Given the constant advancement construction and manufacturing methods, one might expect that more traditional products like aluminium windows could slowly become obsolete. With products made from PVC and other artificial materials dominating the global market, at some point this may very well have looked like the case. However, it now seems as if consumers are continuing to prefer manufacturers that use aluminium as their primary material. These consumer behaviors are actually motivated by a combination of realistic concerns and stylistic choices, and the trend is gaining strength year after year.
Before we can evaluate whether this is a savvy attitude or a backwards step, we need to break down the most important reasons why people are going for aluminium windows in the first place. Here’s a list of factors that tip the scales in favor of windows with aluminium frames.
1. Aesthetics
For many, the visual impression their home makes on visitors is very important — and plastic windows are unlikely to impress anyone. They are usually made with thicker frames and have bland-looking surfaces that are vulnerable to scratches and other types of damage. Meanwhile, aluminium windows can be much thinner due to being a more resilient material, and they are typically far more elegant in terms of design. They also feature a highly reflective surface that can add a certain dynamic to the overall look and feel of the room. Finally, metal furniture has a more sophisticated touch to it, as opposed to frequently amorphous and cheap-looking PVC units. It’s true that PVC can also look great under the right conditions, but in general it simply doesn’t meet visual expectations.
2. Practicality
If you’re a practically-minded person and value utility over good looks, aluminium windows might be the solution for you. Since aluminium is very lightweight, you won’t notice any difference when opening or closing the window. This material is also hardy and won’t be damaged easily, even after years of intensive use. This improves security, which is hugely valuable for business and homeowners who work or live in areas with high crime rates. On the flip side, thermal isolation could be somewhat compromised, potentially necessitating additional measures to prevent heat loss. While this line of argument was heavily used to promote PVC windows over the past few decades, right now the prevailing view is that the combined benefits of aluminium greatly outweigh its well-known shortcomings.
3. Environmental concerns
We’ve all seen the disturbing photos of massive landfills and ocean pollution, so phasing out plastic products is considered a high priority in every industry — home improvements included. Granted, PVC windows contribute far less to the garbage overflow than single-use plastic bags, but they’re equally as impossible to biodegrade. Consumers are growing more and more concerned with the environment, which means that the popularity of plastic furniture has rapidly dropped. Aluminium windows are much more durable than wooden-frame windows, so they’re seen as the best alternative to plastic that is readily available at the moment. This factor may not be as obvious as those cited above, but it will probably become even more impactful in the future — as a key driver for the continued demand for aluminium windows.
4. Subjective preference
Purchasing decisions are always at least partly based on subjective opinion, and aluminium windows simply have more appeal than those made from PVC. Let’s face it — plastic can look cheap and using it for such an important element of your home could be too much for some people. On the other hand, aluminium has a very noble feel and always looks classier and more stylish, making it easier to fit in with the rest of a room’s décor. Since windows are rarely replaced, getting the wrong kind could cause a ton of grief over the years. Rather than risking such a scenario, many buyers are prepared to spend a little more and buy windows they will actually enjoy seeing every day. In all cases where the budget allows it, this line of thinking makes a lot of sense.
