Modern Aluminium: The Ultimate Guide

Whether you are conducting home improvements or looking for better ways to lower your heating bills, window frames are a valuable investment. With that in mind, aluminium windows have grown in popularity in recent years due to their stylish appearance and sleek window design.

A slim framework makes it less bulky than other flush fit window solutions, and casement windows. Due to the strength of aluminium windows and doors, larger glass surfaces are possible. As a result, you can let more light into your home.

It comes at a price…

However, one of the main reasons you may be put off choosing aluminium windows is the price tag. The difference in cost between this material and other solutions like PVCu windows can be significant. Indeed, flush fitting casement windows in aluminium can cost homeowners up to three times as much as other materials.

With this in mind, it is clear that serious consideration must be paid to what solutions are available when carrying out windows-centric home improvements. Whether this involves replacing aluminium window frames already in situ, or considering aluminium windows for the first time, you need to weigh up the pros and cons of this choice.

For example, while the sleek finish of aluminium windows is seen as a positive thing for some, it does not suit all properties. In some cases, they may actively detract from the house’s kerb appeal.

Not only that, homeowners may also be put off by the maintenance requirements associated with aluminium windows. Many aluminium windows require monthly work to stave off corrosion issues and general wear-and-tear that comes from exposure to the elements. If you are looking for a fit-and-forget solution, this vacuuming, cleaning and waxing work may be unappealing.

Heat conducting

Not only are aluminium frames costly at the time of installation, they could also increase your heating bills. They are highly conductive and heat passes through the frame easily, which could lead to lower energy efficiency ratings. Consequently, opting for aluminium windows or replacing aluminium window frames with solutions of a similar material may result in higher energy bills.

This high thermal conductivity also leaves aluminium windows susceptible to condensation. Though this problem can be resolved with the installation of thermal breaks, further issues can arise if they are incorrectly installed. Specifically, additional heat could be lost through the frame if thermal breaks are not installed properly, diminishing energy efficiency further.

What other options are there?

While aluminium frames have proven popular for their stylish and modern appearance, they are not always the right choice for your home. So, if you are looking at replacing aluminium windows, there are two other main options available – wood and PVCu.

Undoubtedly, both have their merits. Timber windows, for instance, have always appealed to homeowners due to their traditional look. They have also long been seen as a high-quality and robust solution, especially for period-style properties.

The growth of aluminium clad timber windows also means it is now possible to enjoy benefits associated with both materials. Specifically, you can adopt the modern look of aluminium frames, while enjoying energy efficiency benefits associated with wood.

The fact wood is a natural material also gives more sustainability-conscious homeowners peace of mind, knowing they have opted for an eco-conscious solution. However, timber windows can suffer from performance and maintenance issues. For example, flush casement windows in wood require constant maintenance to avoid deterioration.

If left untreated and exposed to the traditionally damp British weather, these frames may begin to rot. This is especially the case with softwood windows, which, while able to provide a modern look, will decay quicker due to the material’s absorbent properties.

Aluminium vs PVCu windows

Where both aluminium frames and timber windows fail, PVCu windows offer a solution that provides the best of both worlds. Flush fit PVCu casement windows, as well as other flush fit PVCu window options, have been developed with the trend toward cleaner finishes in mind.

Advancing PVCu technology means a number of jointing options are available to give off a modern, eye-catching look. The extremely large amount of foil options now available with the windows means the days are long gone where PVCu was only available in white. Instead, a wide range of colours are now available, so you can select solutions that suit your individual decorative tastes.

Unlike aluminium window frames, PVCu frames are also lightweight, durable and not prone to corrosion. PVCu windows need little maintenance with only regular cleaning which can save valuable time. REHAU windows contain a unique compound that guarantees a smooth, high gloss finish meaning that your new windows retain their pristine appearance for years to come.

Performance benefits

Appearance aside, PVCu offers marked performance benefits over timber and aluminium, especially in double glazed windows and triple glazing options. Regardless of your priorities when selecting windows, polymer provides numerous benefits.

With that in mind, we have listed these factors below, and how the material meets the challenges associated with modern life.

Thermal efficiency - PVCu windows benefit from built-in thermal efficiency as standard. Windows from REHAU, for example, are A-rated under Windows Energy Ratings requirements, ensuring a warm home.
Sound attenuation - PVCu double-glazing units are designed to ensure noise levels are kept to a minimum and enhance homeowner comfort.
Sustainability – Due to advancing polymer recycling technology, PVCu windows are more sustainable than ever before. REHAU’s TOTAL70C system, for example, is available with a co-extruded profile made up of up to 75% post-consumer waste.
Durability – PVCu windows from REHAU are built to withstand ‘severe’ weather conditions, in accordance to British Standard BS 6375-1 for wind resistance, air permeability and weather performance.
Security – PVCu is a strong and secure material by design, and REHAU windows enjoy PAS 24 accreditation, demonstrating enhanced security performance.

Though aluminium windows are undoubtedly aesthetically appealing, the fact it is now possible to fabricate almost identical-looking PVCu windows negates this unique selling point. As polymer also provides marked efficiency and performance benefits over both aluminium frames and timber windows, it is clear it is now the more attractive alternative.

For additional information on PVCu windows and what specific product may be suitable to your home, visit the REHAU website’s PVCu windows page.

Find out which window material suits your lifestyle in our 21st Century Window Renovation Guide:

Read Timber & Aluminium Guide

Clare Higgins

Senior Product Manager

Window Solutions

REHAU UK