Have you been looking at investing in some brand new double glazed windows or triple glazed windows for your home, and keep seeing different companies talking about uPVC and aluminium? It’s not always entirely clear what the difference is, is it? Well, that’s why we’ve put together this blog to lay out the benefits of each kind of window to help you make an informed choice.

What Are The Benefits Of UPVC Windows?

uPVC windows are a great option if you’re looking for new double or triple glazing to help insulate your home. Here are some of the key benefits:

• uPVC windows are very easy to maintain and clean – they can be made like new with just the wipe of a damp cloth.
• uPVC is a naturally warm material and the multi-chambered frames of uPVC are great for insulation, helping you keep your bills down during the winter. 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. They will also not lose their colour or fade at all during their lifespan.
• At Britelite, we offer brilliant imitation wood effects meaning your windows can look amazing without high costs. There are also a wide variety of colour choices.
• We guarantee all our uPVC windows for 10 years – they won’t rot, they won’t peel, they won’t warp.
• uPVC tends to be cheaper than aluminium.

What Are The Benefits Of Aluminium Windows?

All that makes uPVC windows sound pretty brilliant doesn’t it? Well there are also some unique benefits to aluminium windows that are worth knowing about:

• Aluminium tends to be stronger than uPVC. That means that aluminium windows can have a slimmer appearance, and a larger glass surface area due to the strength of the frames. For this reason they’re very popular with commercial and public buildings like schools, offices and government buildings. This can be a good benefit for a residential home too, if you’re looking for a particularly large design.
• Powder-coated aluminium is extremely durable, which means whatever finish you choose will last for a very long time. Aluminium windows can last up to 20 years.
• Aluminium windows are also environmentally friendly. Aluminium is indefinitely recyclable – when you recycle it, it creates very high quality new aluminium and the process only uses 5% of the energy needed to create the initial metal.
• Aluminium has greater design flexibility than uPVC – the range of colours available (including dual colours) is amazing.
• Aluminium windows are designed to withstand some pretty extreme conditions, and survive tests in severe exposure categories.

Aesthetic differences between aluminium and uPVC windows

One of the reasons for the surge in popularity of aluminium windows in recent years is the sleek style that they offer. Aluminium window frames can be much slimmer than uPVC, which gives them a clean, minimal look that is very popular in modern homes. The other benefit of slim window frames is that they improve sight lines from the window, so if your home looks out over a stunning view, you might just love this aspect of aluminium windows.

It’s also worth noting that despite their slim frames, aluminium is robust enough to house large panes of glass. This means that if you have a large aperture, you may not be required to divide it into multiple panes, which means better views and more natural light being able to enter your home.

Aluminium windows attributes:

• Sleek style
• Minimalist
• Improved sight lines
• More natural light

uPVC windows have a bit of a reputation for being bulky and unsightly, and the plastic look is not particularly appealing for homeowners who want something a little more unique for their property.

White uPVC tends to be relatively cheap which is why it is the most common colour seen in UK properties, but there are other colours available if you do want to opt for something more out of the ordinary. You can also get wood effect uPVC window frames.

uPVC windows attributes:

• Various colours and finishes
• Plastic appearance
• Good value

Aluminium also offers lots of variety in regard to finish. Most aluminium windows are finished with a powder coating, which enhances their durability and their stylish appearance.