When choosing new windows for your home, there are an abundance of possibilities. Perhaps you want a specific look, are on a budget, or are trying to be the most environmentally friendly possible. Buying windows includes so many options to consider, whether you’re weighing the advantages of aluminum windows, vinyl windows, wood or wood-clad windows, fiberglass windows, or composite windows.
You’ll probably be deciding based on a multitude of factors: price, durability, maintenance, efficiency, style, environmental friendliness, and more–not to mention choosing the best material to suit your needs! If you’re considering aluminum windows, then you’re in the right place. If not, you can find more information about the benefits of vinyl windows, wood vs. vinyl windows, and more elsewhere on our website.
Here our experts will provide all of the relevant information and advantages of aluminum windows to help you make a decision. Keep reading or browse the different sections of our guide below.
Table of Contents:
- History
- Price
- Installation
- Durability
- Easy to Maintain
- Style
- Insulation Efficiency
- Environmentally Friendly
- Looking to Install New Windows?
History
Surprisingly, aluminum windows have a long history as they developed as a window material. Did you know that aluminum windows have been around as early as the 1930s?
Aluminum windows first appeared in 1912 as the prime window choice in public transportation for streetcars and buses. After World War II, aluminum windows became popular with commercial and construction businesses due to their innovative new material, material makeup, and cost effectiveness.
Steel window frames were used for their strength, versatility, durability, and fire rating. But aluminum windows perform much the same—and with more benefits.
Aluminum windows were the newest wave of material innovation in the twentieth century, and they were an easy choice for manufacturers and consumers alike. This boom is similar to the rise in popularity of plastic after World War II. The accessibility of the material and the cost per unit made both aluminum and plastic an easy choice.
Aluminum is a naturally occurring material, so it’s easy to obtain and there’s plenty of it–another reason behind its common use and popularity. By the 1970s, the advantages of aluminum windows outweighed past preferred materials like steel and ended up becoming the ideal replacement of choice.
Rather than steel or even wood windows, aluminum soon became what many commercial buildings and landmarks use. Because of its continued use as opposed to steel, it’s easier to replace historic window frames.
Price
One of the biggest decisions when choosing which windows to install in your home is the price. Windows are a long-term investment, and placing that much money in a single part of your home can be daunting.
When considering aluminum windows, you must remember that window size, quality, type/style, and insulation may change the cost per installation. Keeping in mind all of these factors is a lot for anyone! While aluminum is one of the most common and popular materials for window installations, like most window decisions, it’s an investment—which means every aspect should be considered before making the final choice.
The average window price for most aluminum windows ranges anywhere from $185 to $600. With this ranging price tag, though, comes many different variables—after all, aluminum windows are some of the most versatile materials for window installation. They’re also cheaper than the previous popular material of the 20th century: steel.
When considering the price, then, remember to keep in mind what you want from your windows. If style and insulation are most important to you, it may be worth it to invest a little more if it brings you peace of mind–and a satisfying look!
Similarly, it’s important to keep in mind the cost efficiency of raw materials. Sometimes there may be a shortage of raw materials (such as wood) or another issue causing prices to change, which may affect the overall cost of your windows.
Installation
Aluminum windows are easy to install due to the material type and its durability. Once you have these windows in, you and your home are set for years to come!
When installing windows, it’s important to have the correct measurements and make sure the windows are positioned well, are level, are flush against the frame, and are drilled in securely. At Acadian Windows, our experts can have your aluminum windows in place as quickly and efficiently as possible.
To speak with someone from our team about window installation, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us today.
Durability
Another factor that will be important to your decision-making is how durable these potential windows will be. Durability is not only how long your windows last through time, but also what weather they can withstand. After all, if the windows don’t last very long, they may not be the investment you’re looking for. Our aluminum windows are a fantastic investment for new and old homeowners alike.
One of the advantages of aluminum windows is that as a material, it is one of the strongest options out there. They’re also a popular choice due to their fire resistance. No fires will get through here!
Although they may degrade after extremely long periods of time, aluminum windows remain one of the strongest and best options for residential homes. For example, if you live in an area with tons of storms or intense weather, aluminum will do its best at protecting you, your home, and your windows from extensive damage.
While aluminum windows aren’t a one-stop-fix-it shop, it is the better option for peace of mind when maintaining your home and your investments. Aluminum windows can last up to 20–30 years!
Easy to Maintain
Maintenance on windows can be a bear, especially if it becomes a regular chore. On the bright side, aluminum windows are quite easy to clean and maintain.
You don’t need to paint them like you do with wood window frames. You also don’t need excessive tools or cleaning fluids, or a lot of muscle to make sure they’re as squeaky clean as you would like. In fact, it’s best to avoid abrasive cleaning fluids and other chemicals, solvents, and tools completely when caring for your aluminum windows.
Their easy-to-clean reputation makes aluminum a great choice for the busy homeowner. They’ll shine bright without all the extra might.
If you do need or want to clean your windows, though, here’s the best way to do it. The best materials to use for this maintenance project are good old fashioned soap, water, and a sponge. To clean your windows follow these simple steps:
- Use some sort of stiff brush to get rid of excessive dirt and grime before going in with your other cleaning supplies.
- Wash your aluminum windows with soap and water, paying special attention to get in the grooves where dirt may be hiding.
- Rinse your windows with water, making sure to rinse every space so no soap is left behind.
- Using a cloth–preferably soft and non-abrasive–dry your aluminum windows in small circular motions to ensure no streaks or excess material is left behind.
- Enjoy your squeaky clean windows!
Style
Now let’s look at the style choices available to aluminum windows. Luckily, one of the advantages of aluminum windows is the diversity of styles available.
Aluminum windows can be used when installing double and single hung windows, fixed, awning, casement, bi-fold, sliding, and stacking. Essentially, for any window you want, aluminum is available.
Commercial and residential windows alike have many style options, although some commercial windows options are preferred over others for certain instances and business types.
Insulation Efficiency
When choosing windows for your home, energy and insulation efficiency can be one of the deciding factors. If you live in an area with extremely high or low temperatures, keeping the cool air or the toasty warmth inside is a big concern. Or maybe you want soundproof insulation because you live on a busy street. In either case, insulation is not one of the advantages of aluminum windows.
Because of their durability and easy maintenance, aluminum windows are a cost-effective choice overall when all of their qualities are considered. However, aluminum windows aren’t the most insulated of all window options.
Fiberglass window frames typically have the best insulation efficiency. But there are other ways you can improve the insulation efficiency of your aluminum windows, such as adding a double glaze, other additional surface coatings, weather-stripping, and thermal treatments.
You can also ask for thicker glass if you need soundproofing to reduce street noise. Glass options are available for each different type of framing material. There’s always something that can be done to help you get the best windows possible for your home and situation.
Environmentally Friendly
Choosing the most environmentally friendly windows is not only good for the environment, it’s good for your bank account, too! The more environmentally friendly your windows are, the less heat and air conditioning they let out. This not only saves money on your energy bill, but it’s also less likely that you’ll have to replace your windows soon.
Environmental friendliness and insulation efficiency typically go hand in hand due to their energy saving characteristics. Among the available window options for you and your home, the most environmentally friendly windows are actually aluminum windows!
Aluminum windows don’t warp or shift as much as vinyl or wood windows. This allows them to better maintain their structural integrity, saving you time and money.
Looking to Install New Windows?
Are you looking to install new windows in your home? Want to reap the advantages of aluminum windows? If you want the best quality window options, best installation around Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, and the company that cares the most for you and your home, look no further than Acadian Windows!
We’ll set your windows and help you create the home of your dreams. Contact us today to get started on helping you make that dream a reality.
