Pocatello and most other cities in Southeastern Idaho have the typical continental high-desert climate, where winters are freezing, and summers are hot. The city is located at 4,500 ft, so strong solar exposure is a specific concern. If you are replacing old windows or are building a new home, choosing the right frame material can make a big difference in performance. For the longest time, aluminum was a choice for commercial projects, but with time, the material has found many takers in the residential sector.
We decided to talk to the experts at Nu Vu Glass, which specializes in installing windows in Pocatello, to understand whether aluminum is a good choice. Because the Nu Vu team is located here, they know how each material performs for homes. Here’s what you must know about aluminum windows.
Fundamental Aspects of Aluminum Windows
Installers often recommend aluminum frames for strength, stability, and slim sightlines. The material comes with naturally high thermal conductivity, so unless thermally broken, heat and cold transfer could be a concern. If you compare aluminum with vinyl, the latter is a better insulator and has a lower cost. Fiberglass, on the other hand, provides good thermal stability and low expansion, while wood is a natural insulator, but maintenance is a major factor, especially with Idaho weather in mind.
Thermal Conductivity – A Major Hurdle with Aluminum
Aluminum is a good heat conductor, and if compared to wood and vinyl, the difference is particularly striking. In Pocatello, where winter temperatures drop drastically, aluminum frames can become thermal bridges, which means that heat flows out faster, and everything adds to energy bills and HVAC overload. Thermal bridging is something you cannot ignore here, and installers recommend thermal breaks as a must for new windows. Otherwise, there are risks like lower insulation and a higher risk of insulation. Thermal breaks essentially mean adding plastic/polyamide strips within aluminum frames to reduce heat transfer.
Condensation Risk in Idaho Winters
There are two reasons for the condensation risk in Pocatello. First, the winter humidity, and the second one is cold surface temperatures. Aluminum windows that have poor thermal resistance create colder frame surfaces, and in the long run, homeowners have to deal with mildew growth and wood rot on adjacent trims. Before you choose aluminum, ensure that the technicians talk about one critical NFRC metric – condensation resistance.
Aluminum Window Benefits
If you have larger fixed windows or want better views, aluminum is a great choice for slim sightlines and offers a more contemporary look. Unlike wood, the material doesn’t rot, so even when temperatures and humidity levels fluctuate, there are no durability risks. Aluminum windows are also low on maintenance, and the material resists corrosion with finishes, so you can expect good ROI. Aluminum is also recyclable.
Window Styles & More
You may want to discuss window styles with the installer when choosing aluminum. Fixed picture windows come with minimal thermal concern and offer better views, while casement and awning windows with tight seals reduce air leakage. Sliding windows with thermal breaks are also great and help reduce conductive losses. Aluminum-clad wood frames are a great option for better insulation, but have a higher price tag.
Windows made of this material, in general, can cost more upfront than vinyl, but are slightly cheaper than high-end fiberglass and wood. However, if you count durability and overall lifecycle cost, the investment is worth considering. It is always better to consider better glazing packages for better frame performance in Pocatello’s climate.
Takeaways
Aluminum frames, when matched with laminated glass, can be useful for noise reduction, but the frame alone doesn’t affect acoustics much. Sound transmission is largely dependent on glazing configuration and sealing, and that’s one of the many reasons why installation is critical. If you are working with a new window installer in Pocatello, get details about U-Factor, SHGC, Air Leakage (AL), and condensation resistance when choosing aluminum.