Choosing Between Powder Coated Aluminum or uPVC Windows

Choosing Between Powder Coated Aluminum or uPVC Windows

What are the differences between powder coated aluminum and uPVC windows?

  1. Material
  2. Durability
  3. Design
  4. Eco-Friendliness
  5. Level of Maintenance

Choosing between powder coated aluminum windows vs uPVC windows can be difficult if you don’t know about the qualities of each type. You want to choose a structural window that lasts long, doesn’t break easily, is affordable, and can come in a variety of designs. While these two window materials aren’t necessarily new, they’re considerably higher in quality compared to other materials, like wood for example.

The main differences between powder coated aluminum windows and uPVC obviously has to do with the type of material used in manufacturing. But other than that, they also differ on the level of durability, design option, eco-friendliness, and level of maintenance. Continue reading to learn more. 

Material

Aluminum tubes

As the names suggest, the main material used in fabricating powder coated aluminum windows and uPVC windows, is aluminum and uPVC respectively. For the aluminum windows, the frames are manufactured through a process known as extrusion

In the extrusion method, an aluminum alloy billet is forced to enter a tooling die that has a specific design, shape, and cross-section. Whether or not the manufacturer will still undertake any secondary or post-processing techniques depends on the quality of the extruded profile.

Once the window profile has been created, it’s then applied with a protective layer of powder coating through an electrostatic device, simply known as a spray gun. This material is primarily made of different kinds of resins or thermosets, coupled with fillers, pigments, curing agents, flow modifier additives, and other types of substances. 

Unlike with powder coated aluminum windows, the main material is made out of polymers, particularly polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Since PVC is generally sensitive in composition, it’s oftentimes altered, depending on the presence of plasticized fillers or additives. 

Non-plasticized PVC is more commonly referred to as unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC). This lowers the flexibility of the material and makes it more suitable for application in window frames, as opposed to using it for fluid transmission and ductwork. 

Durability

Another thing that you should consider before choosing between the two windows, is the durability. Whether you’re trying to modify the appearance of your high-rise, residential, or low-height building, it’s important that the windows that you choose are long-lasting and durable. This is so that you don’t have to spend too much on potential repairs and replacement.

This is where powder coated aluminum windows would become more preferable. They’re far more durable compared to uPVC windows, due to their non-corrosive properties. This means that even if your powder coated aluminum windows are exposed outdoors, they won’t be prone to damages and cracks. Compare this to uPVC windows, which may get disfigured over time, especially as it’s vulnerable to hot environments. 

More than that, your powder coated aluminum windows can last for more than 4 decades, unlike the uPVC, which has a lifespan of 20 years or less — almost twice less than that. Consider this figure the next time you’re making a decision on the type of windows that you want to use. 

Design

PVC windows on facade of skyscraper

uPVC windows have had a reputation of coming in bland and basic designs that aren’t really fit for every structure. While innovations over the past few years have seen more colors and finishes for uPVC windows, it’s still limited compared to the design flexibility that you’ll find among powder coated aluminum windows.

The design for these aluminum windows is largely influenced by the technique. Powder coats can come in different colors and finishes that can suit any contemporary building or structure. 

For example, your manufacturer can allow you to choose from different styles like matte, gloss, semi-gloss, natural stone, textured, or even shiny finishes. The powder coating material can be made with different resins, polymers, thermoplastics, or thermosets that achieve the desired design or finish. 

Eco-Friendliness

Both uPVC and powder coated aluminum windows are eco-friendly. They each have their own advantages when it comes to making an environmentally sound choice for your structure.

uPVC windows, for example, can provide good insulation to a building. During hot summer days when the sun is beating down, these windows can help keep the interiors of any building cool. Alternatively, during the rainy season, uPVC windows aid in securing warmth for the inhabitants of the space.

Powder coated aluminum windows are likewise environmentally-friendly because they don’t emit harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that can increase outdoor emissions. They also don’t release any fumes that can be potentially toxic once they enter the respiratory system of people. 

Level of Maintenance

Man installing windows

Due to the durability of powder-coated aluminum window frames, they don’t really require any consistent maintenance, unlike uPVC windows which may become distorted over time, once exposed to environmental hazards.

With low maintenance windows, you have more time to focus on other aspects of the building. You also don’t have to allocate too much of your budget towards simply cleaning, repairing, and ensuring that your aluminum window frames are up to standard. 

Another reason why these powder coated windows are the better choice, is that their finishes don’t just fade away easily. Although the initial cost in investing on these windows might be too high, they’re a much cost-effective option in the long run, not just with the design, but also with maintenance and durability.

Key Takeaway

There has been a growing debate between powder coated aluminum windows vs uPVC windows and which of the two provides greater value for a physical space. 

For one, aluminum is a corrosion-resistant alloy, meaning it’s the more durable material when used in window structures. This is because uPVC windows won’t really be able to stand the test of time due to their tendency to be damaged under heat exposure. 

Even if uPVC is the greener choice, you still cannot underestimate just how better-suited powder coated aluminum windows are — they’re cost-effective, strong, long-lasting, and can come in varied designs, colors, and finishes.

AMC Aluminum is the leading supplier of aluminum window profiles and powder coating services in the Philippines. They’re the ones to turn to if you want high-quality powder coated aluminum windows. Click here to get in touch and learn more about their services.

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