How long has it been since you updated the windows on your home? Five years? Ten years? Have they never been replaced? If you're in the market for new windows, you've probably heard about vinyl windows, but have you heard about aluminum windows in Austin? Not only are there plenty of benefits to installing aluminum windows in your home, but there are also a large number of styles that have come into prevalence over the last few years.
Types of Aluminum Windows:- Single Hung
- Bay Windows
- Bow Windows
- Horizontal Sliders
- Casement Windows
- Awning Windows
- Picture Windows
- Radius Windows
The debate between the use of vinyl windows or aluminum windows really depends on how much money you want to spend, your personal aesthetic, and how frequently you keep up high levels of maintenance on your home already (and how much more you really want to add to that list). Here are the possible benefits of owning and installing aluminum windows in your home:
Aluminum windows tend to be more affordable due to their lack of energy efficiency, but they remain more energy-efficient than some older windows currently in use in many homes.
Aluminum windows are more prevalent in impact-resistant markets (those areas that deal with extreme weather like tornadoes, monsoons, hurricanes) due to their strength against the elements. This also means that they are stronger than vinyl windows in this regard. Depending on where you live in the country, this might be a very large part of your decision to install aluminum windows over vinyl.
While resistant to most scratching, cracking, and marring, aluminum is still able to be dented. If the surface is painted, chips and scratches may allow the underlying metal base to show through.
Aluminum frames are far thinner than vinyl or wood, allowing for a more modern look on most homes or corporate buildings. This thinner aesthetic is commonly used on larger, commercial buildings. Because of their lightweight nature, aluminum windows are best among commercial builders as they help alleviate the total weight pressing down onto the commercial building's foundation.
Aluminum windows are easy to recycle once their use has expired, either for structural or aesthetic reasons.
Downsides of Aluminum WindowsUnfortunately, there are downsides of aluminum windows depending upon your aesthetic and structural needs.
Aluminum windows are highly energy-inefficient, which is why they can be purchased for less. They act like radiators, allowing unwanted heat to infiltrate the home and vice versa. The same goes for cold weather as well. The only way to prevent this is to add "thermal breaks" to the windows, which will cost the homeowner considerably more. These temperature transfers also allow for serious condensation to seep between the wall and the window. This can cause rot, mildew, mold, or all three within the walls of your home. "Thermal breaks" help to alleviate this issue, but may not completely prevent it from occurring.
Because they are made almost entirely of metal, the steel or zinc fasteners attached to the windows can, over time, corrode due to reactions with the aluminum. Corrosion can make opening or sliding your windows difficult or near impossible depending upon the level of corrosion. Because of all the moving, metallic parts and metal on metal connections within the frame, aluminum windows need to be lubricated on a fairly regular basis. Much like the "thermal breaks," however, regular lubrication may not completely prevent rusting or corrosion of the internal parts.
Aluminum windows are not great at reducing sound as aluminum is an excellent conductor for sound waves.
It's a lot to consider, but knowing the benefits versus the downsides will help you make the right decision when it's time to upgrade the windows in your home. Whether you decide on vinyl or whether you decide to go with aluminum windows in Austin, you'll be armed with all the long-term information you'll need.
Source : articlesbase.com
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