⚔️ Aluminium vs uPVC Sliding Windows: Which Is Better?
When choosing the right sliding windows for your home or commercial space, two popular materials dominate the market — Aluminium and uPVC. Both offer unique advantages and are suitable for different needs, but which one should you choose?
Let’s compare aluminium vs uPVC sliding windows across key factors to help you make the right decision.
????️ 1. Material Strength & Durability
Aluminium:
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Strong and lightweight metal
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Highly durable and can last 30+ years
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Resists rust, corrosion, and weather damage
uPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride):
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Non-metallic, plastic-based material
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Decent durability (15–25 years)
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Can degrade or discolor under extreme sunlight over time
✅ Winner: Aluminium (especially for long-term strength and harsh weather resistance)
???? 2. Design & Aesthetics
Aluminium:
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Slimmer frames allow larger glass areas
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Sleek, modern appearance
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Available in many colors and finishes (powder-coated, anodized)
uPVC:
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Thicker frames due to structural limitations
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Fewer color and design options (mostly white or wood-like)
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Can look bulkier in modern settings
✅ Winner: Aluminium (ideal for contemporary, stylish designs)
???? 3. Maintenance
Aluminium:
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Low maintenance
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Doesn’t require painting or polishing
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Just needs regular cleaning
uPVC:
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Also low maintenance
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Resistant to rust and termites
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Can stain or fade over time if not cleaned
???? Tie: Both are low-maintenance, but aluminium handles aging better in the long run
????️ 4. Thermal Insulation
Aluminium:
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Conducts heat unless fitted with thermal breaks or double-glazing
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Can result in heat gain or loss if not insulated properly
uPVC:
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Naturally better insulator
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Prevents heat transfer, making it more energy-efficient
✅ Winner: uPVC (better thermal performance out-of-the-box)
???? 5. Sound Insulation
Aluminium:
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Needs high-quality glazing and seals to match uPVC in soundproofing
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Suitable for urban and industrial areas when upgraded
uPVC:
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Better sound insulation by default due to the material’s density and structure
✅ Winner: uPVC (slightly better at blocking noise in standard builds)
???? 6. Security
Aluminium:
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Stronger and more resistant to forced entry
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Allows for advanced multi-point locking systems
uPVC:
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Secure but can be more vulnerable under heavy force
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Locking depends heavily on hardware quality
✅ Winner: Aluminium (superior structural strength for security)
???? 7. Cost
Aluminium:
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More expensive than uPVC
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Higher initial investment, but more durable over time
uPVC:
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Budget-friendly
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Lower upfront cost, ideal for affordable projects
✅ Winner: uPVC (better for low-budget projects)
???? 8. Environmental Impact
Aluminium:
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100% recyclable, eco-friendly if reused
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Energy-intensive to manufacture, but long-lasting
uPVC:
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Also recyclable but has a higher environmental impact in production
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Contains chlorine and other chemicals
✅ Winner: Aluminium (longer lifespan and better recyclability)
???? Quick Comparison Table
Feature | Aluminium | uPVC |
---|---|---|
Strength | ✅ High | Moderate |
Design Flexibility | ✅ Sleek & modern | Limited |
Maintenance | ✅ Low | ✅ Low |
Thermal Insulation | Needs enhancement | ✅ Naturally good |
Soundproofing | Good with upgrades | ✅ Better by default |
Security | ✅ Very high | Moderate |
Cost | ❌ Higher | ✅ Lower |
Eco-Friendliness | ✅ Recyclable | Less eco-friendly |
???? Final Verdict: Which Is Better?
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Choose Aluminium Sliding Windows if you want a modern, sleek look with high strength, durability, and long-term value.
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Choose uPVC Sliding Windows if you’re looking for affordable, thermally-efficient windows for small-to-medium residential projects.
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