
- Aluminum windows are elegant and modern, but very poorly isolated from heat and cold.
- Fiberglass windows can cost a little more in advance, but provide excellent energy savings and a versatile appearance.
- Both types are highly durable, durable and low maintenance.
Aluminum or metal frameworks are very strong, light and almost free of maintenance, according to the United States Department of Energy. However, they easily heat and offer poor insulation unless they are designed with a thermal break. Fiberglass frames are dimensionally stable with aerial cavities that can be filled with insulation, giving them a better thermal performance than both metal and wood.
Pure aluminum frames are rarely used in residential construction due to their poor efficiency, but can be suitable for very modern house designs in soft climates. More commonly, the owners choose aluminum -coated windows, which have a wooden interior and an aluminum exterior. These costs $ 400– $ 850 Thus window, on average. Fiberglass frames offer higher energy savings for a slightly higher cost of $ 500– $ 1,000on average.
For most owners, fiberglass windows offer better insulation and long -term value, with a minimum price difference. Next, we break down some other key differences between these two window materials, such as maintenance and appearance, to help you decide which one is best for your home.
Aluminum vs. Fiberglass Windows: What is the difference?
The biggest difference between aluminum and fiberglass frames is their energy efficiency. Aluminum frames are rarely used without modification due to their lack of efficiency, while fiberglass frames offer much better insulation.
It is worth noting that aluminum windows differ from aluminum coated windows. The former are typically totally metallic frames used in modern or commercial -style houses, while aluminum -coated windows combine a durable aluminum exterior with a wooden interior. Aluminum coated windows are more common and generally more affordable than fiberglass. However, complete aluminum frames, especially those of high performance high performance, can be quite expensive, sometimes even more than fiberglass.
The following table shows how common windows coated with aluminum and fiberglass are stacked through factors such as maintenance and appearance.
Factors | Aluminum dressed windows | Fiberglass windows |
---|---|---|
Energy efficiency | Bad efficiency; requires the addition of thermal breaks | Well isolated and highly efficient |
Cost | $ 400– $ 850 | $ 500– $ 1,000 |
Maintenance | Low maintenance; may require anticorrosion coating | Low maintenance in all climates |
Life expectancy | 40–50 years | 30–50 years |
Appearance | Thinner, modern, industrial | Varies, you can imitate other materials |
Energy efficiency
The windows play a key role in the energy efficiency of a home, and the material greatly affects the efficiency of an individual window.
«Aluminum windows are not something that will find for new or replacement windows outside commercial applications due to their lack of energy efficiency,» said Alex Vinet, a specialist in customer services Personalized exteriors In Berthoud, Colorado. This is because aluminum naturally performs heat. Modern aluminum frames are often modified to include thermal breaks, which improve their insulation properties, but also increases costs.
Wooden windows dressed in aluminum offer better efficiency than only aluminum because wood is a better insulator. However, fiberglass windows are the most efficient insulators in general due to their low conductivity and ability to incorporate additional isolated pieces as part of the frame.
Cost
The costs of pure aluminum windows are among the window frame materials, although the aluminum coated windows are in the same stadium as the fiberglass windows. Aluminum coated windows cost around $ 400– $ 850, while fiberglass windows cost $ 500– $ 1,000.
«The vinyl is the most profitable window material, and I would say that from 85% to 90% of the market use vinyl,» Vinet said. However, vinyl windows are not as durable as aluminum or fiberglass windows.
Window frame material | Average cost per installed window |
---|---|
Vinyl | $ 450– $ 800 |
Aluminum | $ 400– $ 850 |
Fiberglass | $ 500– $ 1,000 |
Compound | $ 500– $ 1,200 |
Wood | $ 600– $ 1,500 |
Today’s owner today
How much will pay for its replacement windows often reduced to the brand, the product line, the size of the window and installation, not only the frame material.
Maintenance
Aluminum and fiberglass are low maintenance maintenance frame options. Fiberglass windows do not require paint or finish and are easy to clean with soft water and soap. They are resistant to fading, but are susceptible to damage due to excessive sun exposure.
«The darkest colors will fade and discolor faster in direct sunlight,» Vinet explained. «The more fiberglass of sun exposure has, the faster it will decompose, which leads to possible splinters, fading or peeled, depending on the manufacturing process and the additives that the manufacturer has used.»
Aluminum windows are also easy to clean, but require some additional care. You must maintain lubricated mobile pieces, and in coastal areas, they may require an anti -corrosion coating for the protection of the elements. They are not doing well at extreme temperatures.
Life expectancy
Aluminum windows have an average useful life of approximately 30 to 50 years, although this depends on how well they remain.
Fiberglass windows have a similar average life of approximately 30 to 50 years or even more.
«With proper maintenance, aluminum -coated windows could survive fiberglass windows,» Vinet said, he added: «I think this type of window requires the greatest amount of maintenance of all types of windows.»
In any case, you must regularly clean your windows according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to maximize how long they last before replacement is required.
Appearance
Aluminum aluminum windows have an elegant and modern appearance with thin frames that allow a large glass area. They are often used in commercial or industrial designs. Wooden frames aluminum dresses have much thicker depth and frame, which creates a more bulky appearance with less glass space and a more traditional appearance.
Fiberglass windows are versatile enough to adapt to a range of architectural styles, often manufactured to resemble other materials. For example, some fiberglass windows have a false wood grain texture.
Advantages and disadvantages of aluminum vs. Fiberglass windows
Aluminum and fiberglass windows are low maintenance options that offer a long useful life and great durability. Consider the following pros and cons fiberglass and aluminum by deciding among them.
Aluminum windows
Pros
- Very durable
- Very strong and light
- Low maintenance
- They tend to cost less than fiberglass windows
Cons
- Very poor insulating, especially in climates with extreme temperatures
- Prone to condensation and humidity corrosion
Fiberglass windows
Pros
- Highly energy efficient with aerial cavities that can be filled with isolation
- Offers long -term energy savings
- Durable, durable and low maintenance
- Suitable for various climates and climatic conditions
Cons
- They tend to cost more than aluminum coated windows
- Relatively few design options for customization.
Are aluminum or fiberglass windows better for you?
In many houses, fiberglass windows are a better option than aluminum windows. Aluminum is a poor insulator in most climates. Fiberglass is much more versatile and among the most efficient windows, offering better energy savings. It is suitable for almost any climatic and architectural style. We recommend fiberglass windows for owners of conscious housing of energy who want lower heating and cooling costs over time.
Today’s owner today
The best type of window frame for your project will also depend on factors such as brand, series and installation quality.
You can prefer aluminum coating windows if you enjoy your style or want to save a little in the replacement project of your window and still get a durable and low maintenance window.
Next steps
If you are considering new windows for your home, talk to a local window supplier or a general outdoor contractor. They can evaluate your home and advise it on the best material for your unique project. It gathers contributions from multiple contractors so that you can compare your costs, services and reputation of past works.
If the cost is your main concern, vinyl windows can make an even better budget window replacement. Vinyl offers a good balance between efficiency and affordability.
Frequently questions about aluminum vs. Fiberglass windows
Do aluminum or fiberglass windows have a better resale value?
Both aluminum -coated windows and fiberglass are considered premium options and can improve the resale value of the home, especially if they improve the attractiveness of the sidewalk and energy efficiency.
Fiberglass windows can offer a slight advantage due to their long -term performance and growing popularity among buyers aware of energy. However, well maintained aluminum wood windows can also cause a strong impression, particularly in traditional or artisan -style houses.
What should I look for when buying windows?
When buying Windows, you should look for dimensions that specifically coincide with the opening of your measured window with precision. A professional window specialist can take the most precise measures of the width and height of a window from the outside of the house. Errors and bad coincidences can be expensive, since it cannot return most of the orders of the window once removed from the packaging.
What company is the best for Windows?
The best windows brands include Anderson, Pella, Marvin, Windows Champion, Window Nation, Windows Universal, Window World and Castle Windows renovation. Many companies are associated with specific brands, so speak with multiple suppliers in your area to find one with the types of products you are looking for at a price within your budget.
For example, if you are looking for aluminum coated windows, Pella and Marvin are both options. However, the aluminum coated windows are more expensive.