If you’re thinking of getting new windows, rooflights, doors or bi-fold doors, you might be weighing up these options. And you probably have a few questions.

In this article we’ll answer some of the most common questions to help you decide which option is best for you.

Aluminium vs. uPVC

Which is most expensive?

Aluminium glazed units are usually more expensive than uPVC, but they tend to be more desirable and add more value to your home.

Which is more durable?

Both aluminium and uPVC units have been proven to last well and both are resistant to weathering and rot. Aluminium also has a natural resistance to corrosion.

The life expectancy of aluminium units can be 40+ years, while their uPVC equivalents can last up to 30 years before they need replacing.

Which is stronger?

Aluminium units are the strongest of the two options. This superior strength means single frames can hold larger glass panels.

Which offers better energy efficiency?

Today, both uPVC and aluminium frames can carry up to A++ energy ratings. They have exceptional thermal insulation properties, which means they stop heat escaping from your home during cold weather and keep your energy bills down.

Both kinds of frame have benefitted from substantial improvement in the last two decades.

Modern uPVC is a much better insulator than it used to be. This is thanks to a more complex structure inside the frame, which is more effective in trapping heat.

Aluminium glazed units used to be very cold. When warm air from a warm room hit the cold window it would instantly turn to condensation.

But modern aluminium units are thermally broken. Insulation is placed inside the frame and this stops the aluminium components from touching each other. Now the window panes are warm to the touch — even on cold days.

Which looks better?

Generally, uPVC frames are thicker and bulkier than aluminium. This is because uPVC is a lighter material and isn’t as strong. 

Aluminium frames tend to be more minimal, sleek and stylish. 

And, because they’re stronger, aluminium frames can be thinner. This means you can get a higher ratio of glass to frame in an aluminium unit than in a uPVC unit of the same size.

Which offers the most colour options?

Aluminium frames are powder coated, so they’re available in an almost unlimited range of colours. 

Most commonly, uPVC frames are white, but there are different colour options available, including solid colours and wood effects. 

Both uPVC and aluminium frames can be made with dual colouring — so they have different colours outside and inside.

Which is easiest to maintain?

Unlike wooden windows, which can rot, warp and weather over time, both uPVC and aluminium frames are weatherproof. 

They are also naturally resistant to discolouration and corrosion, which means they will require virtually no maintenance and will always look as good as the day you had them installed.

If they do get dirty, the smooth, non-porous surface can simply be wiped with a damp cloth.

Further questions?

If you need more information on any of the above, please call our friendly team on 0116 266 5088

Ready to start browsing?

Head over to Midland Bi-folds’ main website to see our fantastic range of high quality doors, bi-fold doors, rooflights and windows.

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