Aluminium is also much stronger than uPVC and can last up to 45 years with little to no maintenance. Lasting between 20-30 years, modern uPVC windows are strong but not as strong as aluminium. And, although uPVC windows come with a wide colour palette to choose from, aluminium windows are available in 150 RAL colours.
Windows made with uPVC are generally better thermal insulators than aluminium. uPVC is a lightweight material, which makes uPVC double or triple glazed windows quick and easy to install. uPVC can last up to 20 years in great condition, meaning your investment will be one that lasts.
Aluminium is supremely strong and durable and is highly resistant to corrosion, capable of standing up to the outside elements. While PVC windows may require periodic replacement, you can rest assured that aluminium systems will keep on working, providing style and performance without compromise.
In terms of price, installing aluminium windows is always more expensive than UPVC (on a like for like basis) because of higher material and manufacturing costs. But, in the long term, aluminium can prove very cost-effective because it's a more robust material than UPVC.
If you're after a sleek look to your home, aluminium frames offer slimline frames. Thanks to the strength of the aluminium alloy used, narrower frames can be made meaning more of the window is made up of glass. uPVC frames, on the other hand, are thicker and chunkier.
uPVC Should Last Between 20-35 Years.
Strong and rust free– Strong and they don't rust or corrode, which makes uPVC windows best choice for coastal areas. Security – uPVC windows have multi-point security locks which provide enhanced security to your home. Long lasting – They have a long lifespan and last easily last up for 25 to 30 years.
Aluminium windows and doors are expected to have a life expectancy of 45 years, compared with uPVC frames which have a life expectancy of only 25-35 years depending on the level of maintenance given to the windows or doors.
uPVC is an extremely thermally efficient material and can provide your home with greater heat insulation than aluminium and wood windows can. For a modern home that consists of many modern fittings and features, uPVC is likely to be your best option as it will maintain the style of the property.
Simply put, there is no difference between the UPVC and PVCu because the two abbreviations represent the same material being Un-plasticised Poly Vinyl Chloride. Installers use UPVC in the promotion windows, doors and other home improvement products but it is also referred to as PVCu.
Casement windows are considered better than double-hung windows at keeping out drafts since the window seal is generally quite tight. Casement windows are good when you want to "scoop" cooling outside air into the house.
In its finished form, uPVC is not toxic, meaning It is perfectly safe to use in the manufacture of windows. Furthermore, the production of uPVC is subject to stringent safety controls. This ensures there is no risk to consumers. However, if it is burnt, uPVC can release dioxins into the environment.
Nevertheless, uPVC windows and doors are completely resistant to strong tropical rains. The latest technology used by Encraft complying Waterproof Standards BS EN 1027 & BS EN 12208 through its Class 9A (Casement series) & class 4A (Slider series) acts as a shield of protection (waterproof) during monsoons.
Poor insulator: Aluminum doesn't hold in heat as well as other materials. However, weather-stripping and thermal treatment can make this less of an issue. Condensation: Moisture or even frost can form inside aluminum-frame windows, leading to problems.
Why the construction of aluminium windows make them predisposed for condensation. Materials such as metal, in this case aluminium, have a high U-value. In building parlance, a U-value relates to the insulating properties of a building material. The higher the U-value the lower its ability to insulate.
Wood is a poor conductor of heat; hence wooden windows and wooden doors conserve more energy than aluminium windows and doors. Wooden windows, if maintained well, can help boost the value of any property they're installed into and they'll last a great deal longer.
uPVC is a strong, stiff and durable plastic. It also provides a sturdy foundation for double glazed window and door units. The fact that it's BPA-free also means that uPVC can be used in medical and dental equipment without the fear of contamination.
Newer coloured UPVC windows are usually manufactured solid, which is to say the colour permeates through the UPVC. This solid colour makes the windows highly resistant to fading. However, because they are coloured, noticeable fading will still occur over a period of fifteen to thirty years no matter their durability.
The strength and security of uPVC profiles
uPVC frames built using high-quality raw materials are strong and highly stable, and are often considered burglar-proof glass doors and windows that are high on safety.
Despite their robustness, uPVC windows and doors are prone to sagging and sashing due to their lightweight and also because they are structurally not as strong as aluminium windows. Too much heat can even result in the rupture of their frames.
UPVC is a low maintenance material, unlike natural materials which require annual sanding, varnishing and repainting. Windows & doors made from UPVC can last for decades without any sign of weathering, the only upkeep is a wipe down clean with soapy water to prevent staining and remove grim or dirt.
Overall Strength Compared to Steel
While being praised for its malleable qualities, this particular property of aluminium can also act as a disadvantage. It can be more easily dented and scratched in comparison to steel. Steel is strong and less likely to warp, deform or bend under any weight, force or heat.
Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) pipes have been used in the premise plumbing system due to their high strength, long-term durability, and low cost. uPVC pipes, however, may contain lead due to the use of lead compounds as the stabilizer during the manufacturing process.