uPVC vs aluminium windows
uPVC vs aluminium windows? In short: uPVC is the usual, more affordable choice and insulates well; you choose aluminium for a slimmer frame, large sizes or a RAL colour. Here are the differences.
Difference between uPVC and aluminium windows
uPVC gets its stiffness from chambers and mass, aluminium from the material itself. So aluminium is slimmer in view and goes larger, and uPVC is the more affordable of the two at ordinary window sizes.
Insulation: aluminium vs uPVC
Our uPVC profiles have a frame Uf of 0.86 to 1.3 W/m²K. Aluminium has a wider spread: from 0.57 for the best insulating profile to 2.35. For the whole window, the glass makes the biggest difference; the U-value of your window is in the quote.
Sightline and sizes
uPVC shows 119 to 150 mm in view; aluminium can be slimmer. Aluminium goes up to 6,000 × 3,000 mm, uPVC with the Gealan S 9000 NL up to 3,200 × 3,200 mm.
Colour and upkeep
uPVC has its colour in the material or a foil; aluminium is powder coated in any RAL colour. Neither needs painting.
uPVC vs aluminium windows: price
Aluminium is usually dearer than uPVC. How much, you'll see on the two price pages with measured amounts from our quotes, in GBP excl. VAT and import duties, and the calculator works it out for your size.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, uPVC or aluminium windows?
Neither is always better. uPVC insulates well and costs less; aluminium is slimmer, stronger and comes in any RAL colour. Choose on what matters for your home.
Which is more expensive, uPVC or aluminium windows?
Aluminium, usually. The measured amounts per type of window are on the price pages for uPVC and aluminium windows.
Which is cheaper, uPVC or aluminium?
uPVC, at ordinary window sizes.
Does uPVC insulate better than aluminium?
On average yes, but our best insulating profile is aluminium (Uf 0.57). Look at the Uf per profile and choose the glass with it.
Do both come in any colour?
Aluminium in any RAL colour; uPVC in the foils and colours the configurator shows.
Know what you want? Put it together.
No form first: you watch your window take shape as you choose. The price follows in the quote, within three working days.
Configure your window or door
Where we have a guide price, it is on the page, not behind a form — not a quote and not a final price; the amount for your sizes is in the made-to-measure quote.
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