Aluminum vs uPVC

Compare window materials to make the best choice for your home

Aluminum windows

Aluminum

A strong, lightweight metal material that offers a sleek, modern appearance with thin frames and excellent durability.

£450-£2200
uPVC windows

uPVC

Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride is a low-maintenance, cost-effective material with good insulation properties.

£250-£1200

Feature Comparison

AluminumFeatureuPVC
£450-£2200
Price Range
£250-£1200
1.8x
Relative Cost
1.0x
Good
Thermal Efficiency
Good
30-40 years
Average Lifespan
20-30 years
Very Low
Maintenance Required
Very Low
15-25 years
Typical Warranty
10-20 years

Detailed Comparison

Aluminum

Advantages

  • Extremely durable
  • Slim frames for more glass area
  • Modern appearance
  • Low maintenance
  • Will not rot, warp or crack

Considerations

  • Poor thermal insulation unless thermally broken
  • Conducts cold
  • Higher cost than uPVC
  • Industrial appearance not suitable for period properties

uPVC

Advantages

  • Affordable
  • Low maintenance
  • Good thermal insulation
  • Weather resistant
  • Available in many colors

Considerations

  • Less elegant than timber
  • Limited repair options if damaged
  • Environmental concerns with production and disposal
  • Can discolor over time

Our Recommendation

Choose uPVC if:

You want premium performance with good thermal efficiency

Budget Considerations

Aluminum:£450-£2200
uPVC:£250-£1200

Long-term Value

Expected Lifespan:30-40 years vs 20-30 years
Maintenance:Very Low vs Very Low

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