Winows - Vinyl vs. Alluminum
I am wondering if replacing all windows and doors will make a big difference inside of the house if I dont have insulation in the roof.
Is vinyl or alluminum better, as far as efficency?
Does anyone have done dual pane alluminum windows and doors?
According to my architect, roof insulation is more effective in maintaining temperature control inside the house. It keeps the house cooler in the summer and prevents heat from escaping in the winter.
I agree with Wendy on the cost effectiveness of new roof vs. new double paned windows.
We replaced our roof with 3 inches of added insulation and it has kept our house 10 degrees cooler in the summers to the point where we don't feel we need air-conditioning at all.
The cost of replacing all of our windows with double panes would be about $30,000 dollars and we live in a 1,400 square foot house. I am still hoping to do that someday but the new roof was more cost effective--less than 1/4 of the new window estimate.
And don't ever use vinyl window on an Eichler. We have a neighbor who did and regrets it. They just don't look right.
You don't even have to choose aluminum for the big windows. You can get double paned sheets of glass in the same size with no frames. Same look. For the smaller windows, try for aluminum windows with thermal breaks.
By the way, I agree about the roof. Our foam roof makes a 10 to 15 degree difference.
