ᐅ Types of Windows: uPVC, Wood, or Aluminum? Recommendations and Experiences?

This is exactly the right explanation. The stated lifespans depend heavily on the manufacturers. A very good plastic window can last up to 40 years. However, aluminum lasts at least one third longer. And for us, the price difference was less than 70%.

So far, we have had no issues with very large anthracite windows. They are also quite thick and have a carbon frame.
The surcharge is 70% compared to the highest quality uPVC for the top-quality aluminum-wood.
More affordable aluminum-wood options were also available for just a 25% increase.

Mastermind1 schrieb:
With some plastics, there is a problem that they warp or bend during the first major heat exposure. Then you complain to the window manufacturer. Of course, they have never encountered this issue before and therefore install stronger fittings and tighten the mushroom head anchors more firmly.

The issue is related to large dark-colored windows...

P.S. We have such a plastic window from a very large German profile manufacturer through a local window installer (2009/2010).
Our color: basalt gray

Acquaintances have the same profile – different window installer – same problem.
Color: anthracite

Neighbors also have dark window profiles from a cheaper manufacturer – their problem...
Color: anthracite

Conclusion for us: never again large dark-colored plastic windows or only small formats.

We also have large plastic windows in anthracite gray (RAL7016). So far, we have had zero problems, and last summer had some really hot and sunny days.

There is no cracking, no noticeable deformation, and the windows open and close the same way under strong sunlight as they do in winter.

Just imagine plastic garden furniture, the best you can buy. At the same time, imagine aluminum garden furniture. I am confident that after several years of exposure to the weather, the plastic garden furniture will start to discolor, and if you wait even longer, the plastic will break. The aluminum garden furniture, on the other hand, will definitely endure without damage.

Knallkörper schrieb:
We also have large plastic (uPVC) windows in anthracite gray (RAL 7016). So far, we have had zero issues, and last summer we experienced some really hot and sunny days.

Some profile manufacturers have apparently learned from frequent complaints and have added more steel reinforcements, along with the improved rigidity provided by the now common triple-glazed windows...

We have double glazing, while our acquaintances chose the same profile with triple glazing a year later. Our window profile is no longer available under that name. Our parents chose the same profile with double glazing for renovations in 2010 in white and have had no problems with warping or twisting...

The problems only appear on the south/southwest-facing side.

munger71 schrieb:
Just imagine plastic garden furniture

Well. It’s more like steel garden furniture with a plastic coating.