TECHNICAL INSIGHT

uPVC vs Thermal-break Aluminium Windows

How to choose between uPVC and thermal-break aluminium window systems: materials, sections, glazing, hardware, maintenance and what to ask for.

Two material routes, one decision

JoyHaus offers four uPVC series (65, 72, 82, 90) and three European-style thermal-break aluminium series (65, 75, 90). Both are casement systems with EPDM or equivalent gaskets and European-style hardware. The choice is rarely about one number; it is about span, appearance, glass weight, climate and local practice.

Where uPVC fits

uPVC is a non-conductive, multi-chamber material and the supplied literature highlights its colour routes (standard white, homogeneous full colour, co-extruded colour and laminated film), steel-reinforced sections and drainage-friendly sash designs. It is a practical fit for residential schedules with many window sizes and for projects that need several colours.

Where thermal-break aluminium fits

Thermal-break aluminium sections are slimmer for a given strength and are documented with 6063 or 6060 T66 European-standard alloys, 1.4–1.8 mm walls and double or triple toughened insulating glass. They suit larger openings, heavier glass and designs that prefer slim sightlines.

Compare complete assemblies

Whichever route you take, compare Uw (whole-window) values, not Uf (frame) alone. Request a report that names the exact profile, glass build-up, spacer and hardware you intend to use, and compare reports that use the same test standard and window size.

What to ask for

Send the window schedule, opening types, glass preferences, colour, project location and exposure, quantity and delivery date. State any acoustic, thermal or fire requirement explicitly so the team can match documentation.

Series at a glance

Series at a glance
SeriesMaterialFrame depthGlazing
uPVC 65uPVC65 mm22–38 mm
uPVC 72uPVC72 mm24 / 39 mm
uPVC 82uPVC82 mm36–51 mm
uPVC 90uPVC90 mm43–60 mm
Aluminium 65Aluminium 606365 mm5+9+5 / 6 mm
Aluminium 75Aluminium 6060 T6674.7 mm5+20A+5 / triple
Aluminium 90Aluminium 6060 T6690 mm5+20A+5 / triple

Related

Prepared by the JoyHaus product team from supplied product literature. Technical requirements should be checked against current model-specific documents and local project requirements.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Questions, answered.

Is aluminium always stronger than uPVC?

Aluminium sections are stiffer for a given depth, but uPVC systems use steel reinforcement for stiffness. Compare the complete reinforced section, glass weight and span.

Which has the lower maintenance?

Both finishes need normal cleaning. Material, colour route and exposure affect long-term appearance; ask for finish and weathering documentation for your colour.

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