When it comes to windows, PVCu has been the most popular material for decades. This is largely due to price, as PVCu windows have traditionally been the lowest cost option. But Ben Brocklesby of Origin says this is beginning to change

The pandemic caused a whole host of supply issues with various materials. This included mass shortages of plastics, of which was caused by shutdowns in plastic manufacturing as well as transportation difficulties. Plastics that were available were used up by the automotive industry, which uses plastics to produce components.

This scarcity of plastic is ongoing and is expected to continue beyond 2023, and this is causing PVCu costs to skyrocket. As a result, PVCu is no longer the ‘cheap’ option for windows, with the National Federation of Builders finding that the cost of plastic has gone up by around 13%. This means that, in some instances, aluminium systems, which are typically the mid-range option, with timber being the most expensive, are now cheaper than PVCu. 

BENEFITS OF ALUMINIUM

Aluminium is rapidly becoming the most popular material for windows and doors, for several reasons. Beyond cost, aluminium is innately strong yet lightweight, and this allows for incredibly slim frames to be achieved which maximises natural light. The sleek aesthetic of aluminium allows it to seamlessly blend into homes of all types, from the ultra-modern to traditional.

In addition, aluminium has a longer lifespan than PVCu and does not require copious amounts of maintenance. It can tolerate harsher weather conditions, is resilient to warping, corrosion and flexing, and can last
over a decade longer than PVCu – making aluminium windows a worthwhile long-term investment for self-builders and renovators. 

Aluminium is a naturally occurring metal and is infinitely recyclable, making it the most sustainable material currently being utilised for window and door systems, which is an important consideration for those looking to minimise the impact of their project on the environment. 

While aluminium isn’t naturally a thermally efficient material, systems with tight weather seals and sophisticated thermal breaks can offer lower U-values. This means it offers good performance in preventing heat escaping in colder months and entering the home during the warmer months. With energy bills on the rise, thermal efficiency is more important than ever when choosing fenestration products for your project, whether you plan on staying in the property long-term, or selling on.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

A lot has changed since the pandemic, and this has inevitably had an impact on costs and priorities when it comes to self-build projects. While choosing fenestration products, or any part of a self-build, it shouldn’t ever be based purely on up-front cost. The changes in the price of certain materials do offer an opportunity to consider and prioritise all elements of a material, like sustainability and thermal efficiency, in ways that you might not have before. 

Ben Brocklesby is director of Origin