Are you considering new windows for your home in South Florida? Beyond selecting a window style or frame aesthetic, you need to also consider how you will protect them from hurricane damage. Here we’ll discuss the key differences when choosing aluminum frame windows vs vinyl windows for your home and why most homeowners choose vinyl.
The most complete window protection option for Florida homeowners is hurricane impact windows. Unlike traditional windows, these are designed to withstand common forces of severe weather activity like strong winds and flying debris. They’re also housed in a stronger frame made from vinyl.
If you are considering choosing between aluminum vs vinyl windows, vinyl is the clear winner for most homeowners. Today, we’re going to outline some key advantages of vinyl window frames so you can see the differences firsthand.
Advantages of Vinyl Windows:
Durability
Vinyl windows can be a great alternative to aluminum, especially when you’re looking for durability.
Vinyl offers a longer lifespan than aluminum window frames and doesn’t pit or corrode like aluminum can, which means that it will last longer and require less maintenance. While vinyl is often more expensive, you’ll get more years out of your vinyl window investment than an equivalent aluminum window investment.
Plus, vinyl is a more impact-resistant material than aluminum. If you are in an area where hurricanes are common, vinyl windows may be a better option for your home.
Energy Efficiency
When it comes to energy efficiency, vinyl wins hands down over aluminum. Aluminum windows are notorious for being inefficient when it comes to insulation and air sealing and they can actually conduct heat. They tend to allow a lot of air through them, which increases your heating costs during the winter and cooling costs during the summer.
Because they provide better insulation, vinyl windows are far more energy efficient. This helps your home stay cooler during hotter temperatures. As a result, your air conditioning systems are placed under less strain to remain at a comfortable indoor temperature, so you can save money on energy bills and enjoy greater comfort levels year-round.
Affordability
When you’re looking for a new window, affordability is probably one of your top concerns. Vinyl windows are often more expensive than aluminum windows, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth the investment.
Due to aluminum window frames’ tendency to pit and corrode as the paint fades, you may have to pay to replace them on a more frequent basis. Instead, you can pay one time for vinyl windows and benefit from a long-lasting solution that will pay for itself in the long run.
Design
If you’re worried about maintaining your home’s aesthetic when replacing your windows, you don’t have to deal with the stress of choosing between vinyl and aluminum. Vinyl frames can be custom-designed and shaped to match nearly any aesthetic, which can be especially valuable for maintaining the original aesthetic of your home or complying with your HOA’s standards.
With so many different styles available, you’ll be able to find a window style that matches your home’s exterior perfectly.
Convenience
If convenience is a factor that you’re considering for your replacement windows, then you should know that vinyl windows are easier to maintain than their aluminum counterparts. aluminum windows require regular sanding, painting, and staining to stay in good condition. Vinyl windows never need to be painted or sanded and are resistant to moisture, pitting, and corrosion damage.
Because vinyl windows don’t have to be painted or sanded, you can keep your home looking brand new for years with just a little bit of maintenance every few months. You won’t have to worry about your vinyl window getting ruined by rain or snow because it’s impervious to moisture and pitting. And since it doesn’t absorb stains like aluminum, you’ll never have to worry about your vinyl window looking dingy or dull over time.
Get Vinyl-Framed Hurricane Impact Windows for Your Florida Home
If you live in Florida, you know that hurricanes and severe storms are a fact of life. Instead of spending time constantly anticipating the next weather event, you can enjoy the peace of mind of always-active protection that vinyl-framed hurricane impact windows provide.
If you want to feel safe and secure in your home, consider vinyl-framed Paradise Platinum Series Windows by Paradise Exteriors, the exclusive installer of South Florida’s leading hurricane-impact windows. We are proud to say that we hold multiple Energy Star Awards for energy efficiency and an endorsement from the National Crime Prevention Council for home security.
We’ll install your windows in a timely manner to keep you protected as soon as possible. To learn more about how to get Paradise Platinum Windows installed in your South Florida Home, contact us today for a free estimate.
