Welcome, one and all, to the showdown of the spring! In the fight to see which gets to adorn your home and provide years of use and aesthetic beauty, there are two contenders for the best low-maintenance window material.
As the weather warms up, you’ll likely be keeping your windows open to soak up the fresh air. However, you’ll also likely be stuck peering through gunk and dirt whipped up in spring storms. Depending on the number of windows you have in your home, cleanup can be quite a chore. Did you know that the type of window frame you choose can actually make a huge impact on how easy they are to maintain? It’s true! The trick is knowing which material will give you the best benefit for your time while also providing the performance you want.
Today, we’re going to pit two of our most popular window frame materials – vinyl and aluminum – against each other to once and for all answer the question: which material requires the least amount of maintenance?
Aluminum Windows
This contender combines strength and versatility with a low price tag, which is why it’s such a popular choice for production by window companies. Aluminum is impressively durable, flexible enough to be made into almost any shape of window you can imagine, and when it’s time for replacement, they can be sustainably recycled, making them an eco-friendly option. Unfortunately, they do tend to suffer in terms of energy efficiency, which means you might end up spending more on your heating bills. Aluminum is actually the least efficient material out there for windows, and because they’re so sensitive to temperature changes, they’re also more likely than most to develop condensation.
But let’s get to the heart of the matter: how easy is it to clean?
All you have to do for your aluminum windows to stay clean and shiny is a nice wash with a non-abrasive sponge and a bit of soap and water every few months. And that’s it!
Vinyl Windows
In the other corner, we have another favourite of window companies: vinyl! Affordable and long-lasting, vinyl windows can be created in almost any colour under the sun, and because the colour is mixed directly into the vinyl material, they’re able to withstand the rays of the sun, too. They’re scratch-resistant and are insulated to help reduce your energy costs, but when they get grimy, how much elbow grease do you have to commit to the cleaning?
All it takes is a bit of soap and water whenever they’re looking a little dirty. It is, however, worth noting that while vinyl windows are a good solution when you need window replacement quickly, they are slightly more prone to broken seals, and might need a review for repair once every few years or so.
And The Winner Is…
It was a tight fight, but in the end, the champion for us is vinyl. When the best windows and doors are important to you, you want something that’s going to give you both the performance you want and the style you need to match your home. Both vinyl and aluminum bring similar benefits, but we find that vinyl is our choice for its versatility, durability, affordability, and almost nonexistent maintenance. Plus, no matter what style your home is, vinyl windows can be manufactured to perfectly suit what you’re looking for!
However, these aren’t the only two options for window materials. To find the one that’s the ideal fit for your home, your best bet is to take a look in person.
Kempenfelt: Your Local Source for the Best Windows and Doors
At Kempenfelt Windows and Doors, we’re one of the region’s favourite window companies, stocking from Canadian suppliers and empowering our guests with constantly curated showrooms to help find that perfect addition to their home. When you’re ready to find the best windows and doors around, call our friendly team and ask about what we’ve got available in our catalogue.
If you’d like to learn more about finding the best windows and doors for your home, give us a call at (705) 737-1554. You can also send us a message directly online.
