uPVC or aluminium windows: how to choose
Both materials make good windows and doors. They differ in how the frame is built, how it looks and where each is usually chosen. Many homes use both.
The frame
uPVC frames are made from rigid PVC profiles, joined at the corners and usually reinforced inside. Aluminium frames are made from metal profiles, which are strong for their size, so the sections can be slimmer.
How they look
Aluminium allows narrow frames and large panes, which suits modern elevations and very wide sliding openings. uPVC sections are wider. uPVC is commonly white, with laminated finishes available that resemble wood or colours; aluminium is finished with a coating.
Upkeep
Neither needs painting. uPVC frames are cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. Aluminium frames and tracks also need occasional cleaning. For both, keeping tracks, hinges and drainage slots clear matters more than the frame material. See caring for uPVC windows.
Where each is usually chosen
| Situation | Often chosen |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms and living rooms in homes | uPVC |
| Very wide sliding openings with slim frames | Aluminium |
| Office and commercial façades | Aluminium |
| Replacing old wooden or steel windows in a home | Either; often uPVC |
How to decide
- Start with the opening: its size, how you want it to open, and where it faces.
- Decide how much frame you want to see. If slim sightlines matter most, look at aluminium.
- Consider the look of the whole building, inside and out.
- Ask for a quote on both for the same openings if you are unsure.
Winsplast makes both uPVC windows and aluminium windows and doors, so we can recommend per opening rather than per material.