Note: This is the first of a multi-part series comparing the various window materials available. At our Minneapolis replacement window company we install windows in most frame materials. In today’s post we’ll compare aluminum and fiberglass. Future posts will compare:
Comparing Aluminum and Fiberglass Window Frames
When replacing your home’s windows, you might feel overwhelmed with all of the choices available on the market today. We’d like to give you the basics on the various frame types available, starting with aluminum and fiberglass.
While aluminum windows have been a popular favorite for years, fiberglass is new to the market and not many consumers know much about them.
Appearance
For those homeowners who desire the most aesthetics value, the Weather Shield Premium Series might be the right choice for you. With almost no limit to the designs you can achieve with the Premium Series, these windows are sure to meet your needs.
Maintenance
Both aluminum windows and fiberglass windows are great when it comes to durability, strength and the low amount of maintenance they require to stay in good shape. Both materials will stay looking great for years after they have been installed with just simple cleanings.
If you happen to live in coastal environments, aluminum windows are prone to corrode in these areas if they are not covered with a protective coating or are not properly maintained. However, fiberglass windows are resistant to these coastal environments, no protective coating or extra maintenance needed. Of course, here in the Minneapolis area salt-laden moisture isn’t an issue.
Energy Efficiency
When it comes to which window material is better at being energy efficient, fiberglass windows take the cake. Aluminum is a metal, and metals are conductors of temperature. Aluminum windows might have extra perks within them that makes them more efficient like multiple panes of glass, insulated glass, low-e glass, and warm edge spacers, but you can also choose these options with fiberglass windows.
If you went with an aluminum window, it is not likely you will be throwing money out the window (literally), especially with Weather Shield’s Premium Series. They are just less energy efficient than a comparable fiberglass window. For homeowners looking for the most energy efficiency that they can get, fiberglass is the type of window for you.
Something to consider, too, when choosing your windows is that they have to be properly installed to get the most out of them. They might boast to be extremely energy efficient, but without proper installation this could make them less effective.
Give the professionals at Window Outfitters in MN a call today to give you a free quote on your new fiberglass or aluminum windows. We are a licensed MN home improvement contractor, and we install replacement windows in the entire Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
