What are the main differences between uPVC & aluminium windows?

Which window material is better: uPVC or aluminium? This question has been playing on the minds of homeowners for years. The truth is both make for fantastic, high-performance window frames. It’s not a case of which is better, but of which is right for your home and your short and long-term budget requirements. To help you decide, we’re going to break down the key differences between the materials. We’ll be comparing:

• Cost
• Appearance
• Efficiency
• Durability
• Maintenance

First of all, the question on everybody’s lips:

Are uPVC windows cheaper than aluminium windows?

Typically, yes. uPVC is the easiest and cheapest window frame material to manufacture. Therefore, it is usually the cheaper product to install. This is partly why uPVC casement windows are the most popular choice for homeowners across the UK. This may be a factor to consider if you live in a more built-up residential area. Choosing windows that fit in with the current look of your street will help to boost kerb appeal and property value.

Aluminium windows, while they are more expensive, are typically seen on more modern properties with more aesthetic prowess. Why is this? It’s largely due to the fact that…

Aluminium windows have slimmer sightlines

Because aluminium is the strongest window material, it can support large panes of glass with only minimal frame width. This incredibly sleek appearance makes it an ideal material for products like bifold doors and grand commercial projects. For windows, glass surface areas can reach huge sizes, allowing for natural light to flood into the home. This makes aluminium great for modern, architectural homes when light and space are unbelievably fashionable right now.

However, it’s fair to say that uPVC windows offer slightly more versatility in design. At Unique Glazing, we supply uPVC windows in styles including casement, flush sash, sliding sash, bay and bow, and tilt and turn. Aluminium windows are available in casement and flush sash styles.

Both materials come in a magnificent range of colour schemes, including Naturals, Sensations, Alchemy and Cotswold. Both materials can also be manufactured in dual-colour, with different colours on the interior and exterior frames.

Are aluminium windows more efficient than uPVC windows?

Ordinarily, the polyamide thermal breaking technology integrated into aluminium windows would make them outperform uPVC in thermal efficiency. However, thanks to our Liniar uPVC, our uPVC windows trap much more heat inside their profiles than normal. With a choice of the standard 4-chamber profile or the supreme Liniar EnergyPlus 6-chamber profile, our uPVC windows can achieve the same A++ energy ratings as our aluminium windows.

Are aluminium windows more durable than uPVC windows?

Yes. uPVC windows are incredibly durable, exhibiting brilliant resistance to force and extreme weather. You can expect uPVC windows to last between 25 and 30 years. Aluminium windows, however, being the strongest on the market, can last as long as 45 years before they need replacing. As such, their difference in price is proportional to how long they will last.

How can I maintain my windows?

To ensure both materials reach their life expectancy, all that’s required is the occasional wipe down with soapy water. Both aluminium and uPVC are exceptionally low-maintenance materials compared to something like timber, which is prone to splitting and rotting.

So, with maintenance and efficiency fairly equal, the main things for you to consider are:

• What style of window you want
• Your immediate budget

For example, if you want a beautiful bay window on a limited budget, uPVC will be the way to go. If you want fashionable flush sash windows with large frames, aluminium would be the preferred material.

Quality uPVC and aluminium windows across the South East

If you live in or near London, and have more questions about which window material is right for you, Unique Glazing are on hand to answer any questions. For more information on our products or installation process, please feel free to contact us.