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Comparing uPVC, Aluminium & Timber

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It’s an age-old saying and even a mantra for some – good things come in threes. The same is true for home improvements. If you’re looking for new windows and doors and have done some research already, you’ve probably encountered the three primary materials to choose from: uPVC, aluminium and timber.

But what are their main differences, and which is right for you? The answer, honestly, will depend on what exactly you’re looking for in your current home improvement project. Of course, our friendly experts are always on-hand to offer advice and any questions you might have, so you’re welcome to give us a call on 0203 667 9707.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to continue your own research and collate some facts yourself, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ve asked our team to put together some of the key features of uPVC, aluminium and timber windows and doors so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you. When you’re ready, you can get in touch with us for your free online quote.

uPVC Windows & Doors

Continuing our theme, here are three top benefits of uPVC windows and doors.

1. Customisable

Look along any street and you’ll likely see classic white uPVC windows. But by the nature of the material and the fabrication process, uPVC windows are highly customisable, so you can choose a bespoke colour and finish that suits your property and helps to express your personality.

2. Highly Secure

We’re all conscious of the safety and security of our loved ones and property. That’s why uPVC windows and doors are a popular choice for peace of mind. uPVC is pretty durable, and these modern windows and doors can be fitted with advanced locking mechanisms, helping to keep potential intruders out.

3. Low Maintenance

Nobody likes extra, unnecessary housework. In that regard, uPVC windows and doors are a winner. Easy to maintain, all it takes is a wipe-down with a damp cloth every now and then to keep them looking – and performing – their best.

Here at Chigwell Window Centre, we offer a range of customisable, secure and reliable uPVC window and door profiles that can be tailored to suit you and your project. Get in touch with our team to discuss your new home improvements today.

comparing windows and doors

Aluminium Windows & Doors

Aluminium windows are a popular modern choice. Here are just three reasons why.

1. Strong & Durable

Aluminium windows and doors are inherently tough and as strong as they look. Plus, they’re surprisingly lightweight – a bonus during installation and for many years to come as you enjoy and operate them easily. Their robustness helps them to stand apart from the rest and give you total peace of mind.

2. Sleek Aesthetics

The contemporary style of aluminium windows is distinctive and immediately recognisable. They offer an unmistakable aesthetic that’s highly desirable. If you’re looking for on-trend windows and doors, then aluminium is an excellent choice to boost your home’s curb appeal and catch the eye of passers-by.

3. Excellent Insulation

Aluminium windows and doors provide ample opportunities for additional thermal breaks, helping to reduce heat loss and therefore save you money on your energy bills. With the cost of living on the rise (and constantly in the news), this is an important factor to be aware of and a standout quality for this material.

We manufacture the highest quality aluminium windows and doors according to your specifications. Talk to our experts today about our on-trend, highly secure and incredibly aesthetic aluminium products for your upcoming home improvements.

which window and door material is best

Timber Windows & Doors

While timber windows and doors aren’t something we tend to offer, here are some features to help you make an informed decision and the right investment – whatever it may be.

1. Traditional Appeal

The classic look and feel of timber windows and doors make them a firm favourite for heritage homes and traditional properties. While this is a look that uPVC can achieve with bespoke colours and finishes, some homeowners might prefer the ‘real’ thing.

2. Environmentally Friendly

If you’re conscious of your carbon footprint and living as ‘green’ a life as possible, then timber windows and doors are a good choice. By their very nature, they’re the more natural choice. It’s worth noting that, similarly, aluminium windows and doors are highly recyclable and a good alternative.

3. Customisable

Just like uPVC and aluminium, timber windows can be tailored to fit your home. Most modern windows are available bespoke, so take a look at the choice of colours and finishes and find the right ones for you.

Discuss your window and door options with our team today to find the perfect fit!

The Best Windows & Doors from Chigwell Window Centre

We hope this article has given you some guidance on which material is right for you. If you’re considering uPVC or aluminium, look no further than Chigwell Window Centre.

Contact our team today and request your free online quote to get your home improvement project started today. We look forward to working with you soon!

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Aluminium Windows

Our Aluminium Windows offer the perfect mix of contemporary design, high performance, and everyday value. Crafted from premium aluminium with advanced thermal efficiency and customisable styles, they bring comfort, style, and long-lasting durability to any home.

uPVC Windows

Our uPVC Windows bring flawless design and exceptional performance to any home. Whether traditional or contemporary, these bespoke windows are crafted to your exact needs, offering excellent energy efficiency, noise reduction, and lasting security with minimal maintenance and timeless style.

Bay Windows

Our Bay Windows in uPVC and Aluminium combine style and performance. Custom-made for your home, they offer energy efficiency, sound insulation, and security, all with minimal maintenance and a timeless look.

Casement Windows

Our Casement Windows in uPVC and Aluminium offer sleek design and reliable performance. Tailored to suit any home, they provide excellent ventilation, energy efficiency, and security, with low maintenance and lasting style.

Flush Casement Windows

Our Flush Casement Windows in uPVC deliver clean lines and understated elegance. Designed to sit flush within the frame, they offer a sleek, modern or heritage look with superb energy efficiency, security, and low maintenance.

Sliding Sash Windows

Our Sliding Sash Windows in uPVC combine classic charm with modern performance.
Perfect for period-style homes, they offer smooth operation, excellent energy efficiency, enhanced security, and easy maintenance without compromising on traditional aesthetics.

Double Glazing

Double Glazed Windows, Doors & Home Extensions Modern double glazing offers excellent insulation, security, and energy efficiency—helping reduce heat loss, block out noise, and lower your energy bills. Our high-performance windows, doors, and extensions feature two layers of glass with an argon gas-filled cavity for maximum thermal performan

Back Doors

Back doors built to last, designed to impress. Our custom uPVC and aluminium doors deliver superior insulation, advanced security, and effortless maintenance—all wrapped in sleek, tailored style. Classic or contemporary, we’ll create the perfect fit for your home.

Bifold Doors

Transform your space with bifolds engineered for perfection. Precision-crafted panels glide smoothly on premium hardware, delivering exceptional thermal efficiency and weather resistance. Choose from elegant aluminium frames with ultra-slim profiles, available in limitless configurations and finishes to suit any home.

French Doors

Bring timeless elegance to your home with French doors that combine classic design with modern performance. Our made-to-measure doors create a stunning focal point while flooding your space with natural light. Available in uPVC or aluminium, they deliver exceptional thermal efficiency, robust security, and effortless charm.

FRONT DOORS

Make a lasting first impression with a front door that’s uniquely yours. Choose premium aluminium for contemporary style, robust composite for timeless appeal, or thermally superior uPVC for exceptional value. Custom-made with outstanding security and energy efficiency.

INTERNAL DOORS & SCREENS

Define your space without closing it off. Our internal doors and screens create distinct zones while maintaining an open, connected feel. Choose sleek aluminium frames with expansive glass or elegant designs for traditional interiors—each custom-made to enhance light flow and architectural style.

Sliding Doors

Connect your home seamlessly to your garden with sliding doors engineered for effortless operation. Expansive glass panels maximise natural light while slimline aluminium frames create unobstructed views. Custom-made with superior thermal performance and security for year-round comfort.

ATTLAS DESIGNER DOORS

Designer Doors offer the perfect blend of style, security, and sophistication. Crafted from high-quality aluminium, these doors feature bold, modern aesthetics and advanced performance—making them a statement piece for any home or commercial entrance.

ATTLAS SIGNATURE DOORS

Signature Doors combine striking contemporary design with outstanding security and thermal performance. Made from premium aluminium, they offer exceptional durability, low maintenance, and a luxurious finish—making them a superb value-for-money choice for modern homes.

Composite Doors

Composite Doors combine style, strength, and sustainability. With the widest selection of styles, glazing, and colours available, they deliver top-tier thermal performance and security — all backed by a 10-year guarantee. Perfect for homeowners and trade professionals alike.

Layla Flush Doors

Layla Flush Doors offer a sleek, modern look with clean lines and flush-fitting design. Available as single or French doors, they combine style, energy efficiency, and PAS24-certified security — perfect for seamless indoor-outdoor living.

Heritage Doors

Discover the timeless elegance of Heritage Doors — the ultimate fusion of classic steel-look design and modern performance. With slim sightlines, bespoke detailing, and a wide range of customisation options, these beautifully crafted doors elevate any space while delivering outstanding energy efficiency and security.

Rehau Doors

REHAU Doors combine sleek, modern aesthetics with exceptional durability and performance. Expertly crafted by Chigwell Window Centre PLC, these doors offer a versatile range of styles and finishes that suit any architectural design—delivering lasting beauty, thermal efficiency, and enhanced security for your home.

AluSpace Doors

Aluspace interior doors bring a striking blend of industrial charm and refined elegance to any home. Inspired by heritage and Art Deco styles, these aluminium-framed doors and screens are fully bespoke, offering timeless aesthetics, seamless functionality, and exceptional durability — perfect for stylish room division without sacrificing natural light.

Ezifold 1000

The Ezifold 1000 Bifold Doors effortlessly blend indoor and outdoor living with sleek, expansive glass panels and smooth folding operation. Precision-crafted for style, performance, and versatility, these bespoke doors are the perfect way to add natural light, space, and luxury to any home.

Ezifold Plus

Ezifold Plus is the ultimate in luxury bifold doors — combining ultra-slim 90mm sightlines with industry-leading strength and performance. In partnership with Schuco, this premium system delivers stunning views, smooth operation, and exceptional design for high-end homes and commercial spaces.

Ezifold Heritage

Ezifold Heritage Bifold Doors blend the timeless elegance of steel-look design with the modern versatility of a premium bifold system. Expertly crafted by Chigwell Window Centre PLC, these slimline doors deliver smooth operation, heritage styling, and seamless indoor-outdoor living — perfect for both classic and contemporary homes.

Ezislide 20

Ezislide 20 sliding doors offer a sleek, modern glass wall effect that floods your home with natural light and creates a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. With ultra-slim sightlines and smooth operation, they bring elegance, innovation, and expansive views to any project.

Invisoglide

Ezislide Invisoglide sets a new standard for slimline sliding doors with ultra-minimal 20–26mm interlocks and near-invisible frames. Designed to maximise glass and light while blending seamlessly into your space, this cutting-edge system combines striking aesthetics with advanced engineering for smooth performance, thermal efficiency, and modern luxury.

Rehau Total 70S

REHAU TOTAL 70S Windows bring flawless design and exceptional performance to any home. Whether traditional or contemporary, these bespoke PVCu windows are crafted to your exact needs, offering excellent energy efficiency, noise reduction, and lasting security — all with minimal maintenance and timeless style.

Layla Flush Fit Windows

Layla Flush-Fit Windows combine sleek, modern aesthetics with outstanding performance. With a clean flush sash design and high-quality construction, these windows deliver A-rated thermal efficiency, PAS24-accredited security, and a flawless, low-maintenance finish — perfect for stylish, modern living.

Heritage Windows

Heritage Windows bring timeless elegance and modern performance together with ultra-slim, steel-look aluminium frames. Expertly crafted for a flawless finish, they offer the perfect blend of Art-Deco or industrial styling, exceptional thermal efficiency, and secure, low-maintenance durability — ideal for both period homes and modern properties.

Roof Lanterns

Roof Lanterns bring a striking architectural feature to your home, flooding spaces with natural light while delivering elegant style and cutting-edge performance. Expertly crafted from premium aluminium and advanced glazing, they enhance any room with height, brightness, and year-round comfort.

Roof Lights

Flat Rooflights offer a sleek, modern way to fill your home with natural light. With ultra-minimal frames and expansive glazing, they create a clean, contemporary finish that elevates any room — combining visual impact, lasting performance, and effortless elegance for new builds, extensions, or renovations.