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Vinyl window pros and cons

Pros… You never have to paint the outside since they are the same color throughout the vinyl. You can get Single hung, Double hung, Casements and Awning style windows in vinyl unlike aluminum windows. They are better at reducing outside noise compared to aluminum. Vinyl does not conduct heat or cold well making it a great composite insulated frame. . You never have to worry about them rotting. They are cheaper to purchase compared to wood windows while still giving a wonderful rich look to the house.

Cons… Vinyl melts easily when exposed to unnatural heat such as a fire or blowtorch. Vinyl becomes brittle with age. A bad storm or baseball could break the frame of the vinyl compared to aluminum or wood. If the vinyl is not reinforced well structurally by the manufacturer just opening and closing the window could cause bowing of the frame or frame separation from the glass.

The Pros and Cons of Aluminum windows

Pros… Aluminum windows are cheaper and are the standard with most mainstream builders even in high end homes. This makes it easier, quicker, and cheaper to get parts and much needed glass repairs. Most local window companies can repair your windows where as with some wood brand windows you may have to go to a service company that specializes in that particular brand of window again making it cheaper on repairs. Aluminum is more durable than wood and vinyl and will not rot.

Cons… Aluminum is a bad conductor of cold and heat which transmits from the outside inside and vice-versa meaning energy loss. The only exception to this is a window that comes with a thermal break between the outside aluminum and the inside aluminum, still this is still less energy efficiency then other styles but a better solution is if you can install thermal break windows rather than standard aluminum. Condensation or sweating occurs when it’s cold outside and warm inside the much like a glass of cold water sweats when left in a warm room , left long enough it can absorb into to wood causing it to swell or leave water stains on the sheet rock that surrounds the window. The glass airspace between the outside and the inside glass tends to be narrower again making it less energy efficient. Noise transmits through the aluminum framing more than Vinyl or wood style windows. After several years the anodized pain on the outside will fade from the elements. You can’t get Casement and Awning style windows in aluminum unless it is the outside cladding of a wood window.

The Pros and Cons of Wood windows.

Pros… Wood windows add a lot of character and home appeal to the house. Adds value to your home. You can get Single hung, Double hung, Casement and Awning style windows in wood. Wood works great against noise and is more energy efficient than aluminum windows. The airspace that comes between the inside and the outside panes of glass tend to be greater on a wood window increasing energy efficiency

Cons… Wood is more expensive than aluminum and vinyl windows. The outside wood needs painting every few years. Service tends to be more expensive due to added labor charges and if the sash is required to be replaced with the glass. You may have to search for a company that will service that brand of window in both parts and glass. Glass replacements on some brands are not feasible for just the glass to be replaced they require the sash with the glass replacement making the wait for glass or parts a minimum of 3 weeks to get in hand.

The Pros and Cons of Wood windows with Aluminum outside cladding

Pros… Wood windows with an outside cladding are a great solution for never having to paint your outside windows ever again and still have the appeal of wood. You can get Single hung, Double hung, Casement and Awning style windows in wood with outside aluminum cladding. They add value to your home and increase the eye appeal. They help break wood rot issues that normal wood windows have. The airspace that comes between the inside and the outside panes of glass tend to be greater on a wood window increasing energy efficiency.

Cons… They are more expensive than aluminum, vinyl and standard wood windows. Service on the glass replacement can be a lot more expensive if you have to replace the glass with the sash. You may have to search for a company that will service the windows in both parts and glass making service more tedious and timely. Glass replacements on some brands are not feasible for just the glass to be replaced they require the sash with the glass replacement making the wait for glass or parts a minimum of 3 weeks to get in hand.