Lighten up! Choosing between uPVC and aluminium windows

Lighten up! Choosing between uPVC and aluminium windows.

Light and ventilation are among the key considerations for any bespoke workspace or studio. The decision to commission your own workspace means you can choose a breeze when you want one, a temperature that is just right for you, and the perfect lighting for you and your work, even fluorescent tubes if you are nostalgic for the office you left behind!

Mybridity customers typically choose aluminium windows for their aesthetic appeal and here we consider the pros and cons of aluminium and uPVC windows to help you visualise your own home workspace design.

Aesthetics

The decision for uPVC or aluminium will have a big impact on the look and feel of your workspace. It is likely you will spend a large amount of your time inside your workspace and a large part of the rest of your time looking at it!

Consider the immediate surroundings and the style of the main building to inform broad design decisions. A contemporary feel might point to a choice for the design edge of aluminium but if the goal is to fit in with the location and surrounding buildings uPVC might work better although uPVC can be prone to discolouration over time. Aluminium windows typically have a narrower frame size allowing more light into the workspace as well as sharper lines in the final design.

Investment

Aluminium windows will most likely be more expensive than uPVC but, as with many products and services, prices are subject to fluctuation for a variety of reasons. Mybridity encourages the product price to give way to a view of the return on investment. uPVC will be cheaper, simpler, and offer longevity. Aluminium will be more robust and durable, as well as recyclable, with a life span measured in decades, and offer a sense of prestige.

Maintenance

Both options are low maintenance and easy to clean so you should expect them to last a long time. Aluminium windows are valued by customers for their durability and strength, and, although more expensive than uPVC, their resistance to corrosion and mould offer a longer life which makes for a positive return on the investment. The construction of aluminium windows includes screws which could require maintenance over time in heavy use settings. That is unlikely to be the case in a home workspace leaving you with all the benefits and none of the down sides.

Energy credentials

uPVC windows have well established energy efficiency credentials while advocates will argue that aluminium has a colder feel. The reality is that technology has advanced rapidly and aluminium is now just as effective, perhaps more so given how effective metals are at conducting heat. In any event, the biggest impact comes from the technology behind the glass and between the panes. Check the window energy rating (WER) to understand the relationship between energy efficiency and the impact on energy cost.

Security

Both uPVC and aluminium windows will be stronger security options than timber and include multi locking points as standard. Higher end options will include a Shootbolt at the top and bottom for added security. Aluminium is a more robust material and construction and will retain its shape and structural alignment for longer.

Margin notes

As with most choices the decision will come down to personal preference, design cues, and budget.

While aluminium will have a higher price tag the benefits are notable. The product has a 45 year life span and will not swell or crack. The frames are stronger but also thinner frame so let in more light. It’s also worth noting that, if it ever became relevant, the frames can be recycled.

uPVC options will be cheaper which, in part, reflects the degree to which they are in common use and the chemical aspects of their construction. They are not as robust as aluminium options, although clearly meet most everyday needs, and some models have better sound proofing qualities.

For a free, initial discussion about your individual workspace, contact Wayne at wayne@mybridity.com.