uPVC vs Aluminium Windows: Which Should You Choose?
14 January 2025 · 6 min read
The short answer
For most standard windows on most London homes, uPVC is the sensible choice: lower cost, excellent insulation, and a look that suits the majority of terraces and semis. Aluminium earns its premium when you want slimmer frames, bigger glass, a specific colour, or a modern extension look. Choosing well is about matching the material to the job, not picking a winner.
What uPVC does best
uPVC gives you the most performance per pound. A-rated thermal efficiency comes as standard on quality systems, the multi-chamber frames insulate well, and maintenance is a wipe-down twice a year. Repairs are simple because locks, hinges and handles are widely available. For a full-house replacement on a 1930s semi in Romford or a terrace in Ilford, uPVC is usually the clear financial winner, often replacing a whole home for thousands less than aluminium equivalents.
What aluminium does best
Aluminium is stronger, so the frames can be much slimmer while holding bigger panes. On a rear extension, a loft conversion or any opening over about 1.5 metres, that difference transforms how much light comes in. Powder-coated finishes come in any RAL colour, last decades without repainting, and dual-colour options let you have grey outside and white inside. If you are modernising, or matching a commercial-grade look, aluminium is the right tool.
Cost, honestly
As a rule of thumb, expect quality aluminium windows to cost roughly 30 to 50 percent more than equivalent uPVC, and large sliding doors more again. Bi-folds and sliders sit at the top of any budget because of the hardware and precision they need. What you should not accept from any installer is a vague number without a survey: window prices depend on sizes, access, scaffolding and finishing, which is why we quote in writing after measuring.
Insulation and noise
Both materials, properly made and properly fitted, achieve A-rated double glazing with warm-edge spacer bars and argon fill. The glass unit matters more than the frame material. For noise, acoustic laminated glass in either frame type cuts traffic and rail noise noticeably, which we fit regularly on busy roads in Walthamstow, Hackney and Stratford.
Lifespan and maintenance
Quality uPVC lasts 25 to 35 years and never needs painting. Powder-coated aluminium lasts 35 to 45 years, shrugs off weather, and only ever needs the odd clean and hardware check. Both outlast cheap versions of themselves by a decade, which is why we only fit systems we would put on our own homes.
Our honest rule of thumb
Standard openings, period terraces, budget-conscious whole-house projects: uPVC. Extensions, big spans, sharp modern looks, specific colours: aluminium. If you are split, ask us to quote both. We do it regularly and it usually settles the decision in one page.
Want real numbers for your home?
We survey free, quote in writing and never pressure. Call 07399 331633 or send the form and we will take it from there.