All of us have a responsibility to do our bit for the environment, and the materials you choose to build, insulate and furnish your home with are no exception. Both wood and uPVC are popular window types, but they aren’t as eco friendly especially when it comes to their lifespan and how easy they are to dispose of.
Aluminium is a far superior material for window frames, and this includes its reduced impact on the environment. Here is everything you need to know about why aluminium windows are the eco-friendly alternative to wood and plastic.
Plastic Crisis
By 2050, it’s predicted that there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. Most people are well aware of the plastic crisis. The problem is, plastic is used for everything from sandwich packaging to you guessed it… windows! The only way to avoid plastic waste is not to use it in the first place. This is just one of the reasons why aluminium windows are a much more eco-friendly alternative.
Even wooden windows require trees to be chopped down to make them, which is exactly the opposite of what our planet needs right now. Despite aluminium being a very well-used material, we have another 1,200 years supply of it left if we continue to mine at its current rate. The same cannot be said for how long we have to solve the plastic and climate crisis.
Aluminium Recyclability
Depending on the type of plastic, it’s not always easy to recycle. When it comes to uPVC, it can be recycled up to ten times. However, finding a window company that will take care of this for you is tricky, as they will usually dispose of your old windows and doors by landfill instead. Most people don’t even consider their plastic windows could be recycled in the first place. Sometimes, homeowners even resort to burning old plastic windows in the garden to dispose of them, releasing toxic fumes into the air.
No such problems with aluminium, as it is fully recyclable and can be remelted without losing quality. Whatsmore, recycling aluminium only requires 5% of the energy used to produce it in the first place. Aluminium’s impressive recyclable qualities are why it is widely used to make cans too. In Brazil, 98.2% of all aluminium cans are recycled. Imagine if we could say the same for plastic around the world too?
Long-Lasting
Wooden windows are prone to swelling, chipping and decaying. There’s also a whole host of bugs which eat away at wood, which can be very costly to deal with if they attack your windows or doors. Plastic windows (uPVC) last up to 20 years which might sound like a long time. However, given aluminium windows last between 30-45 years (potentially longer if you look after them!), there’s simply no competition.
Ultimately, if your windows don’t last very long, this will mean they will need replacing more frequently. So while it might seem like a bargain at the time, it will cost you more in the long run. Why encounter much hassle when you can install long-lasting, high-performance aluminium windows instead? Aluminium windows can also have architectural powder coating applied to them which will greatly boost their longevity too.
Find Out More
If you are looking to make your home more eco-friendly and stylish, then aluminium windows are certainly the way to go. They can be produced in many shapes and sizes (including round windows) and be finished in any colour of your choosing. Plus, they can capture stunning focal points especially if your property overlooks a scenic landscape. Aluminium windows are also better suited to homes in conservation areas, where uPVC may not be permitted.
Interested in upgrading your windows to a more eco-friendly alternative? Here at ABS, we have 25 years of experience in all things aluminium windows. We’re based in Nottingham but have worked with clients across Derby, Leicester, London and Ireland. So, if you need any help or advice with your windows we’d be more than happy to assist you. Please get in touch either by dropping us an email or giving us a call on 01623 721 172.