Cost of Aluminium Windows and Doors
When building or renovating a home or commercial space in Roodepoort, Randburg or wider Gauteng, the choice of window and door material is a major decision—not just in terms of appearance, but durability, maintenance, energy efficiency, and cost. At Accend Aluminium & Glass, we specialise in aluminium windows, pivot doors, shopfronts, and more. In this post, we’ll compare the costs of aluminium against alternatives like timber, uPVC (PVC-U), composite materials, and steel, so you can make an informed choice.
What Makes Aluminium Windows & Doors Attractive
Before talking numbers, let’s quickly recap what you get with aluminium:
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Aluminium frames are extremely durable; they don’t warp, crack, split or swell with moisture as timber does. (2ag.co.za)
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They allow slim, modern sightlines (thin frames), which maximise glass area and natural light.
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Low maintenance: powder-coated finishes last long, little repainting or treatment needed.
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Good thermal performance possible, especially with “thermal breaks” and double- or triple-glazing.
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Strong structurally, allowing large spans, sliding, stacking windows, pivot doors etc. Accend offers a variety of aluminium window types (casement, sliding, stacking, etc.) and aluminium pivot doors. (2ag.co.za)
These benefits often make aluminium more expensive up front than some alternatives—but over a building’s lifetime the balance can shift.
Cost Factors to Consider
Several factors influence window and door pricing in South Africa:
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Size and design complexity – larger windows/doors, more panels, curved or sliding systems cost more.
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Glazing type – single, double, or laminated glass impacts cost significantly.
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Finish & hardware – powder coatings, special colours, handles, and locks vary in price.
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Installation requirements – local labour, site conditions, and finishing affect the final bill.
Aluminium vs Other Materials: Local Cost Comparison (ZAR)
Here’s what you can expect to pay in Gauteng for different window and door materials (supply only):
| Material | Typical Local Price (Supply Only) | Maintenance & Lifetime Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | From R 1,300–R 2,500 for a 900×900 mm window, R 3,100–R 4,400 for a 1,500×1,500 mm window, and R 4,800–R 6,000+ for large sliding windows (procompare.co.za, sigmadoors.co.za) | Low maintenance, 30–50 year lifespan, minimal repainting needed. |
| uPVC (PVC-U) | Small windows around R 800–R 1,500 (600×600 mm) | Cheaper upfront but less durable; can expand/contract in heat. |
| Timber / Wood | Frames alone cost R 400–R 1,100 (600×600 mm) or R 1,000–R 1,500 (1,000×1,000 mm) | Requires regular treatment, repainting, and repair. |
| Steel / Composite | Often higher than aluminium for custom work | Very strong but can corrode or require protective finishes. |
Installed Costs in Gauteng
Installation typically adds R 1,000–R 2,500 per unit for labour, glazing, and finishing. Here are some realistic all-in estimates:
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Small aluminium side-hung/fixed window (900×900 mm): R 2,500–R 5,000 installed
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Medium aluminium window (1,500×1,500 mm): R 5,000–R 8,500 installed
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Large sliding/pivot aluminium door (2,400×1,500 mm or bigger): R 15,000–R 30,000+ installed
By comparison, timber may be 30–60% more expensive upfront, while uPVC may save on initial cost but not perform as well in larger spans.
Aluminium at Accend Aluminium & Glass
At Accend, customers benefit from:
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Custom quotation options via the Shop page.
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Variety of aluminium window styles.
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Durable aluminium pivot doors designed for modern homes.
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Sleek aluminium shopfronts for businesses.
Long-Term Value of Aluminium
While aluminium costs more than uPVC upfront, it is often more affordable than premium timber or steel over time. Its durability, minimal maintenance, and modern design add value to your home or business. For buyers in Roodepoort, Randburg, and surrounding areas, aluminium windows and doors are an investment that balances style, cost, and longevity.
Final Thoughts
Aluminium windows and doors in South Africa cost between R 1,300 and R 6,000+ per unit supply-only, depending on size and style, with full installation ranging from R 2,500 to over R 30,000 for larger doors. While alternatives like timber and uPVC exist, aluminium provides the strongest mix of durability, style, and long-term value.
For a tailored quote, visit our Shop page or contact Accend Aluminium & Glass today.