PVC vs Aluminium Doors and Windows: Key Differences
When selecting doors and windows for a home or commercial building, material choice plays a crucial role in determining longevity, performance, and aesthetics. Among the most popular materials are PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and aluminium, each offering distinct advantages and drawbacks. Understanding the key differences can help homeowners and builders make an informed decision that balances cost, durability, thermal efficiency, and design preferences.
Price Comparison: Affordability vs Investment
One of the primary factors influencing a buyer’s decision is price. PVC windows and doors are significantly more affordable than aluminium, with cost differences ranging between 70% and 200% depending on the brand and profile.
While PVC offers an attractive, low-cost upfront investment, aluminium provides better long-term value due to its durability and reduced need for replacements. When analysed over a 50-year lifespan, aluminium’s annual cost is lower than that of PVC.
So, if you are able to afford the additional cost of aluminium windows and doors they are more cost-effective than PVC over time.
Durability and Longevity
Durability is another crucial factor when choosing between PVC and aluminium. Aluminium frames are inherently stronger and more resistant to damage, making them less prone to scratches, warping, or degradation over time. In contrast, PVC has a lifespan of around 15-20 years, whereas aluminium windows can last 50 years or more without significant wear.
Aluminium is particularly advantageous in environments where weather exposure is a concern, as it withstands extreme heat, cold, and salt exposure better than PVC. PVC, especially in dark colours, can warp when exposed to prolonged sunlight, leading to operational issues over time.
Thermal Efficiency and Insulation Properties
Energy efficiency is a key consideration, particularly in colder climates, such as the UK. PVC generally offers better insulation, with a lower Uw value (thermal transmittance coefficient), meaning it retains heat more effectively. For instance:
- PVC windows (BluEvo 82 system): Uw = 0.74
- Aluminium windows (Aluprof MB-86 system): Uw = 0.89
However, as window size increases, the difference in insulation properties diminishes since the glass unit becomes the dominant factor in heat retention. High-performance aluminium systems with thermal breaks can also offer comparable efficiency but come at a higher price.
Aesthetic Flexibility and Design Choices
For those who prioritise design, aluminium provides a sleeker, more modern aesthetic. It allows for narrower frames, increasing the glass area and allowing more natural light into the space. PVC frames, while thicker, are available in a variety of finishes, with approximately 20 veneer colours compared to over 200 RAL colours for aluminium.
Aluminium’s powder coating technology also ensures superior colour longevity, while PVC veneers may fade or deteriorate over time.
Size and Structural Capabilities
The structural properties of each material determine the maximum allowable size for doors and windows. Aluminium, being more rigid, allows for larger openings without the risk of warping or structural instability. Examples of the differences in size limitations include:
- Tilt & turn windows:
- PVC: Maximum size ~150 x 160 cm (2.4 m²)
- Aluminium: Maximum size ~170 x 200 cm (3.4 m²)
- Sliding doors:
- PVC (HST Aluplast 85MM): Maximum size ~510 x 250 cm (12.75 m²)
- Aluminium (HST Aluprof MB-77 HS Monorail): Maximum size ~660 x 324 cm (21.38 m²)
These figures illustrate that aluminium provides up to 70% more structural capability for large glazing panels, making it the preferred option for panoramic windows and expansive sliding doors.
Maintenance and Weather Resistance
Both materials require some level of maintenance, but aluminium generally demands less frequent upkeep. It is:
- More resistant to scratches and external damage
- Immune to warping under temperature fluctuations
- Highly resistant to corrosion, even in coastal areas
PVC, on the other hand, can become brittle over time, especially in extreme weather conditions. Cleaning PVC frames is easy, but discolouration and deterioration may occur after years of exposure to UV rays.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between PVC and aluminium ultimately depends on budget, durability needs, and design preferences:
Choose PVC if:
- You need a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution
- The project has budget constraints
- The windows are for a smaller residential setup with standard-sized frames
Choose Aluminium if:
- You prioritise longevity and resistance to damage
- You need large, custom window sizes for modern architecture
- A minimalist, high-end aesthetic is important
- You want a broader range of colour options and finishes
Both materials have their place in construction and renovation projects, but understanding their advantages and trade-offs ensures an investment that aligns with functional and aesthetic goals.
Buy Your Aluminium and PVC Windows and Doors from 6 Day Doors
6 Day Doors is the most reliable seller of doors and windows to the trade in the South East, producing and shipping our products as quickly as possible following your purchase. Whether you need aluminium doors, aluminium windows, uPVC windows or uPVC doors, we will get exactly what you need, fast.
