Window Frame Material in Ireland — uPVC, Timber, Aluminium, and Alu-Clad Compared
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uPVC: cheapest, zero maintenance, dated 25 years in. Timber: looks best, repaint every 8–12. Aluminium: longest-lasting, premium.
uPVC windows: cheapest (€450–€750/m² installed for double-glazed), zero maintenance, lasts 25–30 years. Looks dated after 25 years. Most common in new Irish builds. Timber windows: looks best (€700–€1,100/m² double-glazed), repaint every 8–12 years, most planning-friendly in rural and heritage areas. Aluminium windows: longest-lasting (40+ years, €900–€1,400/m² double-glazed), slim sightlines, premium. Alu-clad timber: timber inside, aluminium outside — best of both, €1,000–€1,500/m². The frame material affects the whole-window U-value as much as the glazing. A timber frame with double-glazing can match a uPVC frame with triple-glazing.
TL;DR
uPVC windows: cheapest, zero maintenance, lasts 25–30 years. Looks dated after 25 years.
Timber windows: looks best, repaint every 8–12 years. Most planning-friendly in rural and heritage areas.
Aluminium windows: longest-lasting (40+ years), slim sightlines, premium. Alu-clad timber: best of both — timber inside, aluminium outside.
When this matters most
You're choosing window frame material.
When this doesn't apply
You've already specified the frame material.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest window frame material?
uPVC. €450–€750/m² installed for double-glazed. Zero maintenance. Most common in new Irish builds. Looks dated after 25 years.
What is the best window frame material?
Depends on the build. uPVC for budget, timber for rural and heritage, aluminium for premium and architectural, alu-clad for the best of both.
How long do aluminium windows last?
40+ years. No maintenance. Slim sightlines (the visible part of the frame is thinner, so more glass area). Premium option, €900–€1,400/m² double-glazed.
Sources
NSAI, I.S. EN ISO 10077. https://www.nsai.ie/
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest window frame material?
uPVC. €450–€750/m² installed for double-glazed. Zero maintenance. Most common in new Irish builds. Looks dated after 25 years.
What is the best window frame material?
Depends on the build. uPVC for budget, timber for rural and heritage, aluminium for premium and architectural, alu-clad for the best of both.
How long do aluminium windows last?
40+ years. No maintenance. Slim sightlines (the visible part of the frame is thinner, so more glass area). Premium option, €900–€1,400/m² double-glazed.
When this matters most
You're choosing window frame material.
When this doesn't apply
You've already specified the frame material.
Where to go next
Branch into
Adjacent decisions at the same stage.