Door Designer 
It’s one of the most common questions we’re asked at MG Window Systems: ‘Should I go for uPVC or aluminium?’ Both are excellent products. Both will perform well for decades. But they’re not identical, and the right answer depends on your home, your priorities and your budget.
.We’ve been fitting both across Northampton and Northamptonshire since 1992, so we’ve seen how each performs in real homes over the long term. Here’s our straightforward guide to help you decide.
uPVC Windows: The Dependable Choice
- Thermal efficiency — uPVC is a naturally poor conductor of heat, which works in your favour. Our casement windows achieve a minimum A energy rating as standard.
- Low maintenance — no painting, no staining, no sealing. A wipe-down with soapy water is genuinely all that’s needed.
- Value for money — uPVC delivers excellent performance at a more accessible price point than aluminium.
- Range of styles and colours — far more choice than there used to be. Anthracite Grey, Chartwell Green, Golden Oak, Painswick, and many more woodgrain and foiled finishes are available.
- Longevity — a quality uPVC window, properly installed, will comfortably last 25–30 years.
Aluminium Windows: The Premium Option
Aluminium has had a real resurgence in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. If you’ve looked at any contemporary architecture or home extension projects lately, chances are aluminium windows and doors were central to the design.
- Slim frames, more glass — aluminium is inherently stronger than uPVC, which means frames can be made narrower. This is particularly striking in larger window openings where the difference in the amount of glass is significant.
- A premium, modern aesthetic — aluminium has a clean architectural quality that suits extensions, open-plan living spaces and contemporary properties beautifully.
- Outstanding durability — aluminium doesn’t warp, twist or corrode. It can comfortably last 40+ years.
- Thermally broken for efficiency — modern aluminium windows use a thermal break (an insulating barrier within the frame) so they can match uPVC for energy performance.
- Virtually unlimited colour options — powder-coated in any RAL colour, with dual-colour options if you want something different inside and out.
Head-to-Head: How Do They Compare?
- Cost: uPVC is the more budget-friendly option. Aluminium commands a premium — but for many homeowners, the aesthetic and longevity justify the difference.
- Thermal efficiency: Both can achieve A+ energy ratings with the right specification. Neither has a significant real-world advantage here.
- Frame appearance: Aluminium offers noticeably slimmer sightlines and a more contemporary look.
- Maintenance: Both are low-maintenance. Aluminium has a slight edge in long-term resilience.
- Colour range: Both offer plenty of choice. Aluminium is more flexible with RAL colour matching.
- Weight: Aluminium is heavier — not an issue for installation, but worth noting for bifold or large sliding doors.
What About for Specific Projects?
Our honest advice? Come and talk to us. Bring a few photos of your property and tell us what you’re hoping to achieve. We’ll give you a straightforward recommendation — and if the answer is that either would work well, we’ll tell you that too.
