Last Updated on March 14, 2025

When it comes to choosing new windows, two of the most popular options in the UK are aluminium windows and uPVC windows. 

Each has its own advantages and drawbacks, and deciding between them depends on several factors, including aesthetics, insulation, energy efficiency, security, cost, and maintenance.

In this detailed guide, we’ll compare aluminium windows vs uPVC windows to help you make an informed decision.

Aluminium Windows vs UPVC Windows: A Quick Comparison

Aluminium Windows vs UPVC Windows: Which Is Better?

Each window type comes with its own set of key features, making them suitable for different homeowners’ needs.

Key Features of Aluminium Windows

• Sleek, slimline frames for a modern, contemporary look.
• Highly durable – resistant to rust, warping, and fading.
• Great for large window spaces, allowing more natural light.
• Available in various colours with a powder-coated finish.
• Slightly higher cost, but lasts longer than uPVC.

Pros and Cons Aluminium Windows

Key Features of uPVC Windows

• Cost-effective option for budget-conscious homeowners.
• Good thermal efficiency, preventing heat loss.
• Low maintenance, requiring only occasional cleaning.
• Available in various styles and colours.
• Can deteriorate over time, becoming brittle and discoloured.

Pros and Cons uPVC Windows

Which Property Types Are Best for Aluminium Windows vs UPVC Windows?

Choosing the right window material depends on the architectural style of your home and your specific needs. Some window types complement modern homes, while others suit traditional period properties.

Best Properties for Aluminium Windows

Aluminium windows are a premium choice often found in high-end, contemporary, and commercial buildings. They are best suited for:

Best Properties for UPVC Windows

UPVC windows are affordable, easy to maintain, and well-suited to traditional homes. They work best in:

Aluminium Windows vs UPVC Windows: Styles

Both aluminium and uPVC windows come in a variety of styles to suit different architectural designs and homeowner preferences.

• Casement Windows – Available in both materials, these outward-opening windows are the most common style in the UK.
• Sliding Windows – More common in aluminium, ideal for modern homes and apartments due to their sleek operation and minimalistic design.
• Tilt & Turn Windows – Popular in aluminium, these windows provide excellent ventilation options, allowing them to open inward for easy cleaning.
• Bay & Bow Windows – Frequently found in uPVC, particularly in Victorian and Edwardian homes, where they enhance traditional aesthetics.
• Bi-Fold Windows – Almost exclusively available in aluminium, bi-fold windows create wide openings, making them perfect for kitchens and modern extensions.

Insulation & Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency plays a critical role in window selection. While both aluminium and uPVC windows can be highly efficient, glazing type makes a significant difference in performance.

Glazing Options & Costs

Which Glazing Option is Best?

• Most Energy Efficient – Triple glazing provides superior thermal insulation, reducing heat loss and external noise.
• Least Energy Efficient – Single glazing offers minimal insulation and is rarely recommended.
• Most Affordable – Double glazing strikes a balance between performance and cost.
• Most Expensive – Triple glazing offers the best efficiency but comes at a higher price point.

Ventilation & Draughts

Ventilation is essential for preventing condensation and ensuring airflow in a home.

• Aluminium windows tend to have tighter seals, reducing draughts and improving thermal efficiency. However, if installed incorrectly, they can become prone to condensation due to aluminium’s natural conductivity.
• UPVC windows offer good airflow, but over time, their seals can degrade, leading to draughts if not maintained properly.

Which is Better for Ventilation?

• Aluminium tilt-and-turn windows offer better airflow control.
• uPVC casement windows are easier to seal against draughts.

Security Features

Security is a key consideration for homeowners when choosing windows.

• Aluminium windows are stronger and more tamper-resistant, making them ideal for ground-floor installations and high-crime areas.
• UPVC windows are still secure but can weaken with age, especially if the locks and frames degrade over time.

Which Offers Better Security?

• Aluminium windows have a higher resistance to forced entry.
• UPVC windows are secure but require reinforced locking systems for added protection.

Maintenance & Longevity

Which Windows Require More Maintenance?

• Aluminium windows require less maintenance, as they do not warp, crack, or discolour.
• UPVC windows need more frequent cleaning, as white frames can stain over time and deteriorate after decades of exposure to sunlight.

Which Windows Last Longer?

• Aluminium windows last longer (30-50 years) due to their resistance to weathering and structural strength.
• UPVC windows have a shorter lifespan (20-30 years) but are cheaper to replace.

Costs & Installation

The cost of new windows varies based on factors like size, material, glazing choices, and installation difficulty. Below, we’ll compare the average prices of aluminium and uPVC windows:

Which Is More Expensive: Aluminium or uPVC Windows?

• UPVC windows are significantly cheaper upfront.
• The cost of aluminium windows is higher but they last longer.

Installation Requirements & Timeframe

• Aluminium window installation takes longer due to precise fitting.
• uPVC windows are quicker and easier to install.

Which Is Best for Your Home: Aluminium Windows vs UPVC Windows?

The best choice depends on your budget, property type, and style preference.

Choose aluminium windows if:

Choose uPVC windows if: 

Comparing Aluminium Windows to Other Materials

Choosing the right window material is an important decision, and aluminium and uPVC aren’t the only options available. If you’re considering other materials, you might find these comparisons helpful:

• Aluclad vs aluminium windows – Aluclad windows combine the best of both worlds, featuring a tough aluminium exterior for weather resistance and a wooden interior for a natural, warm aesthetic.
  
• Aluminium vs steel windows – Both aluminium and steel are known for their strength and sleek, modern look, but they have significant differences in cost, thermal efficiency, and maintenance. Steel is incredibly durable but requires more upkeep, while aluminium offers better energy efficiency.
  
• Aluminium vs wood windows – Wooden windows provide a classic, elegant appearance and excellent insulation, but they require more maintenance compared to aluminium. Aluminium, on the other hand, is low-maintenance, weather-resistant, and more suited for modern aesthetics. 

Get a Free Quote for Aluminium or UPVC Windows

If you’re considering new windows, our experts can help! Whether you prefer the sleek appeal of aluminium windows or the cost-effective benefits of uPVC windows, we provide high-quality installation services across the UK.

Request a free quote today and we will provide you with the best solution for your home.