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uPVC vs Aluminium Windows- Solving Homeowners' Ultimate Dilemma
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By: tushar
- October 26, 2023
If you are building or purchasing a new home or renovating your existing one, one crucial element that needs to be perfect is the windows of your place. They play an essential role in making your abode aesthetically appealing and functional. From ensuring security to enhancing a house's visual appeal, windows are your home's ultimate heroes. However, to ensure the window spaces at your place perform their best, choosing the right windows is essential. When you visit the market or start your window shopping journey online, you will come across numerous options as this market is quite diverse. However, two window options usually confuse the buyers. Yes, we are talking about the age-old debate of uPVC windows vs aluminium windows.
The world of windows presents a buyer with numerous options as it is pretty diverse. This diverse market can sometimes make a homeowner feel overwhelmed with choices and leave them perplexed. One such challenging situation is to choose between aluminium and uPVC windows. The rivalry between these two options has been ongoing for years, and both windows' superior features aptly justify this war. From aesthetics to functionality, both these competitors give neck-to-neck competition to one another. As a result, titling one as the best for all homes is impossible. However, the two can be compared on several factors to help you decide which is most suitable for your place.
This blog by the Home4us team has come to your rescue to help you decide the best windows for your place and take you out of the never-ending debate between uPVC and aluminium windows. However, before comparing the two, it will introduce you to the two competitors individually.
What are Aluminium windows?
Aluminium windows are windows containing an aluminium frame holding glass panes in place. These windows are available in several types: stacking, bi-fold, casement, sliding and tilt-turn aluminium.
What are uPVC windows?
uPVC windows contain frames made from a plastic powder- uPVC (Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride). This powder is melted and set in mould to form the frames. These windows also have glass panes and are available in different types like casement, french, sliding and bay windows.
We hope the above sections have briefed you about these two windows. Moving forward to the main topic of this blog, the next section will compare uPVC and aluminium windows to end the ultimate challenge of choosing one.
uPVC vs aluminium windows
uPVC vs aluminium is one of the most challenging debates in the world of windows as both these options offer numerous advantages, making them suitable for a home. However, there is never a single answer that suits all. For some homes, uPVC might be ideal, while for others, aluminium. Hence, it is crucial to thoroughly compare the two before making any decision. The below comparison will help you to know the best option among the two for your home.
Energy efficiency
One of the most common aspects to evaluate while comparing these windows is their energy efficiency level. Below are some crucial pointers comparing the energy efficiency of these windows.
When considered in their raw forms, the energy efficiency of uPVC windows is higher than that of aluminium windows. However, with the advancements in the windows world, manufacturers now incorporate aluminium windows with thermal breaks to enhance their energy efficiency. These thermal breaks have taken the aluminium windows to a level much higher than uPVC windows, as they significantly prevent energy loss by insulating the room and decreasing energy consumption.
Another factor that influences the window types' energy efficiency is their glass size. Aluminium frames are slimmer, allowing more space for glass panes. On the other hand, uPVC allows comparatively less space for the glass panes. As a result, aluminium windows reduce the need for artificial light sources by allowing maximum sunlight, eventually decreasing energy consumption.
Durability
Another significant factor in the debate of uPVC windows vs aluminium windows is their durability. The durability of these two windows can be compared below-
Aluminium's inherent strength makes the frames of these windows much more robust than uPVC. Frames made with aluminium possess the natural power of the metal, making them withstand structural loads and resist bending or warping.
Aluminium frames do not get damaged due to long exposures to sunlight. However, the uPVC frames get damaged due to sunlight as they are plastic.
The durability of these windows is also affected by the weather conditions. Aluminium is naturally resistant to corrosion and rust. Hence, no matter what weather conditions these windows come in contact with, they are not damaged. uPVC windows are also weather resistant. However, prolonged periods of moisture exposure can damage these windows.
Another crucial factor deciding the durability of windows is their level of expansion and contraction due to temperature fluctuations. Aluminium has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than uPVC, preventing contraction and expansion in them. As a result, aluminium windows do not deshape if they face temperature fluctuations.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics is a crucial aspect of choosing the right window as these are a significant element of your home's architectural style. Therefore, you must choose windows that complement the architectural theme of your place. The below points differentiate aluminium and uPVC windows based on their aesthetics.
The frames of aluminium windows are much slimmer than frames made with uPVC. If you wish to have a sleek look from your windows and a minimalist architectural theme at your home, choosing aluminium windows will be the right option. Aluminium windows offer a contemporary and sophisticated look that might be difficult to obtain with uPVC windows.
Aluminium allows the users to experiment with designs and colours. Hence, they will enable you to get them customised in finishes and colours of your choice based on the other interior elements of your home. These windows can be easily coloured in shades of your choice as they are powder coated. However, the finish and colour options are limited with uPVC windows.
Windows are a significant investment. Hence, it is understandable if you look for options that retain their aesthetics for long. If you do not want your windows polished every few years, choose aluminium windows, as they maintain their aesthetic appeal for several years. On the other hand, sunlight might fade the colour of uPVC windows and make them look shabby.
Cost
uPVC windows vs aluminium price is crucial to discuss when comparing these two window options, and Home4us has not left it behind. The initial cost and installation cost of uPVC windows are much less than those of aluminium windows. However, we cannot decide the cost efficiency of these windows based on their initial price. Below is a detailed comparison of the two options to decide which is more cost-efficient.
Thinking long-term reveals that aluminium windows are much more cost-efficient, significantly saving on energy bills. The energy efficiency of these windows is much higher than that of uPVC windows. As a result, they reduce the energy consumption while lowering the expenditure on utility bills.
Lifespan is another aspect of deciding the cost efficiency of the windows. Aluminium windows are a one-time investment that stays with you for over 40 years if maintained properly. However, uPVC windows last for only 20 years.
The durability and energy efficiency of aluminium windows enhance the resale value of a home with these windows in place. However, uPVC windows do not have any such effect on the resale value of a property.
Environmental impact
The next aspect of this list is the environmental impact of these windows. As more people become eco-conscious, they look for window options that do not increase their carbon footprint and cause harm to the environment. Below are the points to compare the two window kinds based on their environmental impact.
The first factor to evaluate the environmental impact of these windows is the process used for their production. The production process of uPVC involves using non-renewable materials, raising environmental concerns. On the other hand, aluminium windows do not include any such material as it is the Earth's most abundant metal. Aluminium production involves using renewable energy sources, making aluminium extraction environmentally friendly.
Aluminium is an easily recyclable metal, and its recycling process uses much less energy than it uses in its initial production. uPVC is also a recyclable material. However, its recycling process uses much more energy, increasing carbon footprints.
The lifespan of aluminium windows is much longer than uPVC windows, making the former more eco-friendly.
Maintenance needs are also crucial to determining the windows' environmental impact. Aluminium windows possess the natural resistance properties of the metal, preventing them from corrosion and rust, which decreases the need for expensive maintenance routines. Their lower maintenance needs make them more eco-friendly as they do not demand chemical-based products for their cleaning or replacements.
Takeaway
We hope the reading above has solved the ultimate debate of uPVC vs aluminium windows and helped you choose the best window kind for your home. Also, we would suggest you consider all the above points thoroughly before making any decision, as windows are a significant investment that determines the aesthetics and functionality of your home.
Frequently asked questions
Are aluminium windows better than uPVC?
Yes, aluminium windows are better than uPVC windows. When the two are compared based on varying aspects like energy efficiency, cost and environmental impact, aluminium windows outshine uPVC windows.
Which are costly aluminium or uPVC windows?
Aluminium windows are more costly than uPVC windows. However, their higher durability and low maintenance cost make their price worth investing in.
What is the disadvantage of uPVC windows?
A low customisation degree is one of the most significant disadvantages of uPVC windows. These windows do not allow the homeowners to customise them into styles, finishes and colours. Also, their lifespan can get shorter if exposed to direct sunlight for long periods. Also Read Different Types of Houses in India | Top Architects in India | 10 Most Expensive Houses in India | Cheapest Areas in Mumbai | Pune Posh Areas