Which is the best framing material for double glazing?

Aluminium

The cheapest option for window framing, aluminium is popular for its strength, durability and lightweight. Aluminium absorbs the outside heat and conducts it into your home to reduce the energy values of your windows, if it is not thermally broken this is a low performing frame choice.

Timber

Known for its natural insulation, timber is another popular option for your double glazing. Timber doesn’t conduct temperature as an aluminium frame would but typically requires regular maintenance as they fade and warp over time. 

uPVC

uPVC is the highest quality frame in the market today – and for good reason. uPVC has excellent thermal and sound insulating properties. uPVC won’t conduct hot or cold temperatures as aluminium would and offers the lowest maintenance. uPVC is not going to rot, warp, fade or require painting. It’s resistant to weathering, chemical rotting, corrosion, shock and abrasion. In applications such as windows, studies indicate that over 60% of them will have working lives of over 40 years.

Here are 8 reasons why uPVC is the leading material option for double glazed window frames. 

1. Eco-friendly
   Environmentally friendly and sustainable 
2. Fully welded joints
   Fusion welded frames and sashes afford excellent weather resistance. Aesthetically clean – free of screws or rivets
3. Twin compression seals
   Enhanced seal against air, water, sound with thermal insulation which exceed the requirements of Australian Standards
4. Glazing options
   uPVC frames allow you to use thicker double glazed units which achieve high insulation against temperature and noise (up to 44db reduction). Double glazing also achieves the highest energy ratings and thermal insulation
5. Quality profile
   High gloss finish surface, high resistance to UV radiation, salty air and strong winds, high impact strength, does not corrode or rot and are virtually maintenance-free and are termite proof – will last for generations
6. Triple-chambered profile
   Provide maximum insulation against noise or temperature while still able to accommodate thick steel sections.
7. Advanced construction
   Fusion welded joints which allow the triple-chambered profiles to be joined perfectly
8. Galvanised Steel reinforcing
   ​For strength and rigidity and corrosion resistance. 
9. Effective drainage 
   ​Irrespective of the material chosen, it’s most important to make sure that the edges of insulated glass unit doesn’t come into contact with – or be allowed to remain in contact with water if it    does this can cause premature seal failure and risk unit failure.