Aluminium vs uPVC Windows and Doors: Which Is Better for Your Project?

Windows and doors are one of the biggest decisions in any build or renovation. The two most common frame materials are aluminium and uPVC. Both can work well — the right choice depends on the size of your openings, the look you want and your climate.

Quick comparison

	Aluminium	uPVC
Frame size	Slim — more glass, less frame	Thicker frames
Strength	Very strong; suits large spans	Less rigid; large spans need reinforcement
Large sliding doors	Excellent	Limited
Colours and finishes	Almost any RAL colour, anodised and wood-grain finishes	Mainly white, with a limited range of foils
Sun and heat	Very durable; finish does not soften	Can be affected by very strong sun over time
Insulation	Good with thermally broken profiles	Naturally good insulation
Maintenance	Low	Low
Look	Modern, minimal	Traditional to modern

When aluminium is the better choice

• Large openings — wide sliding doors, folding doors and floor-to-ceiling windows
• Modern design — slim sightlines and black, bronze or custom colours
• Hot and sunny climates — aluminium finishes stay stable in strong sun and heat
• Commercial buildings — shopfronts, offices and partitions where strength matters

When uPVC makes sense

• Standard-sized windows in homes where insulation is the main priority
• Projects where budget is tight and frame size is less important
• Traditional styles where white frames are preferred

About insulation and thermal breaks

Aluminium conducts heat, so in cold or very hot climates choose thermally broken profiles — frames with an insulating barrier between the inside and outside. Combined with double glazing, they give good insulation while keeping the slim aluminium look.

What to specify for aluminium windows and doors

• Opening sizes — width and height of each opening, from your drawings
• Type — sliding, casement, folding, tilt-and-turn or fixed
• Profile series — standard or thermally broken
• Finish and colour — RAL code, anodised or wood-grain
• Glass — single or double glazing, clear or tinted
• Hardware and mesh — handles, locks and insect screens

A window and door schedule listing every opening with its size and type is the best way to get an accurate quote.

Combining with the rest of your build

Windows and doors are often consolidated with balustrades, louvres, flooring and lighting for the same project, so everything arrives together.

See our aluminium profiles, doors and windows, read about aluminium glass partitions, or send us your window and door schedule for a quote within 48 hours.