When it comes to aluminium vs UPVC windows, both materials boast some great benefits. Obviously, these will appeal to different types of homeowners, but the reality is there’s no right or wrong answer about which one is best.
Ultimately, whether they’re the right choice for you and your property will depend on many different factors.
Read our blog below to help you make a decision:
Insulation
It is well known that houses lose heat through their windows and doors, making energy-efficient glazing an essential for warmer homes but did you know that the frames are also something to think about?
UPVC frames provide better heat insulation than aluminium as plastic is an insulator while metal is a conductor. Improvements in UPVC technology have allowed the development of ever more efficient multi-chambered frames, so even the parts of your UPVC frames you can’t see are working hard to keep the cold out and the warmth in.
Aluminium, while providing sufficient insulation in most cases, can be highly prone to condensation on the inner frame, especially in very cold weather. This is due in part to the fact that metal transmits heat much more readily than UPVC, allowing temperatures to fall in the fabric of the frame itself and creating a ‘thermal bridge’ to the outside.
Lifespan
In warmer weather, you may have noticed that your plastic guttering and down-pipes creek and crack when the sun gets on them. This is the plastic warming up and expanding. The same thing happens to UPVC windows. Over a few years, the amount of expanding and contracting that occurs with uPVC can result in doors that are difficult to open, and windows that have twisted making them increasingly difficult to open and close.
It is recommended where large patio doors are required in a south facing elevation that they be constructed in aluminium only. This is because aluminium does not suffer the same twisting, warping or expansion when subjected to strong sun. Therefore, aluminium can last indefinitely.
Cost
Aluminium windows and doors are slightly more expensive than UPVC in general. As with many things, the better the product is the more it costs to manufacture and produce. By offering both products, we appeal to all customers regardless of budget. We can give you costs for both materials which will allow you to make your own mind up as to which product suits your requirements best.
Efficiency
UPVC is a great insulator and offer a very high level of thermal efficiency. With aluminium windows, there’s a common misconception that they are not as well insulated as UPVC, but this is not true. The frames may feel colder to touch, but the windowpanes can achieve exactly the same energy efficiency levels.
This is done by using a thermal break, a barrier which prevents aluminium-to-aluminium contact from the inside to the outside of your window, to keep the inside of your home warmer for longer
In short, both UPVC and aluminium offer excellent levels of insulation.
Security
UPVC and aluminium windows feature reinforced frames and multi-point locks, making them as extremely secure as each other.Regardless of the material you choose for your window frames, the locks are the most important aspect of their security. Providing you have modern multipoint locks; every frame should offer equally good security. Check your locks every 4-6 months, and make sure you always have a key for each window.
Before settling on a material, it may make sense to get a free quote for both styles to help you figure out which material is best suited to your property and budget.
If you’re still struggling to choose between aluminium windows vs UPVC, please get in touch or call 01234 771100 where our experts will be happy to discuss the differences in more detail.
