Aluminium vs uPVC Windows in Australia: Which Is Better?

uPVC windows have grown popular in Australia off the back of the double glazing boom, and they are often pitched against aluminium. Both are legitimate choices — here is where each one wins.

Insulation

uPVC is naturally insulating and, in double glazed form, delivers very low U-values (better insulation). Standard aluminium conducts heat — but thermally broken aluminium closes most of the gap by adding a non-conductive barrier in the frame. For a lot of Melbourne homes, thermally broken aluminium with double glazing gets you excellent performance without the trade-offs below.

Looks and sightlines

This is where aluminium pulls ahead for modern homes. Aluminium is strong, so frames are slim and glass areas are larger. uPVC frames are bulkier to achieve the same structural strength, and the colour range is more limited — dark colours can need heat-stable compounds or capping. If you want black, slim, architectural windows, aluminium is the natural fit.

Strength, size and durability

• Aluminium: stronger, handles larger spans and oversized sliders, holds powder-coat finish for decades, ideal for coastal and harsh exposure
• uPVC: excellent insulation and sealing, budget-friendly for standard sizes, but bulkier and less suited to very large openings

Cost

uPVC is often the most budget-friendly route to double glazing in standard sizes. Aluminium sits mid-range to premium depending on system and glazing — but for large openings, custom shapes and a slim modern look, it delivers value uPVC cannot match.

We fabricate custom aluminium windows and doors in Melbourne, including thermally broken and double glazed systems. If insulation is your top priority we will tell you honestly how our thermally broken options compare for your project.