UPVC Windows Vs Aluminium Windows Vs Wooden Windows

UPVC Windows Vs Aluminium Windows Vs Wooden Windows

Windows contribute significantly to enhancing the appearance and beauty of the building. Windows admit light and ventilation into the building and allow us to see the outer view. Windows are an essential part of our home and office.

Are you confused about deciding between uPVC, aluminium, and wooden windows for your home or place of business?

Then you are in the right place today in this article we are going to make a detailed comparison of Upvc, aluminium and wooden windows.

I promise you after reading this article you will be able to choose the best one for your home or office.

So, let’s start

Strength and durability

The strength and durability of uPVC Windows are less compared to aluminium windows.

Aluminium windows are more robust and durable than uPVC and wooden Windows. 

Wooden windows are stronger and more durable than uPVC Windows.

Finishing

UPVC Windows doesn’t require any paint or polish.

Aluminium Windows require powder coating or Anodizing.

Wooden Windows require painting or polish.

Effect of moisture

UPVC does not swell due to moisture.

Whereas water with higher pH can attack all aluminium alloy.

Whereas in the case of wooden windows wood is a porous material, so it absorbs water and expands. When it expands, it isn’t easy to shut the window.

Weather Condition

Upvc windows can be used in any weather condition they are suitable for all areas, including coastal areas.

Whereas aluminium windows are designed to withstand some extreme conditions, but if the powder coating gets damaged, then it may get rusted.

Wooden windows cannot be used in the coastal area and the area where heavy rainfall occurs. 

Operation

Upvc windows can be operated smoothly without making any noise.

Whereas aluminium windows make noise and are affected by weather and moisture.

Wooden windows are not smooth; they make noise while operating.

Expansion and Contraction

UPVC does not expand and contract to the same extent as timber or aluminium, so the frame can remain stable. 

Aluminium has a very high thermal expansion coefficient compared to uPVC leading to product distortion if not manufactured and installed appropriately.

Wood has an inherent property to absorb moisture or expand and contract, which eventually leads to distortion and gaps.

Thermal Insulation

Upvc windows provide superior thermal insulation to your home from outside heat as uPVC is low a conductor of heat. 

Whereas aluminium is a highly conductive material which means heat can pass through it very quickly. Aluminium is a thermally inefficient choice for windows as compared to Upvc.

Wood is a poor conductor of heat; however, improper sealing and bending can allow it to pass.

Termite resistant

UPVC Windows are termite resistant.

Where are aluminium Windows do not attract termite and

Wooden windows are prone to termite; it is essential to ensure that wooden Windows are sealed with the correct product properly before installation.

Resistance To Corrosion

UPVC Windows do not rust or corrode due to inherent material characteristics.

Aluminium is prone to oxidation and susceptible to corrosion, especially if you live near a coastal environment.

Whereas wooden Windows do not rust or corrode.

UV Resistant

Upvc windows are made of a special UV-resistant blend, and therefore they do not fade even after prolonged exposure to Sun.

Aluminium windows are typically powder coated or anodized. If the powder coating is not of high UV resistant, then it can discolour quickly.

Wooden windows start fading very soon. They require constantly repolishing or finishing.

Fire

Upvc windows are self-extinguishing, and they do not propagate fire.

Aluminium Windows have a very high melting temperature.

Wooden windows can catch fire very quickly.

Fire Escape

UPVC Windows can allow easy escape in case of fire due to its lower softening temperature glass can be pushed out of the frame easily.

Aluminium and glass both have a high melting point and therefore, do not assist in an easy breakaway.

The wood itself can catch fire very quickly.

Sound Insulation

UPVC windows offer better soundproofing as compared to aluminium and wooden windows. 

Aluminium windows are not soundproof as compared to uPVC and wooden Windows.

In the case of soundproofing wooden Windows are better than aluminium.

Aesthetics

UPVC Window has a bit of a reputation for being bulky and unsightly, and the plastic look is not particularly appealing for homeowners who want something little more unique for their property.

The aluminium window frame can be much Slimmer than uPVC, which gives them a clean minimal look that is very popular in modern homes.

Wooden windows are aesthetically pleasing but look low if not appropriately maintained.

Weight

UPVC and Aluminium windows are lightweight.

Wooden windows are massive in weight.

Security

Both aluminium and Windows Windows are pretty secured 

Whereas timber windows are vulnerable to force entry if they degrade.

Life Span

As per the National Building Federation report, uPVC Windows have a life expectancy of 20 to 25 years.

Where aluminium is a highly durable material; hence the aluminium Windows can last up to 45 years because it doesn’t degrade in the same way that uPVC can.

Wooden windows can last up to 30 years or more if maintained properly.

Low Maintenance

UPVC windows require no painting only routine cleaning is sufficient.

The aluminium window may require periodic maintenance over a long period of usage. 

Wooden Windows need regular painting and Polishing.

The energy at the time of production

UPVC Windows are environment friendly; hence it requires significantly less energy to convert raw material to finished goods.

The aluminium window frame uses a large amount of energy in conversion. The aluminium window requires 7.5 times more energy than that needed to manufacture a uPVC window. 

Wooden windows require less energy as compared to aluminium windows.

Scrap Value

UPVC has a low scrap value as compared to aluminium but more scrap value as compared to wood.

Aluminium has a high Scrap value as compared to both uPVC and wood.

Wood has a low scrap value as compared to uPVC and aluminium.

Waste Disposal

Uses up to 99% of uPVC material can be separated from hardware and reinforcement.

Whereas in the case of aluminium, window separation is difficult as the profiles are treated with paint silicon and various protection coating.

In the case of a wooden window, the separation of hardware is problematic.

Environment-friendly

UPVC and aluminium are both environment-friendly materials.

Wood is not environment friendly as it courage deforestation.

Recycling

UPVC windows can be recycled more than ten times which means you can melt uPVC ten times and again use it.

Aluminium loses no quality during recycling and can be recycled forever.

Wooden windows can also be recycled, but it has a limitation.

Price

UPVC tends to be cheaper than aluminium and wood.

Aluminium Windows are more expensive than uPVC due to the higher cost of material and manufacturing.

Wood is more expensive than aluminium after glazing and painting or varnishing.

Conclusion

UPVC, Aluminium and Wooden windows have their advantages and disadvantages but which one is suitable for you depends on your unique needs.

So, friends, I hope I have covered all the differences between UPVC, Aluminium and Wooden Windows in this article. 

If you learn something from this information, please be sure to share it with someone who might benefit from it.

If you want to add any information which has been missed in this article, you can mention it in the comment section. 

Thanks! for reading the article.

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