Aluminium vs uPVC : new vs old…
Many years have passed since uPVC windows first burst onto the scene as the high tech, modern version of their timber predecessors. In a bustling glazing industry the next innovative product never seems too far away. Aluminium is fast becoming the customers material of choice when choosing new windows and doors for their home. Why is this? What are the benefits? Do the benefits warrant the higher price tag. This post will break this topic down, unravel the differences and help you to make an informed decision on your investment.
There’s no doubt about it PVC lasts… The estimated life of a PVC window is 20-30 years! After a few years PVC windows may appear aesthetically outdated, but treat them right and they will carry on performing and do you proud. So you may be asking yourself “Why would I choose Aluminium, PVC is fine”. There’s no doubt about it 20-30 years is a long time, but this lifespan relies on several variables, e.g. maintenance, location and material make up. Not all uPVC is the same, different profile manufacturers have a different concoction of raw materials, working together to deliver a different quality product. Choose poorly and you could have a yellowing, draughty product in half the expected time span... External Doors Online offers one of the highest quality profiles on the market. The Deceuninck 2800 heritage profile offers unrivalled quality, ensuring that your PVC window reaches old age in style
So… Aluminium. This mysterious material must perform miracles to even be contemplated as an viable option right? Arguably, it does just that… With an estimated lifespan of 45+ years, it’s outperforming the 80s household PVC favourite by around 20 years! Aluminium is also incredibly strong, durable and corrosion resistant. At External Doors Online we offer the high quality and well known Smarts profile and also a new exciting slimline profile from Sheerline. These high quality profiles feature thermal break technology, ensuring the cold stays out and the heat stays in, whilst significantly reducing condensation levels.
A pretty strong argument Aluminium so far? There’s more… We have discussed the material sciences and benefits, if you’re still awake its time to discuss the appearance. After all, if it’s going to be seen by every man and his dog for the next 20-50 years, it had better look the part… For many this is where Aluminium comes into it’s own.
As standard aluminium profile comes in a modern, contemporary, smooth finish. There’s no doubt that for many, its a no contest when compared to the more traditional woodgrain foil wraps on PVC windows. Aluminium also holds another trump card. It’s high strength means it’s capable of being sculpted into a low profile and slim design, allowing larger expanses of glass and ultimately more natural light into the property. Again, set this against a PVC window and PVC starts to look like an outdated, clunky fossil.
Time for the conclusion. Although there’s a very strong argument for Aluminium, is it really that straight forward? Quite truthfully, no… There’s no doubt aluminium outperforms PVC in lifespan and product quality, but the right type of window needs to be chosen for your requirement. Does the window need to last a Millenia, or is 20-30 years ok? For many it is. Does a Chartwell green woodgrain window suit your cottage more than a slimline cobalt blue door? Does a sleek jet black bifold door showcase your modern minimalist new build more than a traditional cream woodgrain French doors? And last, but by no means the least, the budget. Some aluminium products can be 30-50% more than the price of the PVC equivalent.
Ask yourself… How long do you want the product to last? Would the building suit a traditional style, or a more modern sleek style? Does the increased lifespan warrant the higher price tag, when factoring in price rises and inflation over the next 20 years?
Answer yourself these three questions and you should have come to a well informed decision.