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The Aluminium Window range is manufactured in the UK with the same high standards as our Status and Supreme Bifold doors and French doors.
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Comparing uPVC and aluminium windows for your home or garden room is not a straightforward decision - both have pros and cons. The main area’s to consider for most are:
As you can see picking a clear winner in the aluminium v uPVC window debate is not straightforward at all. When making a final decision, it's important to select the material that suits your priorities and personal preference best.
Powder coated aluminium windows are specifically designed to require very little maintenance and upkeep. When cleaning aluminium windows its essential not to use any abrasive materials or harsh chemicals. Gentle cleaning is the best solution as it prevents stubborn stains that are difficult to remove. In most instances a gentle wipe down with a mild detergent should suffice.
Cleaning the exterior:
Cleaning the interior:
It's best to leave painting aluminium windows to professionals. Correctly spray finishing the windows is crucial, as well as using the right type of paint for good adhesion to the surface.
Condensation occurs when warm, moist air meets a cold surface and the moisture forms droplets on the cold surface. In the UK it’s more likely to occur in winter when outside temperatures are low but inside is warm.
As a general guideline, condensation on aluminium window frames is rare unless they are older windows that lack thermal breaks. The exception is in high moisture/humidity environments such as bathrooms, clothes drying room or kitchens. A newly plastered room is another example of when you can expect to see condensation on your aluminium window frame.
In high humidity environments, use extractor fans, dehumidifiers, and/or proper ventilation to prevent condensation on aluminium frames.
If there is condensation on your aluminium window frame and you suspect it is not due to high humidity, it could be due to incorrect installation or a faulty window. In that case, seek guidance from your installer or supplier.
If there's condensation inside your double glazed unit, it means the seal has failed and allowed moisture to enter. This means the unit is not working properly and needs to be replaced. Luckily, you can simply replace the glass unit without having to replace the entire window.
Condensation on the outside of windows is actually good news! It means the indoor temperature is warmer than outside and your windows are working effectively doing their job.
In 2023, a thermally efficient anthracite grey (630mm x 1200mm) casement aluminium window costs around £500-650, while a uPVC window of the same size and specification costs £400-550.
While more expensive than the uPVC the lifespan of the aluminium window is longer, and it's also recyclable.
There is a common misconception that aluminium windows are not energy efficient while this may well have been the case in the 1980’s this is now incorrect – modern slimline aluminium windows feature polyamide thermal breaks and frame sections that are often filled with insulating foam or aerogel.
Aluminium windows can easily comply with the latest building standards that came into effect as part of the Future Homes Standard on 15th June 2022. The new minimum standards require windows to have a minimum U value of 1.4wm2k or energy rating of C. All our aluminium windows can achieve U values as low as 0.9wm2k and energy ratings of A making them suitable for all types of projects big and small.
By law windows need to meet certain security standards the most common is PAS24:2016 certification. To gain PAS24:2016 windows must pass a rigorous test laid out by the BSI (British Standards Institute) to ensure they can resist various forms of attack from an opportunist burglar. Vufold take security very seriously, all our windows are designed using multi point locks and purpose designed hardware to comply with PAS024:2016. Window security can be further enhanced by using laminated security glass instead of toughened should you wish.
The current 2023 cost of aluminium windows will depend on the style and also size of your windows in the table below we have selected some popular styles and sizes in anthracite grey for comparison.
Style of aluminium window | No of glass pains | Size | Cost (Inc vat) |
Vufold Casement Window |
1 | 630mm x 1200mm | £559.00 |
Vufold Flush Window | 1 | 630mm x 1200mm | £569.00 |
Vufold Tilt and Turn Window | 1 | 630mm x 1200mm | £869.00 |
Vufold Casement Window | 3 | 1770mm x 1200mm | £1209.00 |
Vufold Flush Window | 3 | 1770mm x 1200mm | £1359.00 |
Vufold Tilt and Turn Window | 2 | 1770mm x 1200mm | £1499.00 |
In operation, thermal efficiency and security aluminium flush and casements windows are the same. The key difference is aesthetic, casement windows are ‘lipped’ the opening sash part of the window protrudes past the window frame while a flush casement window is completely flat with the frame. In the images below you can see the difference.
Some people consider the casement window to have a more traditional look, with flush casement windows being more contemporary. In actual fact both window styles can make an excellent addition to any home.
Aluminium windows can come in various finish types:
Anodizing – a process where aluminium is exposed to chemicals and electricity to thicken the oxide film for better protection against corrosion. It is more expensive compared to powder coating and not very popular at the moment as it's difficult to repair and has limited colour options available.
Powder Coating – By far the most popular option for aluminium windows due to the sheer flexibility of finishes and wide range of colours available. During the process the aluminium is first pre-treated to ensure it is perfectly clean and free from contaminants, its then sprayed with a dry powder before finally been cured in an oven.
Powder coated slimline aluminium windows are available in hundreds of RAL Colours. While Pinks, oranges and yellows are available, the most popular colours in 2023 are a little more understated:
You can also choose from 3 different gloss levels Standard matt is 30%, satin is 60% and 80% for Gloss. Textured powder coated finishes are also growing in popularity these feature very low gloss levels and are rough to the touch but even more hardwearing than standard powder coating.
Are you looking to replace the windows in your current home? Planning a new build or extension? if the answer is yes, you’ll be considering the advantages of aluminium windows. They may not be the cheapest option but have many benefits that should be considered.
Energy efficiency – Modern aluminium windows are high performance and achieve Grade A energy ratings by combining thermal barriers inside the frames ensuring that cold air stays outside! When combined with argon filled glazing units your home will be warm and cozy while reducing heating bills.
Low Maintenance – While slimline aluminium windows can look delicate. This is not the case. Aluminium is an extremely strong and durable material, aluminium windows can stand up to large temperature fluctuations and bad weather better than uPVC or wood. They are virtually maintenance free, just occasional cleaning of the window frames with a mild soapy solution is all that’s required.
Aesthetics – With slimline frames aluminium windows have more glass making your home lighter, brighter and maximises the views. With a wide range of window styles available (casement, flush, sash, tilt and turn) in a choice of colours it’s hard to beat the look and flexibility of aluminium.
Security – Unlike UPVC that can be cracked if hit with a sharp object or timber frames that can be sawn aluminium windows are some of the best rated when it comes to security from external attacks. All Vufold windows are complaint with PAS 024 security standards. For extra security you can also specify laminated security glass.
Recyclable – Unlike many other window materials aluminium is 100% recyclable. It does not lose its characteristics in the recycling process so can be recycled endlessly without any loss in quality.
It’s easy to see why aluminium windows are becoming more popular the extra initial outlay will be recouped over the lifecycle of the product.