The chances are that if you’ve researched windows and folding and sliding doors, you’re already aware of UPVC. This white, plastic-like material continues to be used all over the world for many reasons. For a few years now another material has grown in popularity: aluminium. Both materials have their good points and bad points, so we thought it would be a good idea to compare them against each other. Which one will better suit your project?
Cost
There’s no getting around this: aluminium is much more expensive to use in doors and windows than UPVC. One of the reasons that UPVC has become so popular, in fact, is that the development of mass production for it has kept prices fairly static since it was introduced back in the 1970s. Aluminium, on the other hand, simply can’t be manufactured in the same way because of its reliance on raw materials. Of course, price isn’t everything: as you read more down the page you may will that the benefits of using aluminium far outweigh the potential increase in cost. It’s also worth bearing in mind that as Aluminium becomes more popular, more product options will become available and prices will potentially lower as of the result.
Durability
This one probably won’t surprise too many people, but aluminium is far more robust and durable than UPVC. It’s not that UPVC windows don’t have a long shelf life – they do – but they simply can’t rival the toughness that solid metal can, especially if it’s well looked after and maintained. If you want strength and nothing else, aluminium is definitely the right choice for your project.
Profile size
If you prefer your windows to look thinner and sleeker, aluminium once again is the preferred option. The extra strength that aluminium offers means that frames made using it can be made much, much thinner. In turn, this means that the glass used can be wider and more light can be encouraged into the property. As well as being visually appealing, this is actually something that can save you money on your bills in the long run.
Security
Both materials are actually excellent in this regard. UPVC is very reliable and constructed to be quite difficult to break or damage. Aluminium, though, arguably offers an extra level of resistance on top of this: it is, after all, solid metal. Whichever material you use, though, you’ll be happy with the results as relates to the security of your home.
Environmental
Aluminium has excellent thermal performance; aluminium windows and aluminium doors offer unrivalled energy efficiency. What’s even more, aluminium is a highly durable material that will last for decades – so less energy will be wasted to replace it. Finally, when it does need replacing, aluminium is also easily recyclable.
As for UPVC, while this is not quite as high performing as aluminium, today’s UPVC is nevertheless a very energy efficient material. It’s also possible to recycle UPVC.
Aesthetics
One of the key factors when buying new windows or doors for your project is what they will look like. You’ll want to consider whether they will suit the style of your project and whether you can get the style and colour you want. Aluminium is a strong and flexible metal, aluminium can easily be bent into any shape – so if you have an unusually shaped window, this will be the material you need.Aluminium also has a slimmer profile than UPVC, so you get more glass and fewer frames. Finally, aluminiumm can be sprayed any colour you like, so you can get exactly the look you are going for. UPVC can become more elegant and stylish than it’s often given credit for, today’s UPVC windows and doors are available in a wide range of different finishes – Faced with the choice between UPVC and aaluminium windows and doors, homeowners and architects alike will doubtless prefer the slimmer sightlines and style of aluminium.
Get in touch
Ultimately the right material for you will depend on what design, style and what type of building you’re trying to create. To help in choosing the right material for your project, please give us a call today: one of our expert team will be happy to assist you in this matter. Call us on 020 8979 6367