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Which Window Frame Material is the Best?

Choosing the right window frame material is crucial when upgrading or installing windows in your home. The material you select can impact everything from durability and maintenance to energy efficiency and aesthetics, so it’s vital to consider all your options to see which is right for your property. This guide delves into the most popular window frame materials, highlighting their benefits and drawbacks, with a special focus on why aluminium stands out as the premier choice for Express Bi-folds Direct products. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which material best suits your property’s needs and increases its value.

The Most Popular Window Frame Materials.

With so many material options on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by choice. We’ve put together a breakdown of the most popular window frame materials, along with their pros and cons below. For more expert advice on which material is right for you, feel free to visit one of our showrooms and chat with our team about your options.

Aluminium

Aluminium is a robust and versatile window frame material that doesn’t expand or contract with temperature changes, making it ideal for large windows and doors. Its strength and durability make it an incredibly popular choice, especially for commercial buildings and skyscrapers, where reliability over time is essential. However, without proper thermal insulation, aluminium windows can be less energy efficient.

Pros:

Durability: Extremely strong and long-lasting, resistant to warping and corrosion.
Slim Frames: Allows for sleek, thin frames that maximise glass area and natural light.
Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep, as it doesn’t rust.
Design Flexibility: Available in a wide range of colours and finishes.
Recyclability: Environmentally friendly as it is infinitely recyclable.

Cons:

Thermal Conductivity: Aluminium is a good conductor of heat, which can affect energy efficiency in the winter unless installed with a thermal break.
Cost: More expensive than uPVC but generally cheaper than fibreglass or wood clad options.
Condensation: Aluminium can be prone to condensation in cold climates without proper thermal insulation. The constant advances in thermal break technology ensure that all our products surpass all current & future building regulations meaning that heat will be retained in a property throughout the colder months.

Composite

Composite windows combine a blend of materials, typically aluminium and timber, to offer thermal efficiency and aesthetic versatility. However, they can be bulkier than other options, and size limitations may restrict design possibilities for larger openings.

Pros:

Thermal Efficiency: Great insulation due to the timber component, with aluminium adding strength.
Aesthetic Versatility: Available in various shapes, sizes, and colours, making them suitable for modern designs.
Low Maintenance: External aluminium cladding reduces upkeep needs.

Cons:

Thicker Frames: This material tends to create a bulkier appearance, reducing the glass area and limiting external light.
Limited Size Options: Fewer size options when compared to aluminium.

uPVC

uPVC (Unplasticized PolyVinyl Chloride) is known for its affordability and energy efficiency, making it a popular choice among homeowners. However, its plastic appearance might not suit all architectural styles and is less environmentally friendly than other materials.

Pros:

Affordability: Cost-effective due to the materials used.
Energy Efficiency: Its low thermal conductivity means it has good insulation properties.
Low Maintenance: Resistant to rot, rust, and corrosion.
Sound Insulation: Effective noise reduction.

Cons:

Aesthetic Limitations: Less visually appealing than alternatives.
Environmental Concerns: Not biodegradable.
Strength: Weaker than metal or wood and prone to warping.
Longevity: Requires more frequent replacement compared to aluminium windows, for example.

Fibreglass

A durable and energy-efficient material, Fibreglass can withstand harsh weather without warping or cracking. While it’s more environmentally friendly than uPVC, its higher cost and UV sensitivity may be drawbacks.

Pros:

Durability: Resistant to harsh weather conditions.
Energy Efficiency: Excellent thermal performance.
Low Maintenance: Resistant to water, rot, and insects.
Customisation: Can be painted and customised.
Environmental Friendliness: Made from natural materials and recyclable.

Cons:

Cost: More expensive than other options.
UV Sensitivity: Can degrade over time without proper treatment.
Availability: Harder to find compared to uPVC and aluminium.

Wood Clad

Wood clad windows offer the warmth and beauty of natural wood inside, with the protection of a durable exterior material like aluminium or vinyl. While aesthetically pleasing, they require more maintenance and can be expensive.

Pros:

Aesthetic Appeal: Natural wood interior with durable exterior cladding.
Insulation: Wood is an excellent natural insulator.
Customisation: Can be stained or painted to match your interior decor.

Cons:

Maintenance: Interior wood requires periodic care.
Cost: More expensive, especially with high-quality wood.
Potential for Rot: Risk of moisture penetration if cladding is damaged.

Which is Right for You? Key Considerations

When selecting a window frame material, consider the following factors:

Cost

The cost of window frames varies widely with uPVC being generally the most affordable option, followed by composite an aluminium. Wood clad and fibreglass frames tend to be more expensive due to their premium materials and benefits, so it’s important to balance your budget with your long-term needs.

Energy Efficiency

If energy efficiency is a priority, uPVC, fibreglass, and composite frames are all excellent options. Aluminium frames can also be superb for energy-efficiency when they feature a thermal break whereas wood-clad frames offer strong insulation when paired with energy-efficient glazing. According to Green Match, energy-efficient windows can reduce a building’s energy use by up to 40%, offering significant financial savings.

Customisation and Style

When selecting window frames, it’s important to balance practicality with style. The style of your home should guide your choice of material, as different options offer varying levels of customisation and aesthetic appeal. Aluminium frames are ideal for modern, minimalist designs, while wood-clad frames provide a classic look that complements traditional and historic properties. uPVC frames are versatile, fitting well in various settings, and composite and fibreglass frames offer a blend of traditional and contemporary aesthetics. Consider how much customisation you need, whether it’s the wide array of colours and finishes available with uPVC and aluminium, the paintable surface of fibreglass, or the natural wood tones and customisable exteriors of wood-clad frames.

At Express Direct, It Has to Be Aluminium

At Express Direct, we believe aluminium is the ultimate choice for window frames. Its ability to handle expansive spans and numerous moving parts unlike timber and PVC makes it perfect for the growing trend of light-filled, open-plan spaces. Aluminium’s strength, combined with our industry-leading thermally broken technology, ensures our products meet and exceed the demands of modern luxury homes.

Perfect for residential and commercial projects, our British-made aluminium products offer slimmer frames, lower U-values, and increased durability. Plus, aluminium is eco-friendly, infinitely recyclable, and virtually maintenance-free. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your home or create a stunning feature, aluminium offers the perfect blend of beauty and sustainability.

Aluminium Fixed Windows

Our aluminium fixed windows are a cost-effective way to enhance your garden room with striking visual appeal and increased natural light. We offer rectangular fixed windows that pair seamlessly with our other door and window systems, including full-height picture windows that are popular alongside bifold and French doors. Available in two standard heights of 1950mm and a horizontal option, these windows are perfect when space is limited. If you need a custom size, style, or would like to add integral blinds, our team is here to help.

Aluminium Casement Windows

We offer a stock of pre-made aluminium casement windows designed specifically for exterior garden rooms, available within just five working days. Ideal for both professional companies and DIY enthusiasts, these windows ensure fast, reliable access to high-quality products, helping you avoid delays in completing your garden room.

Our casement windows, which open outward, come in two sizes and are perfect for providing significant airflow when the doors can’t be fully opened. Featuring a slim, flush design, they are strong, durable, and visually appealing. As the slimmest, most secure, and thermally efficient aluminium windows on the market, they hold a ‘Secured by Design’ accreditation, boast an A++ window energy rating, and achieve U-values as low as 1.0 W/m²K—making them ideal for new builds, extensions, and garden rooms.

If you need a custom size or style or wish to add integral blinds, why not come down to our showroom and explore our collection.

So, Which is the Best?

As explored above, selecting the right window frame material is a crucial decision that impacts not only the look and feel of your home but also its energy efficiency, durability, and long-term value. Each material—whether it’s aluminium, composite, uPVC, fibreglass, or wood-clad offers unique benefits and considerations, from cost and customisation to thermal performance and maintenance needs.

At Express Direct, we believe aluminium stands out as the premier choice, especially for those seeking modern, sleek, and durable window solutions. With its strength, versatility, and eco-friendly properties, aluminium frames are perfect for creating light-filled, open-plan spaces that meet the demands of contemporary living. Whether you’re upgrading your home’s windows, or embarking on a new build, our range of aluminium products offers the perfect blend of aesthetics, functionalism, and sustainability.

For those interested in exploring our full range of window and door options, including fixed and casement windows, we invite you to visit one of our showrooms or contact our team for personalised advice.