Is it time to replace the windows in your Victorville home or business? The High Desert is hard on structures. If it is time to replace your windows, you are probably faced with the decision to go with Vinyl or Aluminum frames. Each offer strengths and weaknesses, but the following comparison will help you make a decision about which type of window frame is best for your building.
Design: Vinyl window frames have a softer less industrial look than do windows that are framed in aluminum. Vinyl frames are available in white and tan as standard colors, however depending on the manufacturer you may have other options such as painting the exterior of the frame a different color. Check with Vern’s Glass for color options. The strength to a vinyl frame is that it offers a less expensive way to meet today’s energy requirements. A weakness is that a vinyl frame must be thicker with a wider profile than an aluminum frame for it to be sturdy. That can be a problem with some housing or building designs. With an Aluminum window frame, they have an industrial look. They can be painted but if the paint is damaged, the bright aluminum will show giving the frame a weathered, aged look.
Durability: Vinyl frames are highly durable. It takes a great force to chip, scratch or mar them. Aluminum frames are also highly durable. They can be dented and if they have been painted the paint can be damaged which is a problem that vinyl windows do not have.
Color: Vinyl windows are available in a small assortment of colors. Their greatest weakness is that they cannot be painted on the inside of the frame so you will be limited to the color selection from the manufacturer. Aluminum windows come in a few standard colors of anodized finishes such as satin, bronze and black, but they can also be painted. As a painted surface, various AAMA requirements will assure your paint is warrantied for a specified amount of time. Check with Vern’s Glass when shopping for your products to understand the warranty given for your specific project.
Strength: When it comes to strength, Aluminum wins hands down. Vinyl is not as strong as aluminum since it is made of a softer material.
Appearance: Vinyl framed windows have a softer appearance whereas Aluminum framed windows are flat and somewhat industrial in appearance.
Vern’s Glass offers either aluminum or vinyl framed windows to Victorville and High Desert builders. For more information about window frames, just give us a call. We are happy to answer all of your questions about window replacement, glass replacement, and window repair. Our glass repair service has helped residential and commercial customers for decades. We also work with the best manufacturers so your project will always receive the highest caliber supplies.
