Table of Contents
Introduction
With numerous options available on the market, selecting the ideal material for your window frames can be a daunting task. For example, high-quality timber, UPVC, aluminium, and steel windows are all available at Manchester Window Factory.
Today, we are focusing on two of the most popular window types – UPVC and aluminium.
In this blog, we’ll outline the key differences, benefits and potential drawbacks of each, to help you choose the best windows for your home.
What is UPVC?
Standing for Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride, UPVC is a type of plastic popularly used for windows, doors, rain gutters, and pipes. Unlike soft PVC, which is used for cables, UPVC is hard and strong, easy to clean, and resistant to weather.
It doesn’t warp or rot, and has a lifespan of around 25 years, with very little maintenance.
It is lightweight, so it is cost-effective to transport, and installation is relatively quick and easy for a professional fitter.
Although typically white, it is available in a growing range of styles, including classic and heritage, in a rainbow of colours and finishes, including realistic woodgrains.
What is Aluminium?
Aluminium is a naturally abundant metal that can be shaped to any width without losing its strength. This feature enables ultra-slim sightlines for better views and maximum natural light.
Offering a clean, modern look, it can also be designed for heritage properties.
One of the biggest benefits of using aluminium for window frames is that it is incredibly tough and durable, with an average lifespan of 45 years.
Strong and secure, enhanced with multi-point locking systems, aluminium windows are also virtually weatherproof. Aluminium does not rust, swell, warp, or crack, no matter the weather. It is easy to clean and requires very little maintenance, although screws may occasionally need replacing towards the end of the window’s long lifespan.
Manchester Window Factory has a range of slimline aluminium windows to suit any style. From art deco and Scandi to a traditional period appearance, our wide range of colours and finishes can help you achieve the look you crave.
The Pros and Cons of UPVC vs Aluminium Windows
Material | Pros | Cons |
UPVC | Lower upfront cost than aluminium, and budget-friendly for most homes. | Thicker frames reduce the glass area and natural light slightly. |
Very good thermal performance for keeping heat in and reducing bills. | Typical lifespan is shorter than that of aluminium, around 20–30 years. | |
Low maintenance – no painting, just occasional, easy cleaning. | Cheaper, low-quality profiles can discolour or crack over time. | |
Good noise reduction with quality double or triple glazing. | Plastic-based and harder to recycle, so less environmentally friendly. | |
Won’t rot or rust, even in wet or exposed locations. | Not always suitable or preferred in conservation areas and on some period properties. | |
Wide range of colours and woodgrain finishes to suit different homes. | Difficult to repair if damage occurs. | |
Feels secure when combined with modern multi-point locking systems and safety glass where appropriate. | ||
Easy and quick to install. | ||
Lightweight for cost-effective transportation. | ||
Aluminium | Slim, strong frames that maximise glass area and natural light. | Higher upfront cost than UPVC, especially for larger installations. |
Excellent strength and rigidity for large panes and door sets. | Top-spec UPVC can sometimes achieve slightly better insulation values. | |
Long service life, often 30–40+ years with minimal maintenance. | Older or poor-quality aluminium without thermal breaks can feel cold and attract condensation. | |
Durable powder-coated finishes in many colours, including dual-colour options. | Coastal or very exposed locations may need marine-grade finishes to prevent surface corrosion. | |
Infinitely recyclable and often made with a high proportion of recycled aluminium. | May need to maintain or repair hardware, such as screws in the frame. | |
Very stable in temperature changes with less expansion and contraction than uPVC. | ||
Modern thermally broken frames provide good energy efficiency and meet current building regulations. |
Are Aluminium Windows Better Than UPVC?
That depends on what you prefer and what you need. Both are easy to clean, strong, and secure.
UPVC beats aluminium in terms of price and energy efficiency. UPVC windows can also help you save money by reducing your heating bills. Double or triple-glazed, they have better noise-reducing properties. They also fare better than aluminium in coastal areas.
On the other hand, eco-conscious buyers like aluminium because it is non-toxic, energy-efficient, infinitely recyclable and the most sustainable choice for windows. It requires comparatively little energy compared to timber or UPVC to turn into window frames.
Thermal breaks can improve aluminium insulation to almost equal UPVC, and marine-grade coating solves the potential coastal salt-damage issue.
Perhaps the main difference between aluminium and UPVC windows is the thickness of the frame. Aluminium frames can be much thinner than UPVC, allowing a larger surface area of glass, better views and more natural light to flow. This, together with their green credentials, makes them a popular choice.
What is the difference in costs?
One of the key differences is the higher upfront cost of aluminium windows vs UPVC.
- UPVC window – £325 (£250-£400)*
- Aluminium window – £475 (£360-£600)*
These costs are averages for a single standard-size window, including installation.
£150* is a significant difference, especially if you have several windows to replace and/or are on a tight budget.
The style of the window, whether casement or sliding sash, and the type of glazing used will also affect the price.
*These are ballpark figures only. Every Manchester Window Factory quote is based on your survey, the number of windows, access, and the exact design you go for.
Upfront cost vs long-term value
However, you need to factor in the potential savings each type of window offers.
Longevity, maintenance and energy savings all impact the return on investment.
Factor | UPVC casement window | Aluminium casement window |
Typical average cost inc. installation | £250–£400 – Around £325 per window. Good option if you’re working to a tighter budget or replacing several windows at once. | £350–£600 Around £475 per window. Usually around 25–30% more than a like-for-like uPVC window, depending on size, style and glazing. |
Upfront cost | Lower initial cost, usually the more budget-friendly option. | Higher initial cost, especially for larger openings and feature designs. |
Energy efficiency | Very good insulation; often has a slight edge on pure U-values. | Modern thermally broken frames can achieve excellent ratings; the difference is often small on like-for-like specs. |
Lifespan | Typically around 20–30 years with normal care. | Often, 30–40+ years with minimal maintenance, so the cost gap narrows over time. |
Maintenance | No painting; occasional cleaning is usually enough. Lower-quality frames may discolour or crack. | No painting; tough powder-coated finish and very stable in changing weather. |
Best suited to | Homes where keeping initial costs down is key, straightforward replacements in modern properties. | Design-led or contemporary projects, larger panes and doors, and homeowners thinking about long-term value. |
How can Manchester Window Factory help you decide?
With 25+ years of experience providing and installing high-quality windows, we’re confident we have the answers you need.
Whether your primary concern is cost, energy efficiency or aesthetics, we can help you find the right windows for your home.
To learn more about our aluminium, steel, UPVC, and timber window options, call us, drop us an email or visit our Altrincham showroom. You will find the latest opening times on our contact page. Alternatively, fill in our online contact form for a free, no-obligation quote, and we’ll get back to you ASAP.
Summary
To recap, UPVC is more affordable, offers slightly better insulation and weather resistance, and is quick and easy to install. Aluminium is more eco-friendly and long-lasting, and enables more natural light and views due to slimmer sightlines.
Conclusion
So, which is better? Aluminium or UPVC windows? That depends on your priorities.
Each material offers advantages and disadvantages, so your choice will likely rest on a combination of your budget, main requirements, and personal taste.
We hope you feel better informed, and if you still have questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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How to Get in Touch
To request a free brochure, you can call us on 0161 976 4739, use our contact form or chat with us via the chat button at the bottom right of this website. If you live locally, you can also visit our Altrincham showroom, and check our contacts page for up-to-date opening hours.
We look forward to hearing from you!
FAQs
Which material is better for your home depends on your priorities – UPVC is more affordable and offers a higher level of insulation. However, aluminium, particularly slim-frames, offer better views, long-term durability and a more sophisticated aesthetic.
Historically, aluminium windows had a problem with creating condensation. However, today’s aluminium windows are properly insulated and ventilated to prevent condensation from forming. If you have a condensation problem on an aluminium window, there may be a fault in the frame, or it may have been poorly installed.
UPVC windows are more energy-efficient than aluminium windows and can reduce your energy bills by up to £165 a year. Double-glazed A-rated UPVC windows can also save 375kg of carbon dioxide a year.
A correctly installed A-rated UPVC window should last you 20-35 years. With aluminium, you can almost double that number to 40-50 years. Neither option requires much maintenance, but weather conditions can factor into these lifespans.
Aluminium windows are typically more secure than UPVC, due to the natural strength and durability of the aluminium frame. You can enhance the security of any of our windows with toughened safety glass and multi-point locking systems.
UPVC is a better insulator (of heat and noise) than aluminium, but thermal breaks can improve aluminium’s performance to almost equal levels. It’s important to note that most of a window’s insulating properties come from its glass. Double and triple glazing both offer some noise reduction. You can also use specifically developed acoustic glass for rooms with high ambient noise levels.
Yes, aluminium windows can be designed to recreate the look of original steel windows and are often approved by local planning authorities.
In some conservation areas and listed buildings, timber may still be preferred, particularly where a like-for-like match is required.