Alu clad versus Upvc windows

jamboambo1

Is there a big difference in price between Alu clad and Upvc windows.
Looking to change windows but obviously price is a big consideration. Don't want to buy an inferior product either as it's a long term investment so just wondering is the Alu clad worth the extra money. I have heard that PVc windows are not very strong
Any advice appreciated

k123456

Looking for windows myself, haven't bitten the bullet, the Alu clad is an alu front of the outside of the window

You see timber inside, and coloured Alu outside, adds to the price


Not sure , what benefits Alu/Timber has over PVC, I think strength, aesthetics and greater thermal properties ?

I am in the process of getting quotes, so if anyone can recommend someone reasonable and repeatable to supply Alu Clad/ or timber, I would appreciate it

sydthebeat

jamboambo1 wrote: »

Is there a big difference in price between Alu clad and Upvc windows.
Looking to change windows but obviously price is a big consideration. Don't want to buy an inferior product either as it's a long term investment so just wondering is the Alu clad worth the extra money. I have heard that PVc windows are not very strong
Any advice appreciated

In the general the price range for windows, from cheapest to dearest is:

white uPVC
coloured uPVC
softwood
hardwood
aluminium
Alu-clad

the aesthetics of the window tend to increase as per the list above as well.


however i would draw your attention to this post from a few years back

jamboambo1

Thanks for the replies. k123456 would be interested in how you get on as we are starting into this process ourselves. I love the alu clad. Hopefully won't be out of our budget.

kellso81

We're in the process of getting quotes for aluminium and aluclad at the minute and our builder is telling us they're both in a pretty similar price bracket. I'll come back when all quotes are in and see for definite

jamboambo1

kellso81 wrote: »

We're in the process of getting quotes for aluminium and aluclad at the minute and our builder is telling us they're both in a pretty similar price bracket. I'll come back when all quotes are in and see for definite

Thanks kellso81. Would be great to hear how you get on

JuniorB

The are a few other differences between uPVC and Aluclad to add to the list:

Durability - uPVC will last 10/15 years, Aluclad 30/40

Acoustics - In a large area uPVC will bounce back the sound, the internal timber on Aluclad will soak up the sound a bit better. So less echoey - if that's the word!

Darker coloured uPVC can tend to warp during the summer months, causing windows/doors to not close properly.

With alu-clad you can paint the internal timber windows if you get sick of the colour!

It's a lot easier to break into a house with uPVC - been told this by a few alarm installers.

New build in sight

Hi all,

We went with Alu Clad in the end and although were not moved in yet, i do love them!

I had always wanted sliding sash pvc but after doing our research realised that we were paying a lot for not the best type of window, so in theory when we changed our minds to Alu Clad there was little difference in price but massive savings in thermal value etc.

We were very nervous about our choice in colour etc and we took a chance but they are fab, they are ultra modern looking which is something you do need to consider when choosing. However i have seen Alu clad looking a bit more traditional.

So far i am happy.... maybe i will post back 6 months after moving in

air802334

hi just read your thread in the process of doing some renovation on conservatory thinking of going with alcluad are they energy efficent and price wise how are they and visually how do they thnx

air802334

air802334 wrote: »

hi just read your thread in the process of doing some renovation on conservatory thinking of going with alcluad are they energy efficent and price wise how are they and visually how do they thnx

Interested in this, too.

I've got the following from this Irish Times article in 2014:

Alu-clad is more expensive than uPVC or timber, and there are fewer suppliers, according to Musiol.
“It usually takes eight weeks from order to arrival and requires coordination when part of a small building project, and can add weeks to the job’s duration,” he says. A key advantage, Mooney says, is that it’s maintenance-free.