Aluminium vs uPVC: Sheerline vs Liniar – Which Is Best for Your Home?

Choosing frames is about more than looks—it affects warmth, security, longevity, and how your home feels day-to-day. Below is a clear, no-nonsense comparison of two leading UK systems: Sheerline (aluminium) and Liniar (uPVC). I’ve focused on the questions homeowners ask us most, with examples for windows, doors, garden rooms and roof lanterns.

Quick verdict

• Want the sharpest, slimmest sightlines, long life, and premium feel? Go Sheerline aluminium.

• Want the best value, great energy performance, and low maintenance on a tighter budget? Go Liniar uPVC.

• Garden rooms / modern extensions: Sheerline’s slim frames and colour stability often win.

• Family homes / rentals / budget-sensitive projects: Liniar offers superb performance for the price.

Side-by-side comparison

Sheerline (Aluminium): where it shines

• Ultra-slim, modern look. Aluminium’s strength means less frame, more glass—perfect for garden rooms and contemporary extensions.

• Stable in heat/cold. Excellent for large sliders and roof lanterns where expansion must be controlled.

• Hard-wearing finishes. Powder-coated colours (including popular anthracite and black) resist fading and are easy to keep smart.

• Design details. Square-edge aesthetics, neat internal lines, and crisp shadow gaps deliver a premium feel.

Best Sheerline use-cases

• Garden rooms needing slim frames and max light

• Wide sliding doors and picture windows

• Roof lanterns where strength and sleek lines matter

Liniar (uPVC): why homeowners love it

• Excellent value. Strong energy performance at a friendlier price point.

• Warm and quiet. Multi-chambered profiles help reduce heat loss and cut noise.

• Low upkeep. No painting; just a wash-down. Woodgrain foils give a traditional timber look without the maintenance.

• Versatile styling. From classic casements to flush-sash looks, it suits a wide range of homes.

Best Liniar use-cases

• Whole-house window replacements on a defined budget

• Traditional aesthetics with woodgrain foils

• Family homes and rentals where practicality rules

Windows: which to pick?

• Sheerline aluminium windows: choose for the thinnest mullions, bold contemporary styling, or where you’re pairing with aluminium doors/lanterns.

• Liniar uPVC windows: choose for value, strong thermal numbers and classic looks (flush or sculptured).

  
  

Doors: sliders, bifolds & entrance

• Large sliders / big openings → Sheerline aluminium for rigidity and slim sightlines.

• Standard patio or French doors → Liniar offers great performance and budget control.

• Front doors → both are excellent; aluminium gives a sleek architectural look, uPVC offers value and a wide foil range.

Roof lanterns

• Aluminium (Sheerline) is the natural choice: strong spans, minimal bars, crisp geometry and a premium finish.

  
  

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Energy, security & upkeep

• Energy: Both can be specified to very warm standards with the right glass. Aluminium relies on thermal breaks; uPVC uses multi-chamber profiles.

• Security: Multi-point locks and laminated glass are available on both. Aluminium’s inherent stiffness is great on wide doors; uPVC uses reinforcements where needed.

• Upkeep: Wash with mild soapy water a few times a year. Avoid harsh abrasives on both powder-coat and foils.

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Cost & long-term value

• Upfront: Liniar uPVC usually costs less.

• Lifetime value: Sheerline’s durability, colour stability and slimmer frames can add perceived value and kerb appeal, especially on design-led projects.

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Which should you choose?

Choose Sheerline aluminium if you want:

• Minimalist, architectural lines

• Big glass areas (garden rooms, sliders, lanterns)

• A durable, premium finish that holds colour beautifully

Choose Liniar uPVC if you want:

• The best balance of price and performance

• Traditional or flush styles with woodgrain options

• Straightforward, low-maintenance replacements

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FAQs

Will aluminium feel cold to the touch?

Modern thermally-broken frames and warm-edge glazing make aluminium comfortable and efficient.

Can uPVC do slim sightlines?

It’s improved a lot, but aluminium still leads for truly minimal framing—especially on large doors.

What about colour?

Aluminium offers ultra-durable powder-coat colours (including dual-colour). uPVC offers popular foils and woodgrains for a timber look.

Is one more sustainable?

Both are recyclable. Aluminium has a very long service life and high recyclability; uPVC is also recyclable and energy-efficient in use.

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Real-world pairings we recommend

• Modern garden room: Sheerline aluminium windows, sliders and a lantern for maximum light and clean lines.

• Whole-house refresh on a budget: Liniar flush uPVC windows with a matching uPVC or aluminium entrance door (mixing can work well).

• Coastal or sun-exposed plots: Aluminium’s colour stability and rigidity are a strong fit.

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Ready to decide?

Tell me your opening sizes, preferred colours/finishes, and whether the project is a garden room, extension or whole-house refresh. I’ll spec a Sheerline and a Liniar option side-by-side with prices, U-value targets, and lead times so you can compare like-for-like.

Enquiries@galleygardenrooms.co.uk