Your aluminium vs uPVC tilt & turn window comparison 2026

If you’re a homeowner in Surrey looking to upgrade your windows, you may have noticed the rise of tilt and turn windows.

Renowned for their versatility, these windows cleverly combine a tilt function at the top for ventilation with a full 90° turn for easy cleaning and even use as an emergency exit. Whether you live in a high-rise, a contemporary home, or a traditional property, tilt and turn windows provide excellent airflow, security, and a stylish look.

At Sherborne, we understand that choosing the right material (aluminium or uPVC) can be confusing. Both options offer incredible durability, energy efficiency, and easy cleaning, but their aesthetic appeal, functionality, and lifespan differ. By the end of this guide, you’ll know which material is better suited to your home, lifestyle, and renovation goals.

What is a tilt and turn window?

Originating from Europe, tilt and turn windows are popular across modern and high-rise properties, hotels, and contemporary homes for good reason. Unlike traditional casement or sash windows, these designs offer two ways to open:

• Tilt position: The top of the window tilts inward, allowing ventilation without compromising security by opening fully. Perfect for small children or rooms prone to condensation.
• Turn position: The window opens fully inwards like a door, allowing fresh air to flood in and providing easy access for cleaning.

Key benefits:

• Great ventilation and airflow
• Ideal for homes with small children
• Can act as an emergency exit
• Easy cleaning from inside your home
• Modern, clean lines suitable for any style
• Robust security features, hard to force open from the outside

These features explain why tilt and turn windows are a popular choice for homeowners looking for practicality, style, and complete peace of mind.

Which tilt and turn window material is best suited to me?

Choosing between aluminium and uPVC depends on your priorities. Here’s a closer look at each material.

Aluminium

Aluminium windows are crafted from precision-engineered metal, offering slim profiles and incredible durability. Widely used across Europe for residential and commercial projects, aluminium is known for its strength, clean lines (allowing more natural light in), and suitability for larger panes of glass. It’s also highly versatile in style, from sleek modern designs to industrial-inspired looks.

Benefits of aluminium tilt and turn windows

• Ultra-slim sightlines for maximum natural light
• Incredible durability and warp resistance
• Available in any RAL colour, including dual-colour options
• Can accommodate larger panes of glass for an elegant, contemporary aesthetic
• Thermal break technology ensures excellent insulation and energy efficiency
• Meets PAS 24 and Secured by Design standards for security
• Minimal maintenance, just a wipe down to maintain a stylish look

Choose aluminium if:

• You want a modern, stylish look with slim profiles
• Your project involves large panes of glass or a bespoke design
• You live in an exposed or coastal area needing long-term durability
• You value high thermal efficiency combined with low maintenance

uPVC

uPVC, or unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, is the UK’s most popular window material. Found on windows, doors, conservatories, and roofline products, it’s celebrated for its affordability, insulation, and low upkeep. uPVC tilt and turn windows offer robust performance with multiple heat-trapping chambers and durable frames that can last 20–35 years with proper care.

Benefits of uPVC tilt and turn windows

• Excellent thermal insulation, keeping homes warm year-round
• Low maintenance and easy cleaning
• Strong and secure with multipoint locks
• Available in a variety of finishes, including woodgrain effects like Rosewood and Irish Oak
• Compatible with traditional and modern homes
• Comprehensive 10-year guarantee

Choose uPVC if:

• You want a practical, cost-effective option with great insulation
• You prefer traditional aesthetics or wood-effect finishes
• You’re upgrading existing windows or need a low-maintenance solution
• You value energy efficiency without compromising on security

Aluminium tilt and turn windows from Sherborne

At Sherborne, our aluminium tilt and turn windows combine strength, elegance, and modern design. We offer:

• A full range of RAL colours, including dual-colour options
• Slim sightlines for larger panes of glass
• Thermal break technology and optional triple glazing for superior energy efficiency
• Professional installations by our trained in-house team
• Stylish designs that complement both contemporary and traditional homes in Surrey, Woking, Guildford, and Reigate

These windows are perfect for homeowners who want a durable, low-maintenance solution with a striking aesthetic appeal.

uPVC tilt and turn windows from Sherborne

Our uPVC tilt and turn windows provide exceptional value and practicality. Features include:

• Wood-effect finishes such as Rosewood and Irish Oak
• Multiple heat-trapping chambers for energy efficiency
• Low maintenance, just a quick wipe down with warm, soapy water
• Secure multipoint locking for complete peace of mind
• Ideal for families, conservatories, or heritage-style homes

Whether you’re replacing existing uPVC or installing new windows, our designs ensure easy cleaning, great ventilation, and long-lasting durability.

FAQs

Are tilt and turn windows suitable for homes with small children?

Yes, the tilt function allows ventilation without opening fully, keeping little ones safe while providing fresh air.

Can aluminium tilt and turn windows be used in listed buildings?

Absolutely. Aluminium’s slim sightlines and range of finishes allow for a stylish, sympathetic design that respects heritage aesthetics.

How long do uPVC windows last?

With proper care, modern uPVC windows can last between 20 and 35 years, maintaining their appearance and performance.

Who are Sherborne?

Sherborne Windows is a family-run business established in Farnborough in 1990. For over 30 years, we’ve provided expert home improvement services across Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, and South-West London. We offer:

• uPVC, aluminium, and timber windows, including casement, sash, and tilt & turn
• Front doors, back doors, composite, and timber alternatives
• Conservatories, orangeries, and solid roof extensions
• Expert advice, professional installations, and aftercare

We’re proud of our awards, including the GGP Installer Awards Best Installer: Residential 2020, and our FENSA and Assure accreditations. Visit one of our showrooms in Farnborough, Windlesham, Hartley Wintney, or Sunningdale, or contact us on 01252 370917 or enquiries@sherbornewindows.co.uk for a free quote.

With Sherborne, you can be confident that whether you choose aluminium tilt and turn windows Surrey homeowners love for their clean lines, or practical, energy-efficient uPVC windows, your home will look beautiful, stay secure, and remain comfortable for decades.