ᐅ Aluminum windows or uPVC windows with aluminum cladding

Created on: 12 Aug 2021 19:46
D
DTvomHaus
Good evening everyone,

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find information through the search. We are currently planning to replace our 30-year-old wooden windows (due to design and sealing issues). Now we are considering which type of window to choose. We are torn between a “true” aluminum window or a uPVC window with an aluminum cladding.

Our consultation appointment is next week, but I would like to have a preliminary opinion to bring into the discussion. What do you think: From my layperson perspective, the uPVC window with cladding seems to offer the best of both worlds—affordable combined with very durable and weather-resistant. Am I mistaken?

I am looking forward to your opinions.

Best regards
R
rdwlnts
14 Aug 2021 18:15
One has to admit that uPVC windows have caught up. Due to the weight of modern windows, the uPVC frames are constructed more robustly and are often fiber-reinforced. They also provide better thermal insulation than aluminum.

In our current rented apartment, we have 21-year-old standard white uPVC windows installed. They still look almost like new... at least when cleaned.
11ant14 Aug 2021 19:42
rdwlnts schrieb:

They also provide better thermal insulation than aluminum.
No, they do not, at least not in most typical cases.
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R
rdwlnts
14 Aug 2021 20:00
11ant schrieb:

No
Really not? Aluminum is actually one of the best heat-conducting materials there is. How do you achieve good thermal insulation with it? Plastic is already a very good insulator by itself.
R
rdwlnts
14 Aug 2021 20:12
What value do good aluminum windows typically achieve? Our uPVC windows have a Uw of 0.69.
11ant14 Aug 2021 20:13
rdwlnts schrieb:

Really not? Aluminum is actually one of the best heat-conducting materials out there. How do you achieve good thermal insulation with it? Plastic itself is already a very good insulator.
Oh, are you one of those who haven’t caught up yet? Yes, the issue with aluminum profiles is well known, but it belongs to the past: this applied to the first generation of aluminum windows, but for about forty years now, aluminum profiles have been made in two parts with a plastic thermal break in between.
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R
rdwlnts
14 Aug 2021 20:19
11ant schrieb:

Oh, are you also one of those who haven’t caught on to this yet?
To be honest, I have never really cared about windows. I don’t know anyone who has aluminum windows. They are always either uPVC or wooden windows.
Our window supplier only offers aluminum windows, which insulate worse than their best uPVC windows. From a materials science perspective, that made perfect sense to me. I didn’t go into the construction details though. My bad.