When upgrading your home, choosing between uPVC and aluminium windows is a key decision. These materials are not only among the most popular on the market but also provide lasting value in terms of performance, energy efficiency, and appearance. While both materials excel in different areas, the right choice depends on your individual priorities—be it thermal performance, aesthetic appeal, or durability.
At New Look Double Glazing, we’ve spent over 25 years helping customers across London and the surrounding areas make informed choices tailored to their homes. With our deep-rooted expertise, state-of-the-art manufacturing, and bespoke designs, we offer a reliable installation service that ensures every window enhances the unique character and comfort of your property.
Benefits of uPVC windows
uPVC remains a popular option for many homeowners due to its outstanding insulation properties and value for money. One of its key strengths is energy efficiency. Modern double-glazed uPVC windows can help reduce heat loss by up to 30%—a fact endorsed by the Energy Saving Trust—making them a smart option for long-term savings and a more comfortable home.
Beyond thermal performance, uPVC is a low maintenance window solution. Unlike timber, it won’t rot, flake, or warp, and it stands up well to the unpredictable British weather. uPVC is also fade-resistant, so it keeps its colour and appearance with just the occasional clean.
Aesthetically, uPVC has come a long way from its early days. With a broad selection of styles, finishes, and colourways—including woodgrain effects—you can achieve the look you want without compromising durability or performance. Whether your home is modern or more traditional, uPVC can provide bespoke window designs suited to your taste.
Benefits of aluminium windows
On the other hand, aluminium windows offer strength, style, and outstanding longevity. The material is inherently robust, giving aluminium windows a lifespan of 40 years or more. This makes them an ideal choice for homeowners seeking a timeless and future-proof solution.
Thanks to their high strength-to-weight ratio, aluminium frames are significantly slimmer than those made from other materials. This sleek profile allows for larger panes of glass, maximising natural light enhancement and giving rooms a brighter, more contemporary look.
Design flexibility is another key advantage. Aluminium can be powder-coated in a plethora of RAL colours, as well as anodised or textured for bespoke finishes. Whether you’re aiming for minimalist modern window styles or have a specific architectural feature to highlight, aluminium offers tailored home solutions with unmatched precision.
Comparing performance characteristics
When comparing uPVC and aluminium windows in terms of performance, you’ll notice that each material has distinct strengths.
From a thermal standpoint, uPVC tends to offer better insulation due to its multi-chambered profile which traps heat more effectively. This makes it a great choice for reducing heating bills and achieving energy-efficient solutions. However, innovations in polyamide thermal breaks have narrowed the gap, allowing aluminium windows to reach excellent U-values as well.
For noise reduction, uPVC also generally has the edge, offering superior sound insulation in most residential scenarios. This makes it particularly suitable for properties near busy roads or urban environments.
In terms of safety, both window types can be fitted with industry-standard multipoint locking systems and laminated glass, providing excellent security features to safeguard your home. Whether you choose aluminium or uPVC, you can be confident in the level of protection offered.
Cost considerations
It’s also important to weigh up the cost implications when deciding between the two. uPVC windows typically have a lower upfront cost, making them one of the most cost-effective options for home improvement projects. They also require minimal upkeep over their lifecycle, which keeps long-term maintenance costs down.
Aluminium windows tend to be more of an investment initially, but they offer excellent durability and kerb appeal, which can add value to your property over time. Their resistance to warping, corrosion, and wear means they often last longer with minimal intervention—another point worth considering when comparing lifetime costs.
Of course, factors such as frame size, glazing options, design requirements, and custom window quotations all play a role in determining the final price. At New Look Double Glazing, we offer honest, transparent pricing based on your home’s specific needs and design aspirations.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between uPVC and aluminium windows comes down to what your home needs most. If insulation, affordability, and minimal upkeep are priorities, uPVC might be your ideal match. If you’re drawn to modern design, longevity, and structural strength, aluminium delivers on all fronts.
At New Look Double Glazing, we pride ourselves on delivering tailored advice that’s rooted in decades of craftsmanship and a genuine commitment to customer care. Whether you’re planning a full refurbishment or a single installation, we listen, advise, and deliver solutions built around your property’s character and requirements.
Why not start with a free consultation? We’ll guide you through every step—from measuring and style selection to professional installation and aftercare.
After all, isn’t it time your home got the upgrade it deserves?
Contact us today or speak to us in person to explore your options and find the perfect window solution.
