If your home still has older windows and doors, they are unlikely to perform at their best and will lead to heat loss and higher energy bills.
Aluminium windows and doors look great and prevent heat from escaping if you choose the best in aluminium joinery. If you have not yet studied how aluminium windows can improve your home, reading up about the use of hinged doors and sash windows will help. Talking of Windows Aluminum vs. uPVC? Both materials offer some great advantages. These will, of course, appeal to different types of homeowners, but the fact is that there is no ‘right’ answer about which one is better. Whether they’re the right choice for you and your property will ultimately depend on different factors.
Property Style
Your budget clearly determines whether you choose aluminium or UPVC, as well as the style of your property. While an elegant modern home with an aluminium frame may look amazing compared to a more traditional home, a Grade II listed building or property located in a nature reserve may require a sash window. If you opt for aluminium instead of uPVC, consider whether your preferred frame choice improves the appearance of the house from the inside out as well as from the outside.
This decision is usually influenced by the size of the window and the environment in which it will ultimately sit, as well as by the type of window.
A sash window would probably be much better. If you own a holiday home, while a modern aluminium frame could easily be installed in the window of your own home.
Available in a wide range of colours, uPVC aluminium is also available in a wide range of colours, giving you greater flexibility when trying to meet all of your overall design requirements. However, for some people, especially those with limited budgets and time, it may prove a little too expensive.
Maintenance
There’s not much to choose from in terms of maintenance when it comes to aluminium windows or uPVC. Neither material can stain or rot and both are easy to clean – just give them a quick wipe every now and then with a rag.
Price
Built-in aluminium windows are more expensive than uPVC. The installation of aluminium windows costs more than twice as much as the same uPVC type of window.
In a typical home, the total cost of aluminium compared to uPVC is probably in the thousands rather than hundreds of pounds. However, since aluminium is a more robust material than uPVC, it has proven to be very cost-effective.
Energy Efficiency
Both the windows mentioned above offer a very high thermal efficiency. uPVC is, of course, a great insulator, but there is a common misconception that aluminium windows are not as well insulated as uPVC.
Both windows can achieve exactly the same energy efficiency. In short, uPVC and aluminium provide an excellent level of insulation, but the frame feels colder. This is due to a barrier that prevents the heat from inside the house from escaping and means that the interior once heated up, stays warm for longer.
Security
uPVC and aluminium windows have reinforced frames and multi-point locks that make each of them as safe as the other. Whether you choose to invest in aluminium or uPVC, you will have peace of mind.
Aluminium vs uPVC Windows: A Summary
- uPVC Windows often cost less than aluminium windows.
- Aluminium windows are normally stronger windows than uPVC windows.
- Due to their inherent strength aluminium windows can have slimmer frames and heavier glass for better insulation.
- Both aluminium windows and uPVC Windows are almost maintenance-free.
- Aluminium windows can have a very long life span indeed, up to thirty years and more.
- Both uPVC windows and aluminium windows can offer excellent security, however, aluminium often has the highest security features.
- Perhaps one of the big advantages of aluminium windows is the much larger range of colours normally available.
What’s Best for you?
uPVC and aluminium windows have similar advantages, especially in terms of security, maintenance, and thermal efficiency. Personal preference, design and size of the house, and budget are the three main factors to consider before making a decision.Before committing to a material, it may be useful for your budget to get a free quote on the style to help you figure out which material best fits your property budget.
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