Plastic UPVC windows don't have to be ugly, although they often are, compared to traditional windows. This is because whoever specifies the uPVC windows will usually chose the cheapest. However this isn't always the case.
This is a house with ugly uPVC windows. I happen to live in this house. I didn't specify the windows, I bought the house with them already in situ. These windows won't have been the cheapest option in the brochure, either. they're solid, don't leak and have secure locks. But somehow the person who chose this design wasn't satisfied with the appearance of vertical sashes, they decided to specify a thin horizontal member to be put through the double glazed panels, giving the appearance of Lego. Nothing wrong with Lego, It's one of the best ever educational toys, but most people don't want to live in Lego buildings.
The house has an even uglier door in similar material, presumably chosen to the taste of the owner some twenty years ago. But I haven't chosen to change the door, or the windows, because they all still work. The windows open and close, as does the door. The double glazed panels are in working order. Therefore I chose to live with somebody else's taste because I won't replace something which works just for the sake of change. It's currently an unnecessary expense, and environmentally undesirable. Many old units are not disposed of sustainable, although this is increasingly possible to do
Some double glazing companies now promote zero-landfill policies, which means every part of your old window, down to the last screw, is either reused, repurposed, or recycled. These companies often work directly with uPVC recycling plants, collect scrap metal for processing and offer take-back schemes or green disposal guarantees.
If sustainability is a priority for you and your client, it’s worth asking potential installers what their policy is before making a commitment. If sustainability is not a priority for you or your client, maybe you should, ask why not?
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