Our Window Range
FAQs
A: Aluminium frames are stronger and slimmer, while uPVC is cheaper and naturally more insulating. It changes how the windows look, how long they last, what sizes they suit and what they cost.
In practical terms:
- Frames and light — Aluminium is strong, so frames can be much slimmer while holding the same pane of glass. You get more glass, more light and a cleaner, more modern look. uPVC frames need to be bulkier to stay rigid, so you see more frame.
- Strength and size — Aluminium suits larger windows and bigger panes without sagging over time. uPVC works well at standard sizes but is less suited to very large openings.
- Thermal performance — uPVC is naturally a good insulator. Aluminium conducts heat, so quality aluminium windows use a thermal break (an insulating barrier inside the frame) to match it. Both can meet current Building Regulations when specified properly.
- Finish and colour — Aluminium is powder-coated in almost any colour and holds that finish for decades. uPVC is usually white but comes in woodgrain and coloured foils.
- Cost — uPVC is the more affordable option; aluminium sits at the premium end.
Both are low-maintenance and both take high-performance double or triple glazing.
A: Which is better depends on your budget, the look you want and the property itself. Each does some things better than the other.
Aluminium is the stronger material: slimmer frames, more glass, larger sizes, and a finish that keeps its colour for years. It suits contemporary homes and anyone who wants minimal frame and maximum light.
uPVC is the better-value choice: it performs well thermally, costs less, and is a sensible pick for standard replacement windows where slim sightlines aren't the priority.
For period or heritage homes, the best answer is often neither in their standard form — an aluminium-clad timber or timber-alternative window can give the right character with modern performance. We fit all of them, so our advice starts with what matters most to you rather than with a product we're trying to shift.
A: Aluminium windows generally last longer. A well-made aluminium frame stays sound and holds its finish for decades, while uPVC, though durable, tends to have a shorter working life.
Aluminium doesn't warp, rot or rust, and its powder-coated finish resists fading. uPVC holds up well too, but over many years of sun exposure it can discolour or become brittle as seals and mechanisms wear. That said, lifespan depends as much on the glass units, the hardware and the quality of the installation as on the frame itself — a good window fitted badly will fail early whatever it's made of.
We manufacture our insulated glass units in-house in Peterborough and fit everything ourselves, with a 10-year guarantee available on our installations.
