Are uPVC Windows Better Than Aluminium Windows?

Are uPVC Windows Better Than Aluminium Windows?

Modern Australian homes are currently entering into a new era of needs in terms of security, thermal efficiency and noise reduction. The government recently passed measures that require that all Australian homes pass a certain level of thermal efficiency before they are legally allowed to be worked on for extensions and large home improvement projects. 

There are many ways to improve your home’s thermal efficiency, the simplest and most common is to have double glazing installed across your windows and doors. Double glazing provides your home with a layered system that keeps the temperature in your home regulated and consistent with less strain on your heating and cooling systems. The government has created this particular measure to ensure that Australians have more eco-friendly homes that are in line with Europe, the UK and the USA. Australian homes have unfortunately fallen behind in the last 30 years or so due to traditionally low energy prices around the country. With climate change on the rise, the need for a widespread initiative to reduce our home’s carbon footprint has never been greater.

So when you’re deciding on your double glazing improvement, many options will be available to you regarding your frame of choice. Timber is the traditional choice and is by far the most outdated. Timber degrades in the weather and consistently loses thermal efficiency and security potential the more it is used over the years. Here at Ecostar, we wanted to compare the two modern alternatives, aluminium and uPVC and explain why uPVC is the superior option for the modern Australian home.

Thermal Efficiency

Starting with the key issue at hand, uPVC is vastly superior to aluminium to ensure high thermal efficiency levels for your Melbourne home. Aluminium is a natural metal, making it a good heat conductor. Unfortunately, this means that it is a bad insulator of heat. Good conductors allow heat to pass through them easily, which is why when metal is often left in direct sunlight, it warms up and can be searing to the touch. If your window frames are made from aluminium, they’ll get hot in the sunlight and pass that heat into your home, forcing you to turn up your cooling systems and use more of your energy. You’ll end up with the same effect during the cold winter months too! The metal will become cold in the winter air and draw the heat from your home, again forcing you to use your energy unnecessarily.

uPVC, on the other hand, is designed to be completely resistant to the change in temperature. The polymer has proven insulating properties equal to that of timber but without any degradation. Just as uPVC is designed to resist changes in temperature, it is also designed to resist changes in the weather. Whilst timber degrades over time, gradually losing its insulating properties, uPVC is completely water and weather resistant, allowing it to retain its insulating properties for decades to come. Since the warmth in your home will not leak through the frames, your heating can go off sooner, allowing you to use less energy, bringing down your costs, and protecting the planet.

Noise Reduction

The temperature insulation of uPVC translates into noise reduction too. You’ll be able to enjoy a home that is both cooler in the summer and quieter when everyone is out and about enjoying the weather. The increased level of privacy is one of the driving factors for having uPVC double glazing installed. Having uPVC double glazing installed throughout your home reduces noise on the inside from the outside by around 35 decibels. For example, if two people are standing outside your window and having a conversation, you’ll be able to hear them pretty clearly with single glazing. Whereas, if you have uPVC double glazing installed, that conversation will now be reduced to little more than a whisper from within the room. A significant shift that truly makes a difference to the calm and tranquillity of your home.

Affordability

uPVC is also, by far, the more affordable option. Relatively cheap to produce and exceptionally recyclable, uPVC has been in the top three of synthetic building materials across the world for the last 40 years for a good reason. Aluminium, whilst still highly recyclable, is expensive to produce and work with, giving it a premium price point compared to uPVC. In terms of going for the more cost-effective option, uPVC is the way to go. 

If you’re interested in getting a quote from us for a new set of uPVC double glazing, whether it be for windows or doors, you can do so right here on our website by filling out the contact form with your information. One of our wonderful teams will be back to you quickly and will provide you with a bespoke price for your needs. You can also ask any questions you may have in your enquiry, and our team will be happy to answer!