When it comes to replacing the windows in your home, one of the biggest decisions you will face is choosing between uPVC and aluminium frames. Both are popular choices for Manchester homeowners, and both have genuine advantages depending on your property type, budget and personal preferences.
At Open Wide Building Solutions, we have been installing windows across Manchester and the surrounding areas for over 35 years. We work with both uPVC and aluminium systems daily, and we get asked this question regularly. In this guide, we are going to break down the key differences between the two so you can make an informed decision for your home.
What Is uPVC?
uPVC stands for unplasticised polyvinyl chloride. It is a rigid, low-maintenance plastic material that has been the most popular window frame material in the UK for several decades. uPVC windows are manufactured in a wide range of colours and finishes, including white, cream, grey, and woodgrain effects that replicate the look of timber without the maintenance.
uPVC is widely used across residential properties in Manchester, from traditional terraced houses to modern new builds. It is affordable, thermally efficient, and extremely durable in the wet and changeable Manchester climate.
What Is Aluminium?
Aluminium is a metal framing system that has grown significantly in popularity in recent years, particularly for contemporary and architect-designed properties. Aluminium frames are much slimmer than uPVC, which means you get more glass and more natural light in the room.
Modern aluminium windows are thermally broken, meaning they include an insulating barrier within the frame to prevent heat loss. This has addressed what was historically a weak point for aluminium in terms of energy efficiency.
The Key Differences
Aesthetics
This is where the two materials differ most noticeably. uPVC frames tend to be bulkier and more traditional in appearance. They suit period properties, semi-detached homes, and any property where a classic residential look is appropriate.
Aluminium frames are sleek and architectural. The slim sightlines give a more modern, premium appearance. If you are looking to add a contemporary feel to your home or you have a property with large glazed areas, aluminium will almost always look better.
Thermal Efficiency
Both materials can achieve excellent energy efficiency ratings when specified correctly. uPVC is naturally a poor conductor of heat, which means it performs very well thermally without needing additional engineering.
Aluminium conducts heat more readily, but modern thermally broken aluminium systems perform comparably to uPVC when tested. Both options are available in A-rated configurations at Open Wide Building Solutions, meaning your energy bills will benefit regardless of which material you choose.
Durability
uPVC is highly resistant to moisture, rot and corrosion. It will not warp or swell in damp conditions, making it a particularly good choice for Manchester where rainfall is frequent. Most uPVC windows come with a manufacturer guarantee of 10 years or more, and with basic cleaning they will last considerably longer than this.
Aluminium is extremely strong and will not warp, crack or fade. It is resistant to corrosion and performs exceptionally well in all weather conditions. High-quality powder-coated aluminium finishes are rated to last 25 years or more without significant degradation.
Both materials are durable and long-lasting. Aluminium has a slight edge in terms of lifespan, but both represent a solid long-term investment for your home.
Security
Both uPVC and aluminium windows can be specified with multi-point locking systems that meet or exceed British Standard requirements. At Open Wide Building Solutions, all our window installations include advanced multi-point locking as standard, regardless of the frame material.
The inherent strength of aluminium does give it a slight advantage in terms of resistance to forced entry, but a well-installed uPVC window with a quality locking system is highly secure and appropriate for the vast majority of residential properties.
Cost
uPVC is the more affordable option. For a standard replacement window on a typical Manchester terraced or semi-detached property, uPVC will cost less than an equivalent aluminium specification. This makes it the go-to choice for homeowners who want quality windows at a sensible price point.
Aluminium commands a premium, reflecting the material cost and the manufacturing precision required to achieve those slim sightlines. However, for the right property, the investment is worthwhile. Aluminium windows can significantly increase the kerb appeal and value of a home, particularly on modern properties.
Which Should You Choose?
The honest answer is that it depends on your property and your priorities.
Choose uPVC if you have a traditional property, a tight budget, or if you simply want a reliable, thermally efficient window with minimal fuss. uPVC is the right choice for the majority of Manchester homes.
Choose aluminium if you have a contemporary property, if you are prioritising aesthetics and slim sightlines, if you want large glazed areas or floor-to-ceiling windows, or if you are willing to invest more for a premium finish.
In some cases, homeowners choose a combination of the two. For example, uPVC casement windows throughout the property with aluminium bi-fold or sliding doors at the rear where the aesthetic impact is greatest.
How We Can Help
At Open Wide Building Solutions, we supply and install both uPVC and aluminium windows across Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Oldham, Bury, Bolton, Rochdale and the surrounding areas.
Our team will visit your property, assess your requirements, and give you honest advice on which option suits your home and budget. We never push customers toward one material over another. Our job is to make sure you get the right windows for your home.
All our installations come with a free survey, a detailed written quote, and the peace of mind that comes from working with a family-run business with over 35 years of experience in Manchester.
If you would like to discuss your window replacement project, give us a call on 07535 832 961 or fill in our online quote form and we will get back to you within 24 hours. The quote is free and there is no obligation whatsoever.