uPVC vs Aluclad vs Timber

The Big Decision

As windows are a very visible part of your home, before buying your new windows, you should have a set agenda of what exactly you are looking for from your investment. Firstly, what frame material are you looking? With the window manufacturing trade having developed and expanded throughout the past 20 years. From the humble beginnings of Timber Single Glazed windows and Aluminium Windows, the Industry as a whole has moved forward into a direction that aims towards longevity, style and energy efficiency.

As of 2013, the most popular window profiles that are being used are; Timber, Aluclad and uPVC. This blog will shed some light on each material and show you the differences of each material.

Aluclad

Aluclad Windows

Aluclad was first developed by Scandinavian window manufactures that sought a practical and stylish solution to the harsh climate conditions they face. If a timber profile was to be used solely for the window frames, the weather conditions would break down the material with relative ease, however, if a homeowner chose a aluminium profile, the material would be more resistant to weather conditions but the homeowner may feel the inside of their home lacks a feeling of warmth and suave. 

Aluclad offers the best of both materials. On the external face of the window is an aluminium coating that is virtually maintenance free and on the internal face is a timber finish, where that feeling of elegance and style are achieved.

When it comes to comparing prices, Aluclad is the most expensive of the list,  due to the care that has to be taken when providing the external coating of aluminium. 

Timber

Timber Windows

Timber is the only renewable material that is currently being used as a frame material for windows. Timber requires less energy to manufacture in comparison to uPVC and Aluclad and if you like to consider yourself a Eco-friendly person, you'd be satisfied in knowing your carbon emissions will be substantially less than those that come from Aluclad and uPVC. 
Only uPVC can compete with timber regarding the variance in style and in terms of pricing, the cost of a timber window is less expensive than Aluclad however tends to be more expensive than uPVC.

uPVC

uPVC Windows

uPVC windows carry many benefits. The range of designs and colour choices that are available are almost limitless and the maintenance required is minimal. 
When it comes to energy efficiency, the material used on the frame of the windows plays as big a role as the glass used. uPVC has better insulating values than both Timber and Aluclad and as a result can reduce energy and heating costs.
uPVC windows have a very good cost-benefit ratio and when comparing price to the durability of the window, a good quality uPVC window will trump both timber and Aluclad. 

Comparisons

• Price: If the exact same window (size,glass,design) was to be supplied and fit, the price order would come as Aluclad is the most expensive frame material , uPVC is the least expensive and Timber is usually priced somewhere where in between the two.

• Durability: Timber windows are guaranteed against rot for 30 years. Aluclad last up to 35-40 years and uPVC windows can last up to 50 years. "These figures are provided for the material used in the window frames. Glass unit breakdowns may occur and hinges may need to be replaced. This is why an after sales guarantee should be agreed between the customer and the supplier."

• Design Options: Timber and uPVC have a vast range of possibilities when it comes to manufacturing windows. Aluclad however is more limited due to the lesser range of aluminium that is used. The Aluclad design and colour options may change from supplier to supplier where as, many Timber and uPVC suppliers are capable of providing you with a range of colours and textures.

• Energy Efficiency: uPVC windows are superior in this regard. When comparing the U-Value (U-value is the measurement of heat lost through your glass and is expressed in watts per kelvin meter squared or W/Km2. The Lower the u-value, the better the insulation), a high quality uPVC window should be anywhere between  2.8 - 0.6. Aluclad should also have a similar u-value and it's expected for Timber to have a u-value higher rating of between 3.5 - 1.1.

• Maintenance: Timber windows will need a protective coat painted onto the outer side of the frame every two years or so if you wish to preserve and prevent rot. Aluclad and uPVC however, will rarely need anything other than a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or dust that may have gathered on the outside. 

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