Aluminium or uPVC Windows: Which One Is Right for Your Home?

Explore the pros and cons of these two popular window materials before you make a choice

Pooja Khanna Tyagi21 May 2017

Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner, and love Writing Poetry and Creative Stories on Building Design. Have been practicing since the year 2000 with specialization in the field of Corporate Interiors with projects extensively published in journals of national repute. Recently honoured with the reputed A3 Foundation award for Journalism for the year 2016. Currently practicing and residing in Delhi. Website: www.khannaenterprise.com, Email: poojakhanna224@gmail.com, M:9891993392

Both aluminium and uPVC windows are considered contemporary, durable and affordable window solutions for a home. The enhanced qualities of these materials make them a popular option for residential use but there are debates and questions on which window option is better and why. Here is a guide to the pros and cons of aluminium and uPVC windows that will help zero in on your preference and help make an informed decision suitable for your home.

PONZIO System Aluminum Windows

ALUMINIUM WINDOWS

Pro: Aluminium is strong

Aluminium is a strong, lightweight material. Thin aluminium sections also impart elegance and can be used effectively to handle the weight of glass. The sleek sections thereby increase the surface area of glass and allow more light to filter into the interiors.

Tip: Aluminium sections are thinner than uPVC and have a higher ratio of glass.

Soledad Builders, LLC

Pro: It’s durable

Aluminium windows are resistant to rust, are weatherproof and do not swell or crack when exposed to heat. However, these windows may not be very suitable for coastal areas as aluminium has a tendency to corrode and discolour due to oxidation in the presence of salt-laden air. In conducive conditions (away from salty air or spray or with suitable protective paint), the lifespan of aluminium windows is more than 45 years.

Prashant Bhat Photography

Pro: You get it in multiple colours and finishes

Aluminium windows are available in various styles like casement, fixed, sliding and tilt-and-turn windows. Most windows can be fabricated as single-, double- or triple-glazed units.

The aluminium sections are finished with a durable powder coating or anodising (coating a metal through electrolysis) because aluminium does not take to normal paint easily. The powder coating imparts an attractive look and does not discolour, corrode or peel easily. One can get the paint coating in any colour and it is available in various finishes like like satin, gloss or matte.

Tip: Note there are more colour options available in aluminium than uPVC windows. Also, make sure you go for a powder coating with high UV resistance otherwise the windows may discolour after long exposure to the sun.

Banducci Associates Architects, Inc.

Pro: Aluminium is environment-friendly

Aluminium is 100 per cent recyclable and can be recycled many times. This makes this material environment-friendly and a sustainable building material.

PONZIO System Aluminum Windows

Con: But it provides poor insulation…

The main drawback of aluminium is that it is not an energy-efficient option. Aluminium being a good conductor of heat allows heat gain and heat loss in the building.

A recent innovation: A thermal break can be built in; this is a rubber or vinyl strip that separates the interior and exterior sections of the window and prevents any transfer of heat through the metal.

Gaile Guevara

Con: …and requires periodic maintenance

Although aluminium is a hard-wearing material, it may require some periodic maintenance. These windows tend to rattle in high winds, which could loosen their hardware, such as screws. Ensure that the screws are tightened regularly; also they may need a fresh coat of paint after a few years.

Johnston Architects

uPVC WINDOWS

Pro: It’s strong and can take tough conditions

uPVC is a strong and durable material. It comprises uPVC multi-chambered air-filled sections known as profiles that are reinforced internally with galvanised steel sections to strengthen them. It is resistant to UV rays. It does not rust, corrode or flake and is also suitable for coastal areas (unlike aluminium, which may corrode or discolour).

North London Windows Ltd

Pro: It allows high security

Multiple-lock systems and shootbolt locks can be successfully installed in uPVC windows to provide enhanced security.

Sonali shah

Pro: uPVC is easy to maintain

uPVC doors and windows are easy to maintain; routine cleaning includes a quick wipe with a damp cloth. For deeper cleaning a light solution of soapy water is sufficient. Additionally, uPVC windows are designed with a built-in rain track with a slope that does not allow water to seep indoors.

Most uPVC window systems come with good hardware that ensures ease of operation and swift movement of sliding windows on rollers.

Sonali shah

Pro: It provides good thermal insulation…

Double- and triple-glazed uPVC windows are a great solution to achieve an energy-efficient home. uPVC is a poor conductor of heat and does not allow any heat loss or heat gain within the interiors.

Pro tip: This is one of the most important aspects that differentiates uPVC from aluminium windows. Note that the windows are meticulously sealed with sealants and rubber gaskets that close off any air gaps present.

Pro: …and blocks out noise

If you want a soundproofed home, install insulated double- or triple-glazed uPVC windows. They work as effective acoustic barriers that significantly cut down noise from the outdoors. These windows are recommended for homes that are located near main roads with heavy traffic.

SHIBLI ANSARI

Con: It has a shorter life

uPVC is primarily a synthetic plastic polymer, which has an average life span of about 25 to 30 years. This is less than aluminium windows. Also, some homeowners don’t find uPVC attractive because of its plastic look.

Read more:
6 Window Treatments That Will Change Your Perspective
9 Ways to Wow With Windows

Tell us:
Which window material do you prefer – uPVC or aluminium? Tell us why in the Comments section below.

Comments (23)

See 20 more comments

PRO

Pooja Khanna Tyagi

Both are good materials. If it is a coastalarea then go for uPVC. Aluminium has sleek and thin sections in steel colour. uPVC has thicker sections in white colour. Make sure your bathroom tiles match accordingly.

HU-257695683

I like the look of wood but see that in many places, it looks weathered and needs maintenance after a few years. So I was hoping to get wood-looking window frames.

My house will be right on the seafront, so it seems that we cannot use aluminium. Do you have any estimate of how long aluminium windows can last in coastal conditions?

@artius are these wood laminate windows available in Singapore and Malaysia?

PRO

Pooja Khanna Tyagi

@HU 2576...83, uPVC windows that look like wood can be considered.