uPVC, Aluminium, wood for windows – Bengaluru, India

First question you have to ask yourself is are you someone who is from the younger generation who is open to new thoughts or you belong to the traditional mindset and think like things should last 100 years.

Second aspect you have to understand from my view is some are proven concepts and some are yet to stand the test of time.

Third important aspect is for you money is not an issue and you have no budget constraints or you have planned your budged considering the cost of good wood.

So from my analysis on various options and only from technical merits and aesthetics and how it looks after final finish, here is my preference list.

If you have large spans of windows, which are greater that 7 feet, preference order is as follows

1. uPVC – from some very good companies like Fenesta[I went for this], [ Veka was my other choice], [LG hausys – was one of my consideration] [Some more german brands which had very few offices and were closing down and opening for whatever reasons]
2. Teak with larger sections for door frame and window frame to hold big glass.
3. Aluminium – I felt it supports long sections. Have seen a lot of houses with large sections go for aluminium profiles.
4. Other wood such as honne, sal, etc which are good but too much trouble to go through [ carpenter, buying wood, polishing, fittings, weather proof, rain proof, termite proof]

If you have smaller sections or regular windows [ starts at 2 feet and ends at lintel level] and have a lot of budget

1. Teak – nothing as pleasing as the look of wood in its natural finish.
2. uPVC
3. other types of wood [ honne, sal, etc]
4. aluminium

As you can see, my preference was for uPVC for a few very simple reasons

1. Teak is too expensive, other wood is not worth the time, effort and maintenance.
2. uPVC offers me the following benefits
   1. It looks very sturdy even when operating a sliding doors of size 5ftx7ft each half.  You can have a really good looking 10ftx10ft sliding door system to a beautiful view outside with a uPVC window.  Long frames tend to bend in wood but the uPVC windows have internal metal columns running which offer support to the uPVC outer. There is no rattle at all.
   2. It is really sound proof when you go for a good brand like fenesta, especially when you go for 10mm glass or better ones. [ you can silence your hometheatres and neighbors and vehicles. it really works] [ wood cannot offer you sound proofing because the frame and shutter cannot fit like a glove and gaps are always there and is subject to weather issues]
   3. Cleaning of the frame is very simple, a partially wet cloth can restore the frame to its brand new look in a matter of minutes. While uPVC is a mould and hence has lesser gaps and can be shaped easily. It can be packed in the gaps and make it easier for cleaning. Whereas with aluminium profiles this may be an issue since its a aluminium section which is U shape and it is only fabricated by cutting and welding existing aluminium profiles. You could notice this in most systems available. May be not a case with imported aluminium windows but haven’t seen them]. Also the uPVC frame scratches are hardly visible on a white frame or unnoticeable directly. Not the same with a metal/aluminium profile.
   4. With a good colour paint matching the white frames of uPVC the house really does look aesthetic and pleasing. [ Please check any modern house on the internet ]. You can really choose from a wide variety of colors and infact a white uPVC profile goes very will with bright colors blues/oranges/purples/violets. [Note that uPVC does come in other colors which mimic wood, etc but not my preference because that appears as though you liked wood but went for uPVC and again matching house paint can become an issue]
   5. Easy options for different types of windows – Sliding doors [ french doors ], top hung shutters, casement doors/windows[regular hinged ones]. A normal wood carpenter would guide you away from these kind of options stating they wont last long, wont look good. The variety does add to the look of your house.
   6. Mesh door/window integrated into the frames seamlessly.  No ugly looking, mismatched mesh doors , normally seen when you go for wood and later add a aluminium mesh door to it.
   7. Effort. You can do away with all the hassles of carpentry, buying wood, polishing, fitting the window frame to the wall, etc much before and spoiling the wood during curing, etc. uPVC allows you to spend very less time on windows. A simple consultation with your house plan and a field inspection and measurement. Few days just to get a quote based on per-sq.ft basis. Negotiate and then wait for final measurement after plastering. You just need to spend a week or 2 weeks of effort on this. Imagine that kind of a benefit when you are doing a big project all by yourself!!! Thats it. Now when the house plastering is complete and painting first coat is done the uPVC company will arrive and finish their installation using anchor bolts, etc the ready frames/shutters. This can be done in a day or 2 at the max. All required stuff is ready to be installed. Its as simple as that and it really looks good for a modern house if you have wide windows for a well lit and well ventilated design. [Companies take 30 to 45 days to give the product once order is placed and they may not wait long due to warehouse issues. So order on-time with a small buffer based on confidence of the uPVC company on delivery date and your confidence on completing plastering at the minimum. If first coat paint is also done then its even better.]