Vinyl VS metal window frames?

[Dexter]

I'm trying to decide whether to get my windows (new construction) with vinyl or metal frames.
I believe metal are more expensive.
Is one better than the other for maintenance, efficiency or longevity?
I crossed wood out early due to maintenance and initial cost.

I appreciate any tips!

[tyusclan]

Go with the vinyl.

The metal frames will get cold and some of that will seep in. The vinyl also can't rust like the metal could at some point.

[farminghandyman]

I have metal with thermo breaks and have a few vinyl windows and (yes the vinyl windows are newer, but still my older vinyl units are near 10 to 15 years old, (and appear to be as good as the day I put them in).

I would not put any new metal frames in unless it was in a out building,
and most of my metal windows need to be replaced, as the panes have broke the seal,
I will replace with the vinyl type,

[mossywyatt]

Do you mean window frames or clad? If frames then in B.C. vinyl if clad then I think some aluminum clad look nicer wyatt

[TnAndy]

Go vinyl...as farminghandyman say, aluminum ( which is what about all metal windows are nowdays ) tends to expand and contract more ( especially the darker colors ) and that movement tends to cause seal breaks between thermopane units more than vinyl.

( Been in the replacement window business for many years )

[Wildfire_Jewel]

My husband just got certified to do energy audits. THe very best window is a wood framed triple paned low E
Next is vinyl then metal.
Make sure you insulate and seal around them well so you don't have any air leaks.
The infra red camera has been alot of fun to use and has given us a very good idea of why our house is cold in certain areas.....They skimped on the insulation when they built the house!

[Fae]

I have aluminum windows in my house and am replacing them with vinyl. I did not want the maintenance of wood. The aluminum windows oxidize bad and look ugly to me.

[Dexter]

I guess vinyl it is!
Wood sure looks great, but yeah the maintenance required (with wood I would want a natural finish) is just too troublesome, as is the price.

Thanks again!

[Bonnie L]

Metal sweats & looks ugly. We're replacing our, 1 vinyl window at a time!

[Cabin Fever]

We have low-E Marvin windows in our home and guest cabin. The windows are made of wood and are "clad" with green aluminum. The windows are very tight and extremely energy efficient. They never frost up even at subzero temps. From the outdoors, the window frames look green, from the inside the windows look to be 100% wood.

These windows are "maintenance free"....except for washing them on occassion.

Inside:


Outside: