Windows manufactured from aluminum are better suited to commercial buildings rather than a home. The reason for this is aluminum lends itself to the production of very large windows where structural stiffness becomes a concern. For the average window in a home, alternative materials such as vinyl have plenty of strength to do the job. In addition other, non metallic materials, offer far greater energy savings in that they do not conduct heat or cold the way a metal such as aluminum will.

There are various techniques used to increase the energy efficiency of aluminum such as thermal breaks made up of plastic strips but even these do not make aluminum a logical choice for the home owner.

Replacement Windows Tips:

• Window frames are available in a variety of materials, including aluminum, wood, vinyl, and fiberglass.
• When purchasing windows you can get single pane, double pane or triple pane.
• If purchasing more than one pane you will be offered the opportunity of filling the void between the panes with either argon or krypton to increase efficiency.
• Multi pane windows require a “spacer” which holds the panes together and is critical to keeping the gas in and moisture out. There are several different types of varying quality and often you can upgrade to a better one.
• Always ask the company providing you a quote about disposing of the old windows.
• Vinyl window frames can be mechanically fastened, i.e. screwed together at the corners, or welded.