We offer both, so we have no reason to steer you towards one or the other. They are both excellent. They are also quite different.
At a glance
| uPVC | Aluminium | |
|---|---|---|
| Frame appearance | Fuller, softer sections; flush sash and woodgrain options | Slim, crisp and square-edged |
| Thermal performance | A-rated as standard; U-values as low as 0.8 with triple glazing | Very good with thermal breaks; glass U-values from 0.9 |
| Colour | Eight finishes including woodgrains | Any RAL colour, matt, satin or textured |
| Large panes | Good | Excellent: stronger, so frames stay slim |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Maintenance | Wash with soapy water | Wash with soapy water |
Choose uPVC if
- You want the best insulation for the money
- The house is traditional, and woodgrain or flush sash frames would suit it
- You are replacing windows throughout and the budget matters
Choose aluminium if
- You want the slimmest frames and the most glass
- The house is contemporary, or you are building an extension with bifolds and a roof lantern to match
- You want a specific colour, or a different colour inside and out
- The openings are large
You can mix them
Plenty of homes have aluminium bifolds and a lantern on the extension and uPVC windows in the same colour on the rest of the house. Anthracite Grey, black and white are closely matched between the two, and from the street the difference is hard to spot. It is a sound way to spend the budget where it shows.
