Compare aluminium and uPVC windows for trade installers. Find out which system fits your project best with expert insight from The Trade Village.
What You’ll Learn:
- The real differences between aluminium and uPVC windows for trade jobs
- How aluminium and uPVC systems perform on-site for fitters
- What customers love about both aluminium and uPVC designs
- Why The Trade Village gives you both aluminium and uPVC success
(Estimated Reading Time: 4-5 Minutes)
The Big Picture
By now, you’ve seen both sides of the story.
Aluminium windows — the sleek, modern choice that wins high-value jobs and impresses design-conscious clients.
uPVC windows — the proven workhorse that keeps installers profitable and projects moving smoothly.
But if there’s one takeaway from this entire series, it’s this: there’s no right or wrong answer. The best installers aren’t picking sides — they’re picking what fits the job best.
Let’s break it all down into something practical, something you can use when you’re standing in front of a client, deciding what to quote — or when you’re planning how to grow your business in 2025.
The Installer’s Perspective – What Matters Most
Whether you’ve been fitting windows for five years or twenty-five, the priorities rarely change:
- Ease of fit – less hassle on site, fewer call-backs.
- Customer satisfaction – because happy customers are your best marketing.
- Profitability – a job that’s worth doing, every time.
So here’s how aluminium and uPVC stack up under those three filters.
1. The Fitter’s Angle – How They Work on Site
| Feature | Aluminium (Smart / Cortizo) | uPVC (Eurocell / Deceuninck) |
| Ease of fit | Quick-Glaze beads (no wedge cutting). Light but rigid. | Familiar process. Forgiving on uneven apertures. |
| Weight & handling | Slightly heavier but better balanced for big panes. | Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. |
| Accuracy | Factory prepped, square every time. | Flexible and tolerant of old brickwork. |
| Fitting time | Slightly longer on first few jobs, then faster with experience. | Quick and consistent — ideal for volume work. |
| Call-backs | Rare – frames stay true, seals last. | Low risk – easy to repair if needed. |
Installer verdict:
Aluminium feels more technical but more rewarding — especially once you’ve got a few jobs under your belt. uPVC is still the king of convenience.
2. Customer Satisfaction – What Homeowners Actually Care About
| Customer Priority | Aluminium Windows | uPVC Windows |
| Aesthetics | Slim, contemporary, steel-look. Architectural appeal. | Wide variety of foils and flush designs. Heritage charm. |
| Energy Efficiency | Low U-values (1.0–1.4 W/m²K) with polyamide breaks. | A-rated as standard with simpler specs. |
| Maintenance | Wipe and forget — no repainting, no warping. | Wipe clean, no corrosion, easy upkeep. |
| Durability | 30+ years lifespan, marine-grade finish. | 20+ years lifespan, UV-stable foils. |
| Design options | 200+ RAL colours, anodised and textured finishes. | Foiled, woodgrain, colour-matched options. |
| Price perception | Premium. “Upgrade” product. | Affordable. “Smart value” product. |
Customer verdict:
Aluminium wows them. uPVC comforts them. Both earn five-star reviews when installed right.
3. The Money Maker – How You Profit
| Profit Factor | Aluminium (Smart / Cortizo) | uPVC (Eurocell / Deceuninck) |
| Average order value | Higher – design-led customers spend more. | Steady – consistent volume jobs. |
| Upsell potential | Add matching bifolds, sliders, roof lights. | Add foils, flush sash, decorative glass. |
| Fitting time vs. value | Slightly longer fit, but higher ticket. | Fast turnaround – keeps cash flow smooth. |
| Customer referrals | Strong – “architectural” look gets attention. | Strong – “value and quality” reputation spreads. |
| Risk factor | Minimal with accurate fabrication and correct spec. | Minimal – familiar and proven systems. |
Business verdict:
Aluminium boosts your average profit per job. uPVC secures your monthly consistency. The Trade Village gives you both so you can build a stable pipeline that includes premium and volume work side by side.
4. The Right Product for the Right Job
Let’s get even more practical. Here’s how to decide which product fits which type of project.
| Project Type | Best Fit | Why |
| Modern extensions / new builds | Aluminium (Smart or Cortizo) | Slim frames, colour flexibility, architectural design. |
| Heritage homes / period refurbishments | Deceuninck Heritage uPVC | Timber-look foils, mechanical joints, low maintenance. |
| Coastal or exposed locations | Cortizo Aluminium | Marine-grade finish, heavy-duty sashes. |
| Budget-conscious renovations | Eurocell uPVC | Affordable, quick to fit, energy efficient. |
| High-end home upgrades | Smart Heritage Aluminium | Steel-look design, premium aesthetic. |
| Whole-house projects | Combination | Use aluminium for rear elevations, uPVC for front-facing windows. |
Pro Tip:
Smart installers quote both. It shows you know your stuff, gives customers control over the budget, and keeps you in the driving seat for the upsell.
5. The Trade Village Advantage – The Supplier That Gets It
Whether it’s aluminium or uPVC, your success comes down to one thing: reliability.
You need windows that arrive when promised, fit as they should, and make you look good in front of the customer. That’s where The Trade Village shines.
Here’s what you get:
- 10 working day lead times on stock colours (both aluminium and uPVC).
- UK-manufactured Smart and Eurocell systems with proven consistency.
- Premium Cortizo aluminium for advanced jobs.
- Heritage flush sash uPVC that delivers design-led results on a budget.
- Trade-first service – account management, technical support, and online ordering 24/7.
It’s a full ecosystem built to keep installers competitive — not just supplied.
6. The Smart Installer’s Takeaway
If you’ve followed this series, you’ll see the pattern emerging:
- Aluminium opens new doors. It’s modern, desirable, and margin-rich.
- uPVC keeps the wheels turning. It’s efficient, reliable, and familiar.
- The Trade Village gives you both.
When you have both materials in your toolkit, you don’t just quote jobs — you control them. You’re not waiting to see what the customer asks for; you’re guiding them toward the best solution for their property and your profit.
That’s how the best installers win in today’s market.
Final Thoughts – There’s No Wrong Choice, Only Smart Choices
The aluminium vs uPVC debate isn’t really a debate anymore.
It’s a spectrum — and The Trade Village puts you right in the middle, ready to handle every type of customer, every type of project, and every type of budget.
So, next time you’re pricing a job, remember:
- Aluminium impresses.
- uPVC delivers.
- You decide which suits the job best — and The Trade Village has your back either way.
✅ Open an account today and gain access to trade-beating pricing
✅ Explore our product ranges to see how we can support your business
✅ Bring your clients to our showroom and close more sales
This is why more installers are choosing The Trade Village