Reviewed by Mario Garcia, General Manager at Windows Hawaii
Walk through almost any older neighborhood on Oahu and you’ll see aluminum windows: sliders, jalousies and single-pane frames from the 1960s and 70s. Today, most replacement windows are vinyl. If you’re trying to decide between the two, here’s how they compare on heat, durability, salt air, looks and cost.
Vinyl vs. Aluminum Windows at a Glance
| Vinyl | Aluminum | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy efficiency | Better. Vinyl doesn’t conduct heat well, and frames have insulating chambers. | Worse. Aluminum conducts heat, so frames get hot in the sun unless they have a thermal break. |
| Salt air and corrosion | Won’t rust, pit or corrode | Can pit and corrode near the ocean, especially hardware and older finishes |
| Condensation | Less likely, frame stays closer to room temperature | More likely on the frame in humid weather with AC running |
| Strength and frame size | Thicker frames | Very strong, allows slim frames and large glass |
| Maintenance | Wipe clean, never needs paint | Finish can chalk or corrode over time |
| Noise | Quieter, especially with dual-pane glass | Frames transmit more sound |
| Cost | Usually the better value | Can be comparable or higher for quality thermally broken frames |
Energy Efficiency
This is the biggest difference. Aluminum is an excellent conductor of heat, which is great for a frying pan and bad for a window frame. On a sunny afternoon, an aluminum frame heats up and passes that heat into the room. Vinyl frames have hollow chambers that slow heat transfer, so they stay cooler and help your AC work less. Pair them with Low-E glass and the difference is even bigger.
Higher-end aluminum windows use a thermal break, a strip of less conductive material that separates the inside and outside of the frame. It helps, but most older aluminum windows in Hawaii don’t have one.
Durability Near the Ocean
Salt air is tough on metal. Aluminum doesn’t rust like steel, but it can pit and corrode, and the steel screws, rollers and locks in many aluminum windows do rust. That’s why so many old island sliders are hard to open and won’t lock. Vinyl frames don’t corrode at all. Choose vinyl windows with stainless steel hardware for the longest life near the beach. Our Ali’i Extreme windows use stainless components for that reason.
Looks and Design
Aluminum’s strength allows thin frames and very large panes, which is why it’s popular in modern architecture and commercial buildings. Vinyl frames are a bit wider. Today’s vinyl windows come in more colors than the white frames many people picture, including tan, adobe and black, and they suit most home styles.
Cost
For standard home windows, vinyl is usually the better value. Nationally, LawnStarter lists vinyl windows at roughly $140 to $765 per window and aluminum at roughly $80 to $460, but those aluminum prices are mostly basic, non-thermally broken frames. Quality thermally broken aluminum costs more. For Oahu pricing, see our Hawaii window replacement cost guide.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose vinyl if you want lower energy bills, no corrosion near the ocean, less maintenance and the best value. This is the right choice for most homes in Hawaii.
- Choose aluminum if you need very slim frames or extra-large glass for a modern design, and look for a thermal break and corrosion-resistant finish.
If you’re replacing old jalousies or aluminum sliders, our jalousie windows guide and casement vs. sliding windows guide can help you pick a style.
Vinyl vs. Aluminum FAQs
Do vinyl windows warp in the sun?
Quality vinyl made with UV inhibitors holds up well in strong sun. Cheap vinyl can fade or warp, so the brand and the formulation matter.
Are aluminum windows stronger than vinyl?
Aluminum frames are stiffer, which is why they can be thinner. For normal home window sizes, quality vinyl is plenty strong.
How long do vinyl windows last?
Quality vinyl windows often last decades. See how long windows last by frame material. Many top brands back them with lifetime warranties for as long as you own the home.
Ready to replace old aluminum windows? Call 808-671-0808 or request a free estimate on Oahu.
