So, you have decided that it’s time to replace or to buy new casement windows. What material to choose: vinyl, aluminum, or wood?
vinyl casement windows as well as aluminum, and wood ones have benefits and disadvantages. Understanding the features of each type can help you make the right choice.
Read our article to know how to choose the right material that matches your budget, requirements and taste.
Vinyl Casement Windows Pros and Cons
- Vinyl is the most budget window manufacturing material;
- If well-constructed and properly installed vinyl windows provide excellent energy-efficiency;
- Vinyl windows look like traditional wood ones. There is also a variety of designs available;
- A wide range of exterior and interior colors: both standard, and custom. But exterior colors may fade depending on the process of production;
- Durable, easy to clean, weather-resistant;
- Vinyl windows as a rule have the best warranties in comparison to other materials;
- Maintenance-free.
Aluminum Casement Windows Pros and Cons
- Aluminum is more durable and stronger than vinyl. It is widely used for apartment and office buildings, due to its structural advantages, it allows for larger sheets of glass;
- As to the price, aluminum windows are between vinyl and wood ones: more expensive than vinyl, but less expensive than wood;
- They are a better choice for rainy, humid climates;
- Aluminum windows frames can be made thinner due to the material strength, that allows maximizing a viewing area;
- Exterior colors are typically standard, but some manufacturers offer custom colors as well, and there is also a choice between mat, glossy and textured finishes;
- Cleaning is required on a regular basis with non-abrasive soap and water;
- Weather-resistant;
- Should be regularly inspected for potential corrosion;
- The length of warranty varies from one manufacturer to another. As a rule they have lifetime warranty on the frames and sash.
Wood Casement Windows Pros and Cons
- The most expensive option than vinyl or aluminum products;
- Wood windows installation takes longer, that means the price of installation is also higher;
- They are still the most energy-efficient and sound filtering option on the window market;
- Beautiful inside and out. Traditional details and flawless lines makes them the most attractive windows;
- A wide range of colors and finishes is available;
- Require a lot of maintenance. Actually, maintenance is essential for long lifespan of a wood window;
- Wood windows are susceptible to warping, rot, bug infestation, and cracking due to sun and rain exposure;
- Could last over 40 years (longer than vinyl) but only if taken care of;
- Shorter and more specific warranty, because wood is more susceptible to cracking, warping, paint peeling, etc.
The choice of the right window material is mostly a matter of personal preferences.
Vinyl would be the best option for those who are looking for the lowest price, best warranty and lowest maintenance requirements.
Aluminum windows are the best choice for those who are looking for durability, weather resistance, and a low profile. But they are less energy-efficient than wood and more expensive than vinyl.
Wooden windows are natural, beautiful, with excellent insulation properties, but they cost more, and require a lot of inspection and maintenance.
If you have any questions or need some advice on what window material is best for your window project, just contact a Canadian company Vinyl Light Windows & Doors. The consultants will help you to find a model and material that harmoniously fits into the style of your home and ensures the most pleasant living conditions.
