uPVC vs Aluminium Windows in Australia: Which Should You Choose?

Walk through any Australian suburb built before 2015 and you'll see aluminium-framed windows everywhere. They're cheap, durable and the industry knew how to build them. But energy codes have changed, and uPVC — the standard across Germany and most of Europe — is now the smarter long-term choice for most Australian homes.

Head-to-head

Thermal performance

uPVC wins decisively. A standard uPVC frame with double glazing achieves Uw values around 1.3–1.6 W/m²K. Standard aluminium sits at 4.0–6.0 — worse than a single brick wall. Even thermally broken aluminium tops out around 2.2–2.8.

Cost

uPVC is 15–25% cheaper than thermally broken aluminium at the same glass spec. Standard (non-thermally-broken) aluminium is cheaper still — but it shouldn't be on your shortlist if you're double glazing.

Looks

Aluminium wins for ultra-slim contemporary sightlines and large stacker doors. Modern uPVC profiles are slimmer than they used to be and come in foil-wrapped finishes (anthracite, oak, black) that look indistinguishable from painted aluminium at three metres.

Durability in Australian conditions

Both last 40+ years. uPVC is UV-stabilised for harsh sun and won't corrode in coastal salt air — a real issue for cheaper aluminium within 1 km of the coast. Aluminium is more impact-resistant on big openings.

Maintenance

uPVC: wipe with soapy water once a year. Aluminium: same, plus check seals and hinge lubrication. Neither needs painting.

When to choose aluminium

• Very large stacker / lift-and-slide doors where the structural span exceeds uPVC's limits
• Heritage-style commercial applications
• When the architect has specified ultra-slim sightlines as a defining feature

When to choose uPVC

• You want the best insulation per dollar
• You're building or renovating to 7+ star NatHERS
• You live within 5 km of the coast
• You want a fit-and-forget window for the next 40 years

If your priority is comfort and energy bills, uPVC. If your priority is a 6-metre stacker door framing the pool, aluminium. Most Australian homes are better off with uPVC for the windows and aluminium only for the large sliding doors.