News

20
May

Aluminium, Composite or PVCu – Which is the right choice for my property?

With multiple options to choose from, you might find yourself unsure on which material is right for your windows and doors. Aluminium, Composite or PVCu?

There are numerous materials and combination of materials available on the market today. Choosing the most appropriate material comes down to the style of the glazing you are looking for, your budget and your location.

At Aspect Windows we have been advising customers for over 30 years. Take a read through our quick material guide below or book an appointment to visit our showroom, just off junction 30 of the M5 which contains examples of aluminium, composite and PVCu doors and windows in all shapes and sizes.

Aluminium

Strong, lightweight and 100% recyclable aluminium is growing in popularity in the UK.

Usually covered in a tough powder coating the outer aluminium profiles contain a solid polyamide thermal break. This is the rigid insulation material which provides great thermal performance.

Aluminium doors and windows come in a range of colours, textures and finishes. Some are more suited to marine environments such as preanodised and most come with a dual colour option, which allows you to have a different colour on the inside of your windows compared to the outside, available as either matt or gloss.

Aluminium is low maintenance and expands just 1mm per meter, making it suitable for larger doors and windows. Frames can be narrow due to the strength of the aluminium allowing large glass expanses and architectural statement pieces such as a cornerless opening.

Composite

By combing 2 or more materials it is possible to create a window or door that has some of the best thermal results. Most common is a timber frame on the interior for both insulation and aesthetics, clad in aluminium on the exterior for its protection from the elements.

Composite tends to be more expensive than other matherials but again due to the strength of the materials large panels can be achieved if required.

PVCu

Unplasticised Polyvinylchloride is widely used in the British market as replacement for older windows. Normally white but now available in a range of colours and finishes such as woodgrain.

PVCu expands by as much as 3mm per meter making it unsuitable for large expanses of glass but a good low cost option for smaller windows. In order to incorporate insulation and various chambers for strength and thermal performance, PVCu frames can be wider than their aluminium counterparts. Meaning that you can end up with a much smaller glass to frame ratio.

In summary if you are looking for large expanses of glass, particularly for sliding and bi-folding doors we would recommend aluminium or composite, if you are on a tighter budget then PVCu could be the right choice for you. Book an appointment with one of our experts in our Exeter showroom who can talk through your requirements and budget and advise on the best options for your home.

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"The whole process has been excellent - I really appreciate the patience you've taken on what is a huge expenditure for a passion project, working with total amateurs! You've always taken the time to answer questions, explain options and crucially, make recommendations when nativity/inexperience clouds our judgement. A real skill and something I personally have really appreciated as I feel confident that we now have windows and doors that complement our house, design and style. Without that level of consultative engagement and relationship I'm confident I would have overlooked details and made a substandard decision. Thank you!"

Mrs Trestain, Padstow

"Just a quick note of thanks to the whole team for our fab windows and doors, we are delighted with both the product and also with the whole fitting process. The lads were brilliant (it's not often you get trades in the house who leave it cleaner at the end of the day than when they arrive in the morning!!) and just quietly got on with the job. Thank you again"

Mr & Mrs Leonard, Exeter

"The pocket sliding door and gable look amazing, it’s an impressive bit of kit and it’s a revelation to be able to open the space up! I have to say we’ve been very impressed with all your teams positivity, professionalism and workmanship, from start to finish - so a big thank you…"

Mr Marsh, Exeter

"I would like to thank you for the quality of the service we have received from Aspect Windows and commend you for the care and attention that we have received throughout the process. I am thoroughly pleased with our new windows and would recommend your services to anybody who asks."

Mr & Mrs Miller, Exmouth

"I wanted to just send my thanks and appreciation. We had an install approx. 6 years ago including some bi-fold doors which in recent weeks appeared to have dropped and became very difficult to lock. I called the office on Monday and a lady took my details and quickly called me back suggesting you had an engineer locally the following day. He arrived and was extremely polite and efficient and diagnosed a broken hinge. He went back to the depot collected the replacement part, then returned to Budleigh and completed the repair. We really appreciate the speed and efficiency with which you dealt with the issue and the ease from a customer perspective. "

Mr Ashby, Budleigh Salterton

"I just wanted to say thank you for the excellent service you have provided in the planning, removal & installation of our beautiful new windows and doors. We were completely amazed & delighted at the speed of which the installation took place and the hard work put in by the installation team. They worked very efficiently and communicated with me at ease through the week so I knew their plans with each room for installation. All the windows & door look great and we have already had lots of compliments. "

Mrs Oakes-Ash, Exmouth

"We would like to thank everyone at Aspect Windows for the fantastic service that we have received on our project. From start to finish, you have been so professional and we are totally thrilled with our sliding doors and our side door. We would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone thinking of undergoing a similar project."

Mrs Moores, Templecombe

"We would just like to say how excellent the service has been from Aspect Windows from beginning to end. The salesman could not have been more helpful, we felt completely unhurried and un-pressured. The fitter was also extremely good, he was neat, careful and very respectful of our property as well as being very sociable and polite. Congratulations Aspect Windows on a really good job I wish everything in life could be so straightforward!"

Mr Foster, Exeter

"I had chosen Aspect Windows in Exeter to supply the glazing as they had a good reputation and specialised in aluminium doors windows and curtain walling. Aspect were brilliant throughout the design and fitting process, working to incredibly tight tolerances especially on the curtain walling."

Mr Abdilla, Exeter