We have home that was built in the late 70s. It has T-111 (plywood) siding. The existing windows are single pane aluminum framed windows. Our house is somewhat "modern" in that there are some clerestory windows and some triangle shaped windows that mimic the peak of the roof. The interior side of the windows do not include any mouldings, just sheetrock to the aluminum window frame. The exterior side of the windows does have wood trim surrounding the windows.

We are in Northern California, so rarely it might get below freezing in the winter. Summer can get into the 100s. But, we are pretty much in a temperate environment.

We are researching replacing the windows because they are single pane, because some of the seals around the glass are failing, and because the sliding glass doors are getting increasingly difficult to open and close.

We have had a few window replacement companies come out and give us quotes on new windows. None are interested in quoting for replacing the aluminum windows with new aluminum windows, but instead are suggesting that we go with replacement vinyl windows.

They say that the vinyl windows are so much better than the aluminum. The aluminum transfers the heat and cold more readily than the vinyl. Nobody says how much better the vinyl is than the aluminum.

We do see that the construction of the vinyl window includes metal (I assume aluminum) to separate the panes of glass, and in a more expensive window model, was within the vinyl channel that forms the window frame.

We see that the replacement vinyl windows would make the glass area smaller and would create additional detail around the interior window openings, with the white vinyl frame showing. We do not think that this would be appropriate for our house, as there is no moulding or detailing around the interiors of the windows now.

We think that it would not be too difficult to remove the existing exterior window trim, remove the existing window, replace the window with a new construction aluminum double pane, and replace the exterior trim, but no one seems to be willing to do that.

Also, we think that if we go with new aluminum windows, we would not need to replace all the windows, but only replace select operable windows, and not the fixed clerestory windows and other fixed windows that have odd shapes. If we went with vinyl, all the windows would have to be replaced because any that were not replaced would stick out because they would not match the new windows.

So, my questions are:

Is vinyl that much better than aluminum, if so, how much better?

Why are the contractors so hard sell with the vinyl windows? Are they that much easier to install? Is there a greater profit margin?

Has anyone else replaced their windows with new aluminum frame windows, and if so, how has that worked out? Do you regret your decision?

Any information anyone could post would be most appreciated. Thank you.

http://www.efficientwindows.org/ftypes.cfm

Most new businesses and office buildings use modern Aluminum windows. Modern high quality Aluminum work very well and are reasonably energy efficient. Even Milgard offers an Aluminum line with low-E.

Those contractors who steered you to vinyl likely have established relationships with vinyl window shops. Vinyl is still the most popular amongst home owners so many more shops sell them.

You may have to locate a shop that sells high quality Aluminum windows to get a contractor who will speak your language.

Good luck.

If you want more detail, please visit: http://www.freewebs.com/ddzhao/MyLoweWindowExperience.htm

Vinyl is plastic... think about it.

Each material has its' advantages but vinyl isn't perfect.

http://www.soundproofwindows.com/aluminum_vinyl.html

The existing alum windows have served you well for over 30 years. New ones should reward you with similar result. So, if you don't wish to replace all the windows in order to maintain a "similar" look to existing ones, go with alum !

Good luck!

Our contractor leans towards Milgard. And our interior designer has suggested Blomberg (small family run company in Sacramento, very high quality, no web site...) Today we looked at Fleetwood and were very impressed. Pricewise, Fleetwood appears to be between Milgard and Blomberg.

If energy efficiency of the frames is a huge issue, Fleetwood offers a 'split' frame with a layer of urethane rubber between the front and back halves. I think Milgard offers something similar. Blomberg also claims good energy efficiency.

We have to make a decision Very Soon. So if anyone has opinions on these (or others) I am all ears!

W.

We did install the Milgard aluminum windows. They are really neat looking! My one regret is that there are a few windows where the old had a fixed pane and a casement. I ordered double casements instead, and probably should have stayed with the original layout. This because the double casements have a lot more 'frame' showing than we originally had.

A few other things:

1.) We had some problems making casements work in some bedroom locations - due to emergency egress requirements. Basically a Milgard casement must be 30" wide for egress. Narrower and it won't meet code - even though the hinges are on the jamb. Wider and it becomes too heavy to work right. So we had to use sliders instead.

2.) Energy-wise, Milgard offers 'thermally broken' aluminum frames, but, strangely, not in California. I did order our windows with Milgards "Suncoat Max" upgrade though. It is interesting to place ones hand on the frame and then place it on the glass. Big difference in temperature. However, combined with other things in the construction (e.g., IB Systems membrane roof, and Techshield radiant barrier decking), the house is staying suprisingly cool during the current heat wave. (Got up to 100° yesterday.) And the insulation and drywall have yet to be installed!

So in our case the aluminum frames don't seem to be a big problem. But if one were to insist on thermally broken aluminum, then Fleetwood seems to be a better way to go. (FWIW, I gave the local Milgard area rep a hard time about not being able to order thermally broken in California. Seems silly that you can order them in other states, but not here.)

3.) Milgard delivery was *fast*. Like less than two weeks from order to delivery.

4.) A nit: Our frames are dark bronze color, almost black. For some reason the screws mounting the casement lock handles are bright colored. Yet other screws, such as the ones holding the screens, are black. I need to call Milgard to see if they can provide some black screws to make the bright ones 'disappear'.

5.) For the master bath, I ordered reeded obscure glass, on the thought that it kinda carried the theme of the reeded obscure glass in the sidelight of my front door. (Of course a workman accidently broke the original 1950s sidelight a couple weeks ago, so now I get to match the sidelight with the master bath instead...)

If any one has seen research please let me know.

You are going to resurrect a 2 year old thread to recommend that someone not use Low-e in an aluminum window because it will not change the efficiency?

Aluminum has inherent shortcomings in its ability to insulate vs. vinyl based on the material itself, however, there are at least as many advantages to the material over vinyl in the positive column. Structural strength, narrow profiles, resistance to degradation, heat stability, availability of dark exterior colors, life cycle, recyclable, etc.

You can find thermally broken double pane aluminum windows that have U-Factors in the 0.30's to 0.40's. So we are talking about a 5-15% reduction in thermal resistance when compared to most vinyl windows.

While that did not meet energy star requirements in 2009-2010, that does not mean that vinyl was the proper choice in some of the climates that aluminum is recommended.

I have no regrets on ordering low-E glass in our aluminum windows. They have been performing very well for us over the past three years. Remember that with aluminum, there is a much higher ratio of glass to exposed frame than with other materials. Still wish we could have gotten the thermally broken frames in California though.

And if I owned a Model A, I probably would put radial tires on it... :)

You will typically find better performance numbers out of the vinyl windows because it does not have the same high thermal conductivity of aluminum and is easier to insulate.

That being said, there are plenty of high performance aluminum windows out there so it really comes down to a matter of aesthetics and getting the look that you want at the price that you need to stay within.