20
May
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.
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.
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.
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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