Verdict: when looking at uPVC vs aluminium windows for durability, both are weather-resistant and durable. Aluminium can last up to 50 years, whereas uPVC will last up to 30 years.
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.
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.
Large, Sleek Windows
In fact, aluminium is around two and a half times stronger than PVC, meaning that you are going to be able to fit larger windows that look better. As such, if you are looking for a large window to be installed, this could be your best option due to the strength of the metal.
PVC windows and doors still perform better than their aluminium window and door counterparts, with some pvc window and doors in our range achieving u-values as low as 0.8! There is no doubt that better designing and adapting our houses to use less heat will have a positive impact on the environment.
uPVC Should Last Between 20-35 Years.
Although the initial installment cost of uPVC windows is higher than wooden windows, they are more cost-effective in the long run. Eco-friendly and easy to maintain, uPVC windows make an excellent choice for all homes.
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.
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.
Aluminium doors are a more secure home improvement compared to uPVC. This is because of the inherent strength of the material, combined with additional security accessories and locking mechanisms, to further improve the protectiveness of the profile.
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.
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.
Energy-efficiency
By nature, wood is a warmer material than uPVC and, therefore, a wooden window will naturally insulate your home better than a uPVC window. uPVC takes longer to warm up as it is a colder material than wood.
Plastic UPVC windows on a period property can devalue the house. For higher value homes and period properties, the aesthetic quality of the windows and doors becomes much more important and the material used can negatively impact upon the value of your home.
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.
Because it is designed to be softer and more flexible than many other plastics, PVC is less durable than uPVC. However, both plastics are resistant to sunlight, oxidation, and a variety of chemicals. PVC piping's ability to withstand sunlight sometimes makes it more useful than ABS pipes.
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.
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.
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.
Aluminum windows have an average lifespan of about 20 to 25 years. The problem with aluminum is that it's prone to damage. If you're in an area that's prone to intense weather like hurricanes or hailstorms, your aluminum windows may have to be replaced more often than the average.
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.
When paint loses its adhesion to surfaces such as aluminum screen doors and galvanized steel gutters, poor paint preparation is almost always to blame. Causes: Inadequate removal of rust.