Aluminum Windows

Aluminum replacement windows are versatile, come a wide variety of pre-set and custom shapes and designs and can be painted nearly any color. They are attractive, although they have an industrial or commercial look to them. Aluminum windows are very durable, have great strength (allowing a thin frame) and are effective at blocking out sound. They require little maintenance, are easy to clean, and very resistant to dents, cracking and breaking. Aluminum is a good choice for mild climates, while not recommended as much for severely hot or cold climates.

Advantages of Aluminum Replacement Windows

Strength / Durability: Aluminum is three times as strong as vinyl window frames. Once properly fitted to a window, an aluminum window is very tough to loosen or dislodge.

Price / Cost: Aluminum window cost falls somewhere in the middle of the price spectrum - not as expensive as wood windows, equivalent to the mid to upper price range for vinyl replacement windows. For more on window pricing, see our replacement window cost estimator.

Maintenance: Aluminum windows require little maintenance and are very resistant to rust, cracking, splitting or shrinking.

Variety and Colors: Aluminum windows are available in a wide array of colors and sizes. Although aluminum window manufacturers are less common than vinyl window manufacturers, there are still

Market Share: For the most part, aluminum windows are nice looking , although it is somewhat industrial or commercial looking compare to vinyl replacement windows. In fact, aluminum windows have a huge market share when it comes to commercial buildings. As for the residential market, aluminum window's share of the market has dwindled significantly over the past 20 years.

Reducing Noise: Because Aluminum windows have more mass vs. vinyl windows, they will stop more external noise from reaching the interior of a home. Aluminum is nearly 3 times heavier than vinyl (and much stronger.)

Manufacturers: Amsco, Atrium Windows & Doors, Champion Windows, Gentek, Milgard Windows, Napco., Pella, Reynolds Mfg., Traco and many others.

Weaknesses of Aluminum Replacement Windows

Aluminum windows have one huge drawback -- they are great conductors of heat and cold and are therefore extremely poor when it comes to energy-efficiency. For this reason, aluminum windows are used primarily for commercial buildings and applications. Many builders are willing to sacrifice the heat loss/gain for the strength that aluminum window frames offer for large window openings.