All your window material questions answered!
Ask Holly!
Some of our most frequently asked questions about window materials, answered by Holly
Hello! My name’s Holly and my Dad runs Ideal Window Solutions, your favourite local window, door and conservatory specialists. Based in Fareham, Chichester and Southampton, they expertly supply a range of high-performance home improvement products, including doors, conservatories and windows! They provide uPVC, timber, timber effect and aluminium windows throughout Hampshire, West Sussex and the surrounding area.
Double glazed windows have so many amazing benefits, so I’m sure you’re interested in all the great offers and services Dad can provide. Double glazing is a big part of our lives. I’ve become quite the expert myself! So, I’ve taken the time to answer a range of questions specifically on window materials that people ask us every day. If you need to know more, just get in touch!
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What is the most popular window material?
There are various factors influencing which windows will be the best for your home: individual style preferences, budget requirements, property type and location to name a few.
However, you’ll find the following usually applies:
- uPVC windows: The most cost-effective option, available in styles to suit all types of home.
- Aluminium windows: Ultra-durable windows with slender frames, perfect for modern homes.
- Timber windows: classic window material that is especially suited to heritage homes and properties in conservation areas.
- Timber alternative windows: timber window aesthetics but offering the practical benefits of uPVC.
How much maintenance do windows need?
The beauty of modern windows is that they require very little maintenance to look their best. Most will require the occasional wipe down with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Never use abrasive cleaners to clean window frames, such as bleach, as it will discolour and damage the surface.
To help you get a clearer view of how often window frames should be cleaned, we’ve broken it down for you:
| Maintenance | Cleaning Frequency | Average Lifespan | |
| uPVC | Very low | 4 times a year | 20 years |
| Aluminium | Low | 6 times a year | 45 years |
| Timber | Medium | 2 times a year* | 60+ years |
| Timber alternative | Very low | 4 times a year | 20 years |
* Timber windows will also need retreating periodically (about every 7 years) to improve their longevity.
Check out our windows buying guide
uPVC vs aluminium vs timber window frames
| uPVC windows | Aluminium windows | Wood windows | |
| Won’t crack | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Won’t peel | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Won’t bend or warp | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Won’t contact or expand | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Can be painted | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Authentic woodgrain effects | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| High performance energy efficiency | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
What is the cheapest window material?
Every window installation performed by us comes completely bespoke to the customer, which means there is no set cost for new windows. Generally, uPVC windows are usually the cheapest, followed by aluminium, with timber windows at the highest end of the pricing scale. That said, as you can see from the maintenance comparison table above, the initial investment is worth it considering aluminium and timber windows last much longer than uPVC windows.
Learn more about window finance
Learn more about quality window materials with these helpful blogs and guides:
- What is the difference between window material types?
- 5 key features of the Residence Collection window portfolio
- What are the advantages of uPVC windows?
- Our guide to wood effect double glazing
- 5 reasons to choose wood effect windows over real timber windows
- Window styles FAQs
- Window glazing FAQs
Our latest reviews
Replacement windows and door
The team arrived promptly. Work was done efficiently and on time. They cleaned and tidied up after the job was completed. We are very pleased with the results and would highly recommend them
10 /10
Friendly
Very satisfactory work. Measurer and fitter very efficient, professional and friendly.
10 /10
Experienced
Highly experienced and skilled operatives. Prompt arrival and left the site clean and tidy. Courteous and respected the Government restrictions at all times. Have used this Company before for other conservatory work and would use again if required.
10 /10
Replacement Glazing
Very impressed with all aspects of contract during these difficult times. Fitters were fully compliant with covid rules. Will thoroughly recommend them
10 /10
Excellent
Excellent company. From first contact with their Sales, it has been easy going and painless. Fitters have done a fantastic job throughout, the quality of their workmanship is commendable. Would highly recommend this company to anyone.
10 /10
First class
The quality of the product and workmanship is of the highest quality. Well done Ideal Window Solutions Ltd. First class.
10 /10
Job was perfect
Everything about the two men who came was superb. They were punctual, friendly and experienced. Their workmanship was excellent. Their finished job was perfect. I would highly recommend them.
10 /10
Informative & professional
This is the second time we have used this firm. As before, they were informative and professional from start to finish. Prompt, tidy and thorough always.
10 /10
Would not go anywhere else
Brilliant. No fuss . No drama. Done in a couple of hours. Very pleased. Fourth door I have had fitted by this company. Would not go anywhere else. SFK. Alec lovely guy. Kind and respectful.
10 /10
