aluminum windows compare on their overall strength? Residiential windows have to be strong enough to support their own weight within the wood frame in which they sit (93% of all U.S. homes are made of, and framed out in, wood). In the commercial market, aluminum windows are required in all cases because of how strong the material is.
Which kind of gives this category away - aluminum is roughly 6x as strong as vinyl (although this comparison can get trickier with vinyl window frame additives). At any rate, aluminum is the stronger material - but does it even matter? Windows are not load bearing parts of a home, meaning they only have to support their own weight, which they do in nearly every single cases.
Vinyl Window Strength
Vinyl window frames are a bit all over the board when it comes to strength. For instance, lower end vinyl window extrusions can sag slightly over two or more decades of use (especially in larger size windows - larger vertical spans). On the flip side, well made vinyl extrusions (that might use additives like titanium, foam fills, multiple chambers etc.) are going to be plenty strong for nearly all residential applications and will (should) last 30, 40, 50 plus years.
Aluminum Window Strength
There isn't much of a question that aluminum windows are by far the strongest window frame material available. As I pointed out earlier, it's the reason that aluminum windows are required in all commercial buildings. Of the five main frame materials in the replacement market (wood, aluminum, vinyl, fiberglass, composite), only aluminum is commerically rated. As such, aluminum windows frame are a good candidate for very warm climate due to their strength (conversely mediocre vinyl can begin to warp at temperatures over 110 degrees).
Winner On Strength : Aluminum
Vinyl vs Aluminum Windows On Style
Style and aesthetics (how well something looks) are often said to be in the eye of the beholder. So this category is somewhat subjective. However, if you took at pole on which of these materials was better looking, I think most people would pick aluminum over vinyl. Or to put this another way, I would venture to guess that most Americans think that vinyl windows are the worst looking of the five materials.
Aluminum Window Style
Because of aluminum's strength, replacement windows and door can be more narrow than vinyl windows. This sleek, narrow look gives off a more modern look, which appeals to many homeowners. So if you like a more modern and industrial style of window, then aluminum windows certainly get the nod in the category of style. This is why aluminum windows are often used for modern or loft buildings that go for a more commercial or modern look.
Vinyl Window Style
There are far more vinyl window manufacturers than aluminum window manufacturers (probably 50x more). And as such, vinyl windows are often available in a much wider array of colors, finishes, and options. Additionally, vinyl windows are now available in faux wood interiors, which mimics the look of real wood species. And while the first generation of these laminates were not all that nice looking, the new generation is nearly indistinguishable from real wood windows with a stain or finish on them. Talk about the best of both worlds.
Winner On Style : Aluminum
Energy Efficiency Head To Head
Certainly one of the most important considerations with replacement windows is how energy efficient they are. In fact, this category usually tops most homeowner's list for this often costly home improvement project. So which is the more energy efficient material - vinyl or aluminum windows? The answer is Vinyl by a lot - this is where vinyl windows really outshine aluminum windows.
Vinyl Window Energy Efficiency
Vinyl replacement windows offer some of the best performance data of all five window frame materials. However, poorly made vinyl windows have some of the worst performance data so you've got to shoot for a quality manufacturer and series. In the past, vinyl contraction and expansion was an issue, but that is a thing of the past. High end vinyl windows are the most energy efficient windows on the market (although fiberglass often holds up better over long periods of time).
Aluminum Window Energy Efficiency
Metal conducts heat and cold. In fact, you can place your hand on any window in a commercial building during a cold spell and you can feel the cold coming off the metal (or feel the heat during a hot day). This is simply not a good recipe for energy efficiency. However, modern aluminum windows are thermally broken, which has significantly improved the energy efficiency over aluminum window frames of old. However, they still aren't a match for a decent vinyl window. This is why aluminum windows shouldn't be used in cold climates due to how they transfer cold (even if they are thermally broken, which all aluminum window manufacturers now use).
Winner On Energy Efficiency : Vinyl
Vinyl vs Aluminum Windows On Pricing
If energy efficiency tops many consumers list regarding replacement windows and doors, then what you're going to pay is definitely second. So how do vinyl and aluminum windows compare on cost? The answer is definitely that vinyl is less expensive. In fact, vinyl windows are the least expensive window material on the market. Let's dig in a bit deeper.
Vinyl Window Pricing
Vinyl windows should fall into the price range of $400 and $1,200 installed, with a mid range window costing $725 installed. Of course, some companies will bid out vinyl windows at well above this $1200 installed, but that doesn't mean that's what they are worth.
Cheap Vinyl Window Cost: $400 to $650 installed
Mid Range Vinyl Window Cost: $650 to $950 installed
Premium Vinyl Windows Cost: $950 to $1,200 installed
Related Topic: Vinyl Windows Cost
Aluminum Window Pricing
Aluminum windows are not as popular as vinyl, therefore there are more limited options available, which in turn increases the price. Aluminum replacement windows cost is anywhere from $1,200 to $2,200 per window installed, with a mid range option costing $1700 installed. Are aluminum replacements worth the extra cost? For homeowners living in extremely hot climates or those who absolutely love the more industrial look, aluminum is a great option. For most other homeowners, a well made vinyl window is probably the way to go.
Cheap Aluminum Window Cost: $1,200 to $1,500 installed
Mid Range Aluminum Window Cost: $1,500 to $1,800 installed
Premium Aluminum Windows Cost: $1,800 to $2,200 installed
Related Topic: Fiberglass Windows Prices
Vinyl vs Aluminum Windows Questions And Answers
Explore our homeowner question and answer session regarding these two window frame materials - including pricing, brand comparisons, strength, performance data, cost quotes, and so much more.
Dane - Site Editor
Have a question on vinyl windows or aluminum windows? Hit me up. dane@replacementwindowsreviews.co
Houston Texas Replacement Window Options
We are looking to replace aluminum windows in a 34 year old home. We live east of Houston Tx. Do you recommend aluminum or vinyl? We found a vinyl window by MI. Based on your website, it seems evident that you do not like MI windows. What is your recommendation?
David - Homeowner - from 2026
[Site Editor's Response]
David, MI is indeed a lower end vinyl window manufacturer that sells cheap windows primarily to contractors and builders. However, their V4000 and higher series (both windows and doors) are quite good so that's certainly an options. Since you live in an incredibly hot climate down in Texas, I can go with either aluminum or a good vinyl. Don Young Windows out of Houston sells an excellent aluminum window that you certainly should get a quote on from their local dealer - give them a call and they will refer you to the company or companies that service your town.
In terms of vinyl, you may want to look at Milgard, Sunrise, Zen Windows (a franchise of Soft-Lite) and even Simonton. I would suggest staying away from the entry level option from each of these companies and instead stretch into their mid range (or high end) vinyl window model. With good competent installation, you should be well served with any of these brands. One note - in terms of the Simonton, I would recommend sticking to their 5500 Reflections or their 9800 Impressions series, these are the two models I feel comfortable recommending for such a hot climate as yours.
Dane - Website Editor - from 2026
Phoenix Replacement Window Questions
Hi Dane, I live in Phoenix AZ. I have 23 aluminum windows that are at least 30 years old that I want to replace. Also, I love your website however most if not all of the window recommendations are for windows not sold in our area (especially highest Vinyl options). Can you recommend some high quality vinyl windows for the Phoenix area? Thanks.
Tamas - Homeowner - from 2023
[Site Editor's Answer]
Tamas, appy to provide you with the list for Phoenix. Replacing your old aluminum windows for new vinyl windows makes a lot of sense. With that heat though, you really have to go with a high quality option.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2023
Aluminum vs Vinyl Windows
Hi Dane, thank you for your email. We started off getting quotes for all aluminum and these are attached. We found them very expensive and that made me look around for materials other than wood, aluminum clad or aluminum. Since we are in a high fire risk zone, wood is not a great option for us. We will be off grid so I am now considering composite for greater efficiency.
Out of curiosity I was wondering if zipcode matters to dealers because it seems prices are higher when the zipcode is say Santa Barbara as compared to Santa Maria or Oxnard. Any comments on this? My husband is convinced that pros charge as per zipcodes of the build.
Protima - Homeowner - from 2022
[Website Editor Reply]
Protima, I think the zip codes matter. When the sales person goes out on the job, he is basically trying to make as much money as the market will bear. So if he goes into a more affluent community his thought process is that they are willing to pay more. Getting a number of bids and going back and negotiating can usually get the prices to where they should be. Have you tried Anlin? I will send you my California based recommendations.
Dane - Website Editor - from 2022
Thermal Barrier Aluminum vs Vinyl
Dane, I am currently researching new windows to replace 30 1988 era aluminum windows. I don’t know much about vinyl other than staying away from “builder-grade”. I read your comments on how aluminum is not as efficient as vinyl. On a comparison level, how much difference is there between thermal barrier aluminum and vinyl if both have Argon filled dual pane construction with Low-E366 glass?
Thank you for your help.
Steve - Homeowner - from 2019
[Site Editor's Answer]
Steve, if you want to experience aluminum vs. vinyl windows, go to your local starbucks and take a seat by the window — they use a commercial grade thermally broken aluminum window. Feel the frame in the morning, it's cold to the touch. Go at 1 in the afternoon and feel a window with direct sun on it — its hot.
Next time you go to a friend's house, check their vinyl windows (most houses have vinyl windows) and feel the difference in temp — very little change unless it's super hot or super cold. Interesting experiment to be sure! Most homeowners should stick to a high quality vinyl window. A top end Simonton window, Ply Gem or PGT is a good option in Florida.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2019
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