Windows
uPVC or aluminium windows: which suits your home?
Most people replacing windows end up choosing between two frame materials: uPVC and aluminium. Both make a good, warm, secure window when they're made and fitted properly. The right one depends on the house, the look you want and the budget.
uPVC: the sensible all-rounder
uPVC is the most common choice for replacement windows in the UK, and for good reason. It's usually the more affordable option, it insulates well, and it needs little more than a wipe down now and then. Modern profiles come in more colours and finishes than people expect, including woodgrain foils that suit older houses.
The trade-off is bulk. A uPVC frame has to be thicker to be strong, so on a large opening you see more frame and a little less glass.
Aluminium: slim frames and big glass
Aluminium is stronger, so the frames can be much slimmer. That means narrow sightlines, bigger panes and a sharp, modern look, which is why it's the usual choice for contemporary extensions, large picture windows and steel-look designs. Today's aluminium windows have thermal breaks built into the frame, so they're warm as well as slim. It costs more than uPVC, but it's very durable and the powder-coated finish comes in almost any colour.
Glass matters as much as the frame
Whichever frame you pick, most of a window is glass. Double glazing is the standard. Triple glazing adds warmth and quiet, and is worth considering on a north-facing wall or a busy road. Building regulations set a minimum energy performance for replacement windows, so ask your installer how the windows they're quoting meet it.
How to decide
- Style of the house: slim aluminium suits modern and steel-look designs; uPVC suits most traditional homes.
- Size of the opening: for very large panes, aluminium's strength usually wins.
- Budget: uPVC usually costs less for the same number of windows.
- Upkeep: both need very little.
If you're not sure, we'll look at the opening with you when we survey and give you a written price for each option. See our bespoke windows and aluminium windows pages for the work we do.