The most popular materials used to create rooflights are UPVC and aluminium. There are alternatives such as aluminium-clad timber, but these are comparatively rare. If you see a roof lantern while out and about in your local area, it’s very likely to be made with either aluminium or UPVC. When the time comes to pick one though, how do you decide?

Here at Whitesales, we don’t tend to prioritise one over the other. We have both UPVC and aluminium products in our catalogue and are proud to supply them. Each has its own benefits, so let’s take a close look at UPVC and aluminium and compare them.

Explaining UPVC

First, let’s consider UPVC. Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride is a type of plastic that’s renowned for its weather-resistant properties and is widely used in the construction industry. Unlike the similarly named PVC, UPVC doesn’t contain plasticisers. This means that it can only be shaped at very high temperatures so it’s unlikely to be affected by the elements, making it perfect for windows and other installations. 

UPVC rooflights come with several benefits. They’re low maintenance, aesthetically pleasing and can be customised to suit different tastes and styles. UPVC is also cheaper than aluminium which will be good news for anyone working on a tighter budget. It offers excellent thermal insulation and in truth, the only drawback is that it has a shorter lifespan than aluminium. UPVC rooflights still last for years but will need replacing sooner than their aluminium cousins.

The Advantage Of Aluminium

Aluminium on the other hand is more expensive but in the long run, can be more cost effective. Aluminium is an incredibly strong metal and has a lifespan that can be measured in decades, rather than years. It’s also widely recyclable and renowned for being one of the most environmentally friendly construction materials out there. As climate change is becoming an increasingly pressing concern, this will make it an attractive choice for ecologically-minded homeowners.

There is a myth that aluminium is less thermally efficient than UPVC, but that’s misleading. Aluminium rooflights achieve similar u-values as the plastic ones and the difference between them is negligible. We think this is because it tends to be cold to the touch, but it’s just as good at retaining heat. Plus, the sheer toughness of the metal makes them highly secure and even the most determined intruder will have a hard time breaking in.

So, when it comes to choosing a UPVC or aluminium rooflights, the deciding factors come down to durability versus cost. UPVC rooflights have lower prices but will degrade sooner than metal rooflights. They’ll still be in place for a long time and can last up to thirty years if they’re looked after, but aluminium will outlast them.

Aluminium is also a greener choice, but in all other aspects, the two materials get similar results. Whichever your customer prefers, they’ll get stylish rooflights that offer exceptional energy efficiency. Contact Whitesales to find out more and see how a rooflight can transform your next building project.