Thinking about new windows but not sure which material to choose? You’re not alone. The decision between uPVC and aluminium windows is one that many homeowners face. Each material has strengths and weaknesses that suit different homes and requirements.
At Windows & Doors 2 You, we’ve installed both types across countless West Midlands houses and seen firsthand how each performs in real homes. In this guide, we’ll put these materials head-to-head in a friendly battle to help you make the right choice for your property.
The Material Showdown
UPVC in the blue corner and aluminium in the red corner. By the final bell, you’ll have all the practical information you need to make the right call for your home, budget, and personal taste.
Cost
uPVC: When it comes to your wallet, uPVC is generally the more budget-friendly option. Lower manufacturing costs mean savings passed on to you as the homeowner.
Aluminium: More expensive than uPVC, aluminium windows represent a premium option. They’re sought after for modern homes with their strength-to-weight ratio that allows thin frames and great views.
Who Wins?
UPVC is the clear winner if budget is your main concern. You can expect to pay roughly 20-30% more for aluminium frames.
The extra cost of aluminium might make sense if you’re after those sleek, modern sightlines.
Durability
uPVC: A robust material that stands up well to the weather. Quality uPVC windows should last 20-30 years without major issues. They won’t rust, rot, or corrode, though they can fade slightly over time when exposed to strong sunlight.
Aluminium: Exceptionally strong and built to last, aluminium windows can last several decades. They won’t warp, crack, or fade, and can withstand pretty much anything that is thrown at them.
Who Wins?
Aluminium takes the crown for long term durability. While both materials are long-lasting, aluminium’s strength and resistance make it a more durable material over the long run. Its added strength means more glass, providing a modern look and great views.
Energy Efficiency
uPVC: With its natural insulating properties, uPVC does a great job keeping heat in your home. Our uPVC windows feature multi-chambered profiles, tiny insulation pockets built right into the frame that trap air and block heat transfer. This lets them achieve A+ energy ratings as standard, with U-values as low as 1.2 W/m²K with double glazing and dropping to an impressive 0.8 W/m²K with triple glazing.
Aluminium: Aluminium naturally conducts heat, which historically made it less energy efficient. However, our modern aluminium windows now include an advanced thermal break, a clever barrier between the inner and outer frame that stops heat transfer. This technology has transformed aluminium’s performance.
Our slimmest aluminium frames can achieve impressive U-values down to 1.4 W/m²K with double glazing while maintaining sleek sightlines.
Who Wins?
UPVC takes a narrow win, with its u-values slightly lower than Aluminium.
What was once a clear win is now slight, with advances in aluminium technology meaning that both materials now offer similar levels of energy efficiency.
Appearance and Design
uPVC: Available in a range of colours and finishes, including woodgrain effects. However, uPVC frames tend to be bulkier than aluminium, which means slightly less glass area and more visible frames.
Aluminium: Offers slimmer sightlines thanks to its inherent strength, maximising glass area and natural light. Available in virtually any RAL colour for complete design flexibility. The aesthetics of aluminium tend to be sleeker and more contemporary.
Who Wins?
Whilst this is down to personal preference, aluminium edges it for aesthetics, especially in contemporary settings. Our powder-coated aluminium comes in over 200 RAL colours for almost unlimited options, and the thin frames create beautiful windows full of glass.
That said, if you’re looking to match the character of a traditional property, our uPVC wood effect windows from Timberlook and the Residence Collection are remarkably convincing at mimicking timber.
Maintenance
uPVC: Very low maintenance. UPVC just needs occasional cleaning to keep it looking its best. It won’t need painting and isn’t prone to rot or corrosion.
Aluminium: Equally low maintenance, requiring just a simple clean now and then. The powder-coated finish is highly resistant to scratching and fading.
Who Wins?
A tie. Both materials are designed for busy homeowners who don’t want the hassle of regular maintenance that is required from timber. With minimal maintenance, both materials should last several decades.
Security
uPVC: Our uPVC windows come with Yale locks as standard, securing the window at multiple points around the frame rather than just one lock. All our uPVC windows can meet the stringent PAS24 security standard when specified, giving you complete peace of mind about your home’s security.
Aluminium: Pound for pound, aluminium is much stronger than uPVC. They feature the same Yale locks, but the overall security benefits from the material’s natural rigidity and strength.
Who Wins?
You can rest easy knowing that whichever material you choose, your home will be protected by high-quality Yale locks.
Despite this, aluminium takes the win from its natural strength.
Our uPVC Window Options
At Windows & Doors 2 You, we offer a range of high-quality uPVC window options.
Rehau Windows
Our standard Rehau uPVC windows combine German engineering with British manufacturing.
These windows feature multi-chambered frames for excellent insulation and come in a wide range of styles, including casement, flush sash, bay & bow, and sliding sash.
Timberlook Windows
For homeowners who love the look of timber windows but want the benefits of uPVC, our Timberlook range offers an authentic wood appearance without the maintenance headaches.
These flush sash windows are ideal for traditional properties and are often approved for use in conservation areas.
Residence Collection
A premium uPVC timber-effect option, the Residence Collection windows replicate 19th-century timber designs while offering modern performance. We offer:
- Residence 7 – seven-chambered design with flush profile inside and out
- Residence 9 – nine-chambered design with market-leading thermal efficiency
These windows are perfect for heritage properties or modern homes looking for traditional charm.
Our Aluminium Window Options
For those preferring aluminium, we offer three premium window ranges from top brands Sheerline and Smarts.
Classic Range
Our Classic aluminium windows blend high quality aluminium with modern aesthetics. They are available with a stepped or contemporary sash, standard or flush frames, and numerous powder-coated colours.
These windows feature slim sightlines to maximise natural light while providing excellent security through multi-point locking systems.
Prestige Range
Our premium aluminium windows combine exceptional thermal performance with a modern style. The Prestige range features ultra-slim frames, and its multi-chamber thermal design ensures excellent insulation in any weather.
Each Prestige window is custom-made for your property, maximising natural light while maintaining outstanding energy efficiency.
Smarts Heritage Range
Our Smarts Heritage windows offer a steel-look that is perfect for period properties. They are available in any RAL colour plus metallic, dual, textured, and anodised finishes.
With slim, thermally-broken profiles, they achieve A-rated efficiency and U-values as low as 1.5W/m²K. They come as casement, tilt & turn, fixed-pane, sash, and various hung window styles.
About Windows & Doors 2 You
As a family-run business based in Telford, we’ve been serving the West Midlands since 2017. Our expert team has extensive experience installing uPVC and aluminium windows across properties of all types and ages. We pride ourselves on offering honest advice tailored to each customer’s needs and budget.
Making Your Choice
There’s no universal “best” material – the right choice depends on your specific circumstances, budget, property type and goals.
Choose uPVC if:
- You’re working with a tighter budget
- You want a traditional look with woodgrain options
- Maximum energy efficiency is your priority
- You want better performing windows in a heritage property or a conservation area
Choose aluminium if:
- Design and aesthetics are top priorities
- You want maximum glass area and minimal frame
- You’re working on a contemporary property
- You don’t mind investing more for style and longevity
Still not sure? You should come to our showroom in Telford. Here, you can see both materials up close and discuss your specific requirements with our team. You can find this at Unit 27, Hortonwood 33, Telford, Shropshire, TF1 7EX. We are open to visitors on weekdays.
For more information, or to arrange a free, no obligation quote, please contact us on 01952 474898, email info@windowsanddoors2you.co.uk, or use our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much more expensive are aluminium windows compared to uPVC?
Aluminium window frames typically cost 20-30% more than uPVC.
I heard aluminium windows will make my house cold?
Modern aluminium windows feature thermal breaks, which prevent heat transfer and solve the condensation and temperature disadvantages that older aluminium windows experience. They are now equally as efficient as uPVC windows are.
Can I get coloured windows in both materials?
Yes, both uPVC and aluminium windows come in a wide range of colours. Aluminium offers more colour options (over 200 RAL colours), while uPVC has a more limited but still extensive range of colours and woodgrain effects.