Aluminium vs UPVC Windows: Which One Should I Choose? Windows made from aluminium and uPVC are both considered contemporary, durable, and affordable window solutions for the modern home. In Singapore and Malaysia, aluminium windows remain the overwhelming favourite. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. If you are considering buying some new sliding windows, and are torn between uPVC and aluminium windows, we will explain the benefits of each type of window to help you make the best choice for your home.
Aluminium Windows: Pros & Cons Benefits of Aluminium Windows | Cons of Aluminium Windows | | Lower thermal insulation performance The main disadvantage of aluminium is that it may not be as energy efficient. Aluminium is a good conductor of heat, which means the frames may transfer heat more easily compared with wooden or uPVC equivalents. However, higher specification systems have thermal break structures in their aluminium windows. This vinyl strip separates the interior and exterior sections of the window, greatly reducing heat transfer through the window.
| Aluminium windows are low-maintenance With aluminium sliding windows, cleaning is effortless. Window glass can be made to sparkle with the classic combination of window cleaning liquid and some old newspapers. Clean your frames with just water and a brush or rag. Keep your window hardware in smooth working condition by lubricating moving parts from time to time.
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| Aluminium windows come in a variety of colours and finishes At Eatons, you can choose from a variety of aluminium window styles, such as casement, fixed, sliding, and tilt-and-turn. These window units can be manufactured with different glass types including single, laminated or double-glazing. Aluminium windows are normally powder-coated or anodized (coating a metal through electrolysis). The powder coating imparts a neat appearance and is not discoloured, corroded or prone to peeling. The coating is available in a wider variety of colours and finishes such as gloss or matte. Pro-Tip: Aluminium comes in a wider range of colours and finishes than uPVC, giving you more design flexibility.
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| Aluminium windows are environmentally friendly Windows made of aluminium are more friendly to the environment because it is 100% recyclable and can be recycled indefinitely. The recycling market for used aluminium is active and there is no shortage of buyers. Furthermore, the material suffers no degradation after the recycling process. Once it has taken on a new form, the recycled aluminium is as good as new.
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uPVC Windows: Pros & Cons Benefits of uPVC Windows | Cons of uPVC Windows | uPVC is sturdy and durable uPVC is a strong material that can withstand tough weather conditions. It is composed of multi chambered uPVC air-filled profiles strengthened with galvanised steel sections. These profiles are UV-resistant.
| uPVC windows typically cost more and are less aesthetically pleasing Some homeowners find uPVC to be less attractive due to the look and feel of plastic. For windows of similar specifications and performance, uPVC windows also tend to be more expensive than aluminium windows.
| Ease of Maintenance - uPVC windows are relatively easy to maintain; all they need is a quick wipe with a damp cloth. To deep clean, just use a light soapy water solution. The majority of uPVC window systems feature good hardware that ensures ease of operation and swift movement of sliding windows.
| | uPVC provides good thermal insulation uPVC windows are a great solution for achieving energy efficiency in the home. uPVC is a poor conductor of heat, so it keeps any heat transfer between exteriors and your interiors to a minimum, as long as the windows glass used is low-emissivity (low-e) or double glazed. In reality, most heat transmission is due to the glass selection given the far larger surface area compared to the window frames.
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Aluminium vs UPVC Windows uPVC has been positioned as a low-maintenance, innovative option for years, but there are many reasons why aluminium glazing systems are still a better investment than uPVC windows. In addition to lasting the lifetime of most buildings, aluminium windows can also be sculpted into sleek, slim sightlines, providing a modern finish for your property's exterior. When it comes to renovation or extension projects, aluminium window systems have a "wow factor" that uPVC simply cannot match. If you need to replace your windows or doors, or perhaps you're considering adding additional glazing to your home to increase the amount of natural light entering your home, choosing the right material for the frames is the first thing you should consider. |