Due to its robust nature and secure locking system, uPVC is the most sort after when it comes to security.

Gone are the days when aluminium windows were widely accepted. Earlier, people had a misconception that aluminium windows are not expensive and are eco-friendly. But, today people are realising that there are many features which makes aluminium unsuitable in the construction of present-day windows. Due to growing awareness about the various advantages of uPVC windows, it is opted more than the aluminium windows.Following are the major advantages of uPVC windows:

Condensation
One of the most noticeable aspects of the window is during cold winter mornings. Double glazed aluminium window will produce less condensation than single glazed aluminium windows. However, double glazing does not get rid of the major problem – condensation surfacing on the aluminium frames.Amit Chakrabarti, Director, Saicon says, “uPVC is a non conductive material, which means your window frame temperature will be very similar to the room temperature, hence no condensation on the frames. The glass might surface a very minor amount of condensation, however in 99 per cent of the windows that we install; customers report perfectly clear glass with not a single drop of water or mist.”

“Aluminium supports condensation and frosts during cold weather, but uPVC windows is non conductive,” says Sachin Talathi, Director, Infiniti Building Products Pvt Ltd.

Money Value
When it comes to pricing, uPVC is the cheapest material compared to thermally broken aluminium or timber. This is far from uPVC’s greatest attraction, but its relative cost effectiveness is certainly a bonus that makes a difference. Informing on the price value, Chakrabarti says, “Double glazed uPVC windows will be similar, if not cheaper, than standard residential aluminium joinery. It is worth mentioning that aluminium windows have 63 per cent poorer thermal performance.”

Insulation
Aluminium is #4 on the list of thermal conductivity for metals. First is copper, then gold and silver. This is why a car radiator is made out of aluminium, as it disperses heat very well. Same principle applies in reverse with cold radiation.

Comparing uPVC windows over aluminium windows, Chakrabarti says, “Non thermally broken aluminium window will have a frame surface temperature very similar to the outside, for example on a cold night of 3-4 degrees outside, aluminium frames will have a temperature of 7-8 degrees, whilst uPVC will be around 14. These numbers depend on the size of the window as well as the type of glass used.”

Talathi says, “uPVC windows will have good sound insulation and will not conduct electricity, while sound insulation is less for aluminium windows and it conducts electricity readily. Though aluminium windows have less dust insulation, uPVC windows are dust proof.”

Standard double glazed aluminium window has an r-value of 0.26 W/mk, while default value for uPVC is 0.36. uPVC company can supply joinery with R-Value from 0.37 to .58 for standard residential homes. Passive house uPVC joinery rates at r-values of 1.0 or above.

High resistance
Throwing light on the resistance quality of uPVC windows, Talathi says, “uPVC windows are highly resistant to heat loss and gains high thermal resistance unlike aluminium windows which readily conducts heat and has low thermal resistance. uPVC windows are also moist and pollution resistant, while aluminium windows corrodes in moist.  ”

Durability
Un-plasticised Polyvinyl Chloride is also one of the most durable materials available. Aluminium can pick up oxidation whereas uPVC is highly resilient.

Talking about the durability of uPVC windows, Chakrabarti feels, “It is highly unlikely uPVC joinery will need changing within 35-50 years. All our uPVC windows and doors come with 15 years warranty, as per NZBC B2 requirement.”

Security
Due to its robust nature and secure locking system, uPVC is the most sort after when it comes to security.

Boasting about the security Chakrabarti proudly says, “Our frames are constructed fusion welded making them extremely difficult to break or damage. Standard double glazed aluminium residential suite will have a very lightweight thin framing, which is easy to bend and makes it one of the least secure window types.”

uPVC windows come with a multipoint locking system with up to 8 points of locking on the windows and 12 on doors. Aluminium offers 1-2 points of ‘handle against frame’ locking on windows and doors come with 1 pin lock by default. We are currently talking with multiple insurance companies about lowering premiums on houses equipped with uPVC windows.

Low Maintenance
Another hugely appealing feature of uPVC is that it is remarkably low maintenance. Aluminium is resilient, but still needs attention. On the other hand, uPVC never rots, flakes, rusts or fades. Apart from a quick wipe with a cloth to keep it clean, uPVC requires virtually no maintenance making it convenient and freeing up time.

Talathi says, “Colour sprayed aluminium windows will scratch, flake and peel. Colour will fade and scrubbing, painting is required to touch-up whereas, uPVC are maintenance free.”

Double glazed uPVC windows will be similar, if not cheaper, than standard residential aluminium joinery.
Amit Chakrabarti, Director, Saicon

Aluminium supports condensation and frosts during cold weather, but uPVC windows is non conductive.
Sachin Talathi, Director, Infiniti Building Products Pvt Ltd.