Aluminium VS uPVC

In the modern day, aluminium and uPVC have taken over the UK to become the most common materials used in windows, doors, and double glazed home extensions. Both materials have advantages and disadvantages, and understanding the differences and similarities between the two can help you provide better service to your customers.

At Trade Windows Wales, we’re proud to offer a wide range of aluminium and uPVC double glazing to the trade throughout Wales. Below, we’ve listed just some of the differences between aluminium and uPVC. Read below, or become a trade partner and start your quote for any of our ranges today.

Aluminium VS uPVC Summarised

– uPVC is typically more energy efficient.
– As a metal, aluminium is stronger and more durable than uPVC.
– uPVC typically comes in more colours, however some aluminium products have a vast colour range.
– Both options are low maintenance alternatives to timber.

Energy Efficiency Potential

Thanks to the powerful double glazing that comes standard with all our windows and doors, both our aluminium and uPVC range offer excellent energy efficiency. While uPVC is capable of naturally retaining more heat, most modern aluminium frames such as ours come with polyamide thermal breaks, which can trap heat in a similar fashion to double glazed panes. Whichever material you choose for your homeowner customers, you can expect reliable thermal performance.

When advising homeowners on which windows or doors can be best suited for their property, it’s important to remember the effect that energy efficient windows can have. A home with a high energy rating can stay more comfortable for longer periods of time without reliance on constant heating, potentially leading to reduced energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.

Durability

For durability and strength, aluminium is an excellent choice. Compared to uPVC, which is a type of plastic, aluminium is a lightweight yet highly robust material that can easily resist dents and warping from intense weather conditions or years of exposure to the elements. This isn’t to say that our uPVC windows and uPVC doors aren’t also durable, as they can last, on average, for 20 years without any difficult maintenance requirements. However, for optimal durability, we recommend modern aluminium double glazed windows and doors, such as our Cortizo aluminium bifold doors.

The RAL colours used on our aluminium windows and the woodgrain foils available for our uPVC windows are both designed to maintain their vibrance and even hue without chipping, cracking or fading. If you’re in need of colourful modern windows and doors or traditional-style wooden windows, then consider our RAL-coloured aluminium or our woodgrain effect uPVC windows.

Security

Security is a top priority for homeowners, and both aluminium and uPVC windows offer good levels of security. As aluminium is made of metal compared to plastic, it has higher durability, so it can provide a higher level of overall security than uPVC when it comes to warping and forced entry. However, uPVC windows tend to block out more sound from the outside world, providing a quieter and more peaceful living environment. This can be particularly beneficial for homeowners who live in a noisy area or near a busy road. We also can provide obscuring glass options for further privacy protection for either aluminium or uPVC ranges.

Overall, the comparison of aluminium vs uPVC for security and safety is actually rather close. Many of our uPVC windows and doors, as well as our aluminium windows and doors, are PAS 24 certified and come with multipoint locking mechanisms to provide your homeowner customers with total peace of mind.

Average Price

When it comes to price, uPVC windows are generally more affordable than aluminium windows. The cost of aluminium windows can typically be higher due to the materials and manufacturing processes used. Meanwhile, some uPVC windows, such as sash windows, can come with a series of optional authenticity features to make them look more like true timber windows, which can raise their cost to similar levels.

Realistically, more factors can affect the price of double-glazed products than just their frame and profile material. Other integral factors such as size, number of products, glazing type, additional features, colour/woodgrain, and much more can sometimes drastically change the price. With Trade Windows Wales, our website’s quoting engine can help you generate an easy quote without the hassle.

So Which Is Better? Aluminium Or uPVC?

In conclusion, both aluminium and uPVC windows have their advantages and disadvantages. uPVC windows can be more cost-effective, and they can come in a vast number of openings, styles, and features that make them suitable for almost any home. Meanwhile, aluminium is incredibly durable and lightweight, leading to next to no maintenance requirements and decades-long performance. uPVC windows have excellent thermal efficiency, while modern aluminium windows can offer similar performance at a slightly higher cost. Ultimately, the choice between aluminium and uPVC windows depends on your customer’s specific needs, preferences, and budget.

Here at Trade Windows Wales, we offer a wide range of aluminium and uPVC windows to suit every homeowner’s needs. Our experienced team can help you choose the right windows for your home and provide professional installation services. Whether you prefer the durability of aluminium or the affordability of uPVC, we have the perfect solution for you.

Aluminium & uPVC Prices

Switch your supply to Trade Windows Wales today and become a trade partner. Get in touch with our team on 0300 131 1113, or leave your queries in our contact form. Our free-to-use online quoting engine can get you a tailored quote in just a few clicks.

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Lee Thomas

Sales Manager at Trade Windows Wales

With over 25 years of experience in fenestration sales management, Lee has in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of the window and door industry, as well as what it takes to deliver high-quality, reliable lead times and products. His years of working closely with industry leaders and experts, as well as promoting and coaching his team to provide the best service possible to tradespeople throughout Wales, have made him an authority on all things double glazing.