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 Tyagi
22 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
Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner,... More
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.
ALUMINIUM WINDOWS
Tip: Aluminium sections are thinner than uPVC and have a higher ratio of glass.
- Pro: Aluminium is strong
Tip: Aluminium sections are thinner than uPVC and have a higher ratio of glass.
- Pro: It’s durable
- Pro: You get it in multiple colours and finishes
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.
- Pro: Aluminium is environment-friendly
- Con: But it provides poor insulation…
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.
- Con: …and requires periodic maintenance
uPVC WINDOWS
- Pro: It’s strong and can take tough conditions
- Pro: It allows high security
- Pro: uPVC is easy to maintain
Most uPVC window systems come with good hardware that ensures ease of operation and swift movement of sliding windows on rollers.
- Pro: It provides good thermal insulation…
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
- Con: It has a shorter life
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.
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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.
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?
@HU 2576...83, uPVC windows that look like wood can be considered.