Replacement Windows: Vinyl vs. Composite

In the last decade the choice for replacement windows has gone beyond wood, aluminum and vinyl to include composite windows, made from a combination of fiberglass and wood pulp.

The new and technologically advanced products offer homeowners more options to replace window sashes, the part of the window that opens and closes. Each replacement window option has its pros and its cons.

Vinylwindows came to market in the 1970s and gave homeowners a less expensive alternative to wood or aluminum for their windows


In addition to being more affordable, vinyl replacement windows were considered better than the popular wood, because they didn’t require painting and were low maintenance.

Years later, vinyl replacement windows are still considered the more affordable, lower maintenance alternative to wood.

But in the past 10 years, manufacturers have brought composite windows and replacement sashes to market, offering homeowners new alternatives, particularly to vinyl replacement windows.

The comparison of composite windows to replacement vinyl windows include:

• The composite windows are stronger and more durable than vinyl, meaning less material is needed to hold the glass window in place. This allows more sunlight to filter into your home.

• The acrylic factory finish ensures the color resists fading and cracking far longer than vinyl.

• The materials are more rigid than vinyl, making them much less susceptible to expansion and contraction than vinyl, and allows for a smaller frame (meaning more glass & a greater view)

• Both types of new replacement windows are more affordable and durable than wood or aluminum.

• Vinyl windows are more affordable than composite and are equally energy efficient and low maintenance, but less durable.

Both composite windows and vinyl windows are superior in technology, maintenance and durability to wood or aluminum windows. While vinyl is more affordable than composite, composite windows offer a stronger frame for your glass window. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at aspenwindows@gmail.com or 717-569-3700.