Which material windows is best for your home?

As expert manufacturers of high-quality double-glazed aluminium and uPVC windows, our selection of profiles are guaranteed to complement any style of home whilst offering optimum energy efficiency all year round. However, it can sometimes be difficult knowing which material is best suited to your own personal wants and needs. So, with this in mind, we’ve put together a comprehensive comparison to help you decide exactly which material will work best for your replacement windows.

Features and benefits of uPVC windows

uPVC has been a popular home improvement material choice for many years. Our range of uPVC windows are the ideal upgrade for the array of 1930s buildings, new build semis, and detached high specification family homes that grace the Essex streets.

The 1980s saw a rise in the popularity of uPVC windows, and over the last decade or so, the quality and security of uPVC has drastically improved and allowed for a new era of uPVC renovation technology to emerge.

Thermally efficient uPVC windows

All of our uPVC windows are A-rated for efficiency. By using an advanced system of multiple chambers within the frame, our uPVC windows expertly retain heat and lower energy bills, combining outstanding U-values with clean aesthetics. The U-value measures the heat lost through window material, so the lower the U-value, the better. We‘re proud to offer our customers the most energy-efficient windows around, with ours achieving U-values as low as 0.7 W/m2K. To put that into perspective, the minimum U-Value requirement for UK windows is 1.6 W/m2K.

Low maintenance uPVC windows

uPVC is the ideal home improvement material for busy households and businesses as it is virtually maintenance-free. Simply giving your uPVC frames a quick wipe down every now and again with a damp cloth with being more than enough to retain that highly durable, freshly-fitted, finish. uPVC is very hard-wearing and resistant to rot which means it has a long lifespan, requires very little maintenance.

Our uPVC windows are eco-friendly

As well as high-quality, our uPVC products are made from 100% recycled uPVC components. Manufactured, supplied, and fitted with sustainability in mind, you can be safe in the knowledge that your new home improvement isn’t harming the planet.

Peace of mind when you purchase our uPVC windows

All of our uPVC windows come with a 10-year free insurance backed manufacturers guarantee to provide you with complete peace of mind. In the highly unlikely event that your uPVC windows encounter a problem, like discoloring or warping, you’ll be fully protected.

Choose from a variety of uPVC styles and finishes

Here at Chigwell Window Centre we offer a variety of window styles and we are proud to say that, no matter what style window you opt for, you can have uPVC as your material of choice. One style that is particularly popular is our wood-effect flush sash uPVC windows. Combining time-honored aesthetics with cutting edge technology, this innovative window style compliments heritage and modern properties alike. Our authentic uPVC flush sash windows allow you to choose from side-hung or top-hung frames. Optimising the amount of double glazing glass available with gorgeous minimalist sightlines, they retain the authentic timber appearance.

Our range of sustainable and secure flush sash windows make the ideal choice for homeowners searching for a modern upgrade to old wood sash windows. uPVC can offer an incomparable appearance thanks to the number of woodgrain effects on offer, such as Irish Oak or Rosewood. You’re not restricted by woodgrain effects, however, and you can get in touch to discover our full range of colours and finishes.

Features and benefits of aluminium windows

Aluminium windows are incredibly popular amongst homeowners looking for slimmer frames that can add kerb appeal to vibrant Victorian buildings, waterside apartments, and heritage buildings in and around Essex.

Thermally efficient aluminium windows

It was in the 1970s that we saw the emergence in popularity of aluminium windows, as a result of the energy crisis. High thermal insulation aluminium windows were researched globally, and it was soon found that a thermal break in the middle of the frame delivered greater efficiency. A thermal break describes a non-thermally conductive material that is used within metal window frames. This technology prevents the aluminium from conducting heat and instead, retains it, making it much more energy-efficient.

All of our aluminium window products are A-rated for efficiency, effectively retaining heat and lowering energy bills via state-of-the-art thermal break intelligence.

Security guaranteed with aluminium windows

Aluminium windows are one of more secure window systems thanks to aluminium’s innate strength. It is an extremely hard-wearing and resilient material which will help to make you feel safer in your home. Much like uPVC, aluminium is also extremely low maintenance. To keep your aluminium windows looking brand new, they’ll just need a little wipe every now and then.

Sleek sightlines and more glass achieved with aluminium windows

Our aluminium windows from Smart Systems seamlessly combine ultra-slim, on-trend sightlines with incredible expanses of glass. Heightened kerb appeal is guaranteed with a Chigwell Window Centre aluminium window installation.

Peace of mind when you choose aluminium windows

As with our uPVC windows, our aluminium windows come with our 10-year free insurance backed manufacturers guarantee which provides complete peace of mind, proactively protecting the surface finish, hardware and window furniture.

Customisable aluminium window styles and finishes 

We currently offer two extremely popular and customisable styles of aluminium windows.

Casement aluminium windows: Timeless and reliable, our aluminium casement windows allow you to choose from side-hung or top-hung frames, depending on your preference and property type. Our range of sustainable and secure casement windows make the ideal choice for homeowners searching for style and energy efficiency that dramatically improves the kerb appeal of their home. With a full range of aluminium & uPVC colours and woodgrain finishes at your disposal, gone are the days of choice being restricted to basic metallic aluminium finishes. If you would like to view the full range of our aluminium colours then please get in touch with us today.

Bay aluminium windows: Bay windows angle out beyond the exterior wall, creating the illusion of increased space whilst letting the natural light brighten the room. Retaining the traditional look, our modern bay windows use cutting-edge thermal technology to keep your room a comfortable temperature all year round. With the use of advanced and secure aluminium, you never have to worry about your new bay windows warping or rusting either. Available in a range of configurations, shapes and sizes, a double glazed bay window replacement with Chigwell Window Centre can be uniquely designed for your home.

So, uPVC or aluminium?

When deciding on a material for your new windows, we believe it comes down to your personal preferences, your budget, and the factors that are important to you. Every homeowner is different and since uPVC and aluminium tie on so many factors – particularly thermal efficiency and security – it’s not as simple as saying one is better than the other. Thanks to advancements in technology, aluminium and uPVC both offer a variety of benefits that include second-to-none energy-efficiency and security.

If you’re struggling to decide whether you want uPVC or aluminium windows, why not contact us and get quotes for both? Talk to one of our dedicated experts to discuss the differences between the two materials in more detail and figure out which window material is the most suitable for your property. Call 0203 667 9707 or why not visit us in one of our three showrooms in Romford or Manchester.