Posted: 4th July 2023
Those with even the most casual interest in glazing will be aware of the aluminium vs. uPVC debate. It has been going on for some time now and shows no signs of abating. Despite what people might have you believe, it isn’t easy to answer conclusively. Each material has its strengths and weaknesses. Taken as a whole, with each of these pros and cons considered, the line between them is incredibly thin. For example: the cost difference might seem to make one the obvious choice, but when other factors like maintenance and durability are taken into account, price becomes about more than just the initial outlay.
Here at Mercury Glazing, we know a thing or two about windows. Here’s a breakdown of what we think the debate boils down to…
The Advantages – at a Glance
There is no doubt that aluminium and uPVC are both great materials to use in window construction. Taking a quick look at the benefits of each will give a good idea of the difficulty of the choice.
Aluminium Windows
uPVC Windows
The Features: A Closer Look
As you can see, the positives stack up in very similar ways; the extent to which each of these aspects is true will therefore likely be decisive, so let’s take a look…
Longevity
When it comes to the lifespan of these materials in windows, aluminium has the clear advantage over uPVC.
uPVC windows are extremely resistant to rot and the effects of the weather and require very little maintenance, but do have a tendency to degrade after around 30 years and will eventually need replacing. Aluminium frames aren’t prone to this degradation and – unlike other metals – aluminium doesn’t rust, meaning the windows should last you 50 years at the very least. Similar to uPVC, aluminium windows require very little maintenance.
Aesthetics
Certain types of property suit particular types of windows. Before your specific tastes come into it, some of the choice will be made up by the style of property the windows will be a part of.
Aluminium windows are known for their clean, elegant and modern style. For this reason, they are often associated with buildings that have a contemporary feel. Equally, if the property is located in a conservation area or the building itself is listed, there is a chance that aluminium won’t be accepted as a material for use, in which case uPVC may be the way to go.
Both aluminium and uPVC come in a range of styles and colours and sizes, but the options available differ in 2 main categories. uPVC can be made to emulate the finish of other materials – like aluminium, for example, or wood – whereas because of its strength, aluminium frames can be made much larger than uPVC equivalents.
Environmental Credentials
This is another area where aluminium really comes into its own. As a material, 100% of it can be recycled without loss to its structural properties or aesthetics; its production isn’t associated with toxins or particularly harmful industrial processes and due to its flexibility can be manufactured with minimal waste.
Energy Efficiency
Historically, the question of energy efficiency between these 2 materials heavily favoured uPVC, but aluminium has made up a lot of ground in this regard in recent years. While it is true that aluminium is a far more conductive material than uPVC, meaning heat passes through it far more easily, modern manufacturers use thermal breaks between the panes of glass to increase the window’s level of insulation. The same science is used in the construction of space shuttles and makes aluminium a perfectly viable competitor with regards to thermal efficiency.
To get a better idea of a particular window’s energy efficiency rating, we recommend checking its WER (Window Energy Rating) or U value before making any purchase: you might be surprised.
Cost
Initially, aluminium comes with a significantly higher price tag than uPVC. Production, manufacturing and transportation costs all contribute to this difference. However, once its durability and longevity is taken into consideration, aluminium more often than not proves to be the more cost-effective of the two materials.
Soundproofing
While both of these materials are vastly superior to wood in their ability to block out sound, uPVC is considerably more effective than aluminium in this particular function. If mitigating the noise levels inside your property is your biggest priority, it would be hard to beat uPVC windows.
Security
Surely, as important as any other aspect of a window’s performance is its safety. Sometimes, a little compromise is to be expected in building and renovation work, but this compromise should never be on its security.
In truth, both of these materials are known for producing a window that is strong and durable and the investment you make will be a secure one. Where there might be a case for aluminium’s superiority in this regard would be the impression of safety that metal gives, but this doesn’t increase its performance in any real sense.
Irrespective of the material you choose, we strongly recommend investing in units with high-quality locks installed. Modern designs have mechanisms and reinforcements that will make them that much more impenetrable.
Decision Time: No Pane; No Gain
Getting the windows of your home right will go a long way in achieving the right feel for your property. As a homeowner, these kinds of decisions will come down to your personal priorities, limitations and tastes – and whichever of these materials you end up using, you’re sure to find something that fits the frame.
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From sash windows to aluminium bifold doors, our high-quality products are engineered and manufactured right here in Britain. We work with fellow UK-operated companies, Spectus Window Systems, Smart Systems, and Jack Aluminium Systems, to deliver only the very best to our trade, commercial and residential customers.
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