UPVC vs Aluminium vs Wooden Windows

Hello Friends,

In this article, we will discuss the difference between Upvc windows, aluminium windows & wooden windows

So, Let’s Start,

1). Energy at the time of production

Upvc windows are environment friendly as they required very less energy to convert from raw material to finished goods.

Whereas,

Aluminium window frames use a large amount of energy in conversion. The aluminium window requires 7.5 times more energy than that required to manufacture u PVC window.

And,

Wooden Windows require less energy as compared to aluminium Windows.

2). Strength and Durability

The Strength and durability of your Upvc Windows are less as compared to aluminium Windows.

Whereas,

Aluminium Windows are stronger than you UPVC and wooden Windows. Aluminium Windows can have a slimmer appearance and a larger glass surface area due to the strength of the frames. For this reason, they are very popular with commercial and public buildings like Schools, offices and government buildings. This can be a good benefit for a residential home too.

Whereas

wooden Windows are stronger and more durable than u PVC Windows.

3). Operation

u PVC windows can be operated smoothly without making any noise.

Whereas,

Aluminium Windows make noise and they are affected by weather and moisture.

And,

Wooden Windows are not smooth. They make noise while operating.

4). Expansion and Contraction

u PVC does not expand or contract to the same extent as Timber or aluminium, so the frames can remain stable and not swell or shrink which mostly leads to badly fitting Windows.

Whereas,

Aluminium has a very high thermal expansion Coefficient as compared to uPVC. Leading to product distortion if not manufactured and installed appropriately.

And,

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

5). Thermal Insulation

It means a reduction of heat transfer.

u PVC Windows provides superior thermal insulation to your home from outside heat. As u PVC is a poor conductor of heat. u PVC is a naturally warm material and the multi-chambered frames of u PVC are great for insulation helping you keep your bills down during the winter.

Windows made with u PVC are generally better thermal insulators than aluminium, only if keep dry.

Whereas,

Aluminium is a highly conductive material which means heat can pass through it very easily.

For a while aluminium was therefore seen as the thermally inefficient choice for windows compared to u PVC.

And,

Wood is a poor conductor of heat. However Improper sealing & bending can allow it to pass.

6). Termite Resistance

u PVC windows are termite resistant.

Whereas,

Aluminium Windows do not attract termites.

And,

Wooden Windows are prone to termites. It is very important to ensure that wooden windows are sealed with the correct product in the correct manner before installation.

7). Waste Disposal

After usage up to 99%, u PVC material can be separated from hardware and reinforcement.

Whereas,

In the case of aluminium, window separation is difficult as profiles are treated with paint, silicon & various protective coatings.

And,

In the case of wooden windows separations of hardware bit difficult.

8). Resistance to corrosion

u PVC windows do not rust or corrode due to inherent material characteristics.

Whereas,

Aluminium is prone to oxidation and susceptible to corrosion especially if you live near coastal environments.

Whereas,

Wooden Windows do not rust or corrode.

9). UV Resistance

u PVC Windows are made of a special UV resistance blend and therefore they do not fade even after prolonged exposure to the sun.

Whereas,

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

Whereas,

Wooden windows start fading very soon. They required constant repolishing or finishing.

10). Fire

u PVC windows are self-extinguishing and they do not propagate fire.

Whereas,

Aluminium windows have a very high melting temperature.

And,

The wooden window can catch fire very easily.

11). Fire Escape

u PVC windows can allow easy escape in case of fire. Due to its lower softening temperature glass can be pushed out of the frame easily.

Whereas,

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

And,

The wood itself can catch fire very easily.

12). Eco-Friendliness

u PVC & aluminium both are environmentally friendly materials.

Whereas,

Wood is not environmentally friendly as it causes deforestation.

13). Sound Insulation

u PVC windows offer better soundproofing as compared to aluminium and wooden windows.

However, it is worth noting that a great deal of soundproofing comes from the glazing itself rather than just the frame. If you opt for high-quality double glazing your home should remain relatively quiet. Triple glazing even further improves the window’s ability to block sound. If you live in a very noisy, u PVC may be a favourable option for you.

Whereas,

Aluminium Windows are not soundproof as compared to u PVC and wooden Windows. In the case of soundproofing wooden Windows are better than aluminium.

14). Aesthetics

u PVC windows have a bit of a reputation for being bulky & unsightly and the plastic look is not particularly appealing for homeowners who want something a little more unique for their property.

Whereas,

Aluminium windows can be much slimmer than u PVC which gives them a clean minimal look that is very popular in modern homes.

And,

Wooden Windows are aesthetically pleasing but they looked poor if not maintained properly.

15). Weight

u PVC and Aluminium Windows are lightweight whereas wooden Windows are heavy in weight.

16). Finishing

u PVC Windows doesn’t require any paint or polish.

Whereas,

Aluminium Windows required powder coating or analyzing.

And,

Wooden Windows required painting or polishing.

17). Scrap Value

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

Whereas,

Aluminium has a high scrap value as compared to both u PVC and wood.

And,

Wood has a very low scrap value as compared to u PVC and aluminium.

18). Effect Of Moisture

u PVC doesn’t swell due to moisture.

Whereas,

Water with high PH value can attack all aluminium alloys.

And,

In the case of wooden windows, wood is a porous material so it absorbs water and expands. When it expands it is difficult to shut the windows.

19). Weather Conditions

u PVC Windows can be used in any weather conditions. They are suitable for all areas including coastal areas.

Whereas,

Aluminium Windows are designed to withstand some pretty extreme weather conditions, But if the powder coating gets damaged then it makes it corrode.

And,

Wooden Windows cannot be used in coastal areas and areas where heavy rainfall occurs.

20). Recycling

u PVC windows can be recycled more than 10 times. It means you can melt u PVC 10 times and again use it.

Whereas,

Aluminium loses low quality during recycling and can be recycled forever.

And,

Wooden windows can also be recycled but it has limitations.

21). Security

Both u PVC and aluminium windows are pretty secure.

Whereas,

Timber windows are vulnerable to forced entry if they degrade.

22). Lifespan

As per National Building Federation Reports

u PVC windows have a life expectancy of 20 to 25 years.

Whereas,

Aluminium is a highly durable material, hence aluminium windows can last up to 45 years because they don’t degrade in the same way that you be we see can.

And,

The wooden window can last up to 30 years or more if maintained properly.

23). Low Maintenance

u PVC windows required no painting, only routine cleaning is sufficient.

Whereas,

Aluminium windows may require periodic maintenance over a long period of usage.

And, Wooden windows need regular painting & polishing.

24). Price

u PVC windows tend to be cheaper than aluminium and wood.

Whereas,

Aluminium windows are more expensive than u PVC due to the higher cost of materials and manufacturing.

And,

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

Conclusion

u PVC, Aluminium and wooden Windows have their advantages and disadvantages but which one is suitable for you depends on your unique needs.

I hope this article will definitely help you to choose the right one for you.

So, You can consider these differences between UPVC vs Aluminium vs Wooden Windows to choose the windows for your home.

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