When you are looking to invest in a carport or veranda, you will need to shop around, and you will notice that they are available with different frame and roof materials. Today we’re going to discuss the frame options.

The two main veranda and carport frame materials are aluminium and uPVC, so let’s compare the two.

Benefits of Aluminium

• Fire Resistant – Uncoated aluminium is naturally fire resistant and achieves an A1 fire rating, this is the best fire rating possible. It’s worth bearing in mind that once a coating is added such as powder coating to add colour to the structure, the fire rating will be affected however it should still offer a very good fire rating.
• Recyclable – Aluminium can be recycled many times over and over, making it environmentally friendly and as long as it is disposed of correctly and therefore always recycled, it will never end up in landfill.
• Rust Resistant – The most appealing feature of aluminium for use on outside structures is that it is naturally rust resistant and will not rot over time unlike many other metals and plastics available.
• High Strength – Aluminium is known for being a strong metal which becomes even stronger in the cold weather, this makes it perfect for use on outdoor structures in the UK due to our climate. Due to the ratio of a high strength and light weight, aluminium is perfect for many applications and is often used in the construction of aircrafts, motor vehicles, boats, trains, trucks and aeroplanes.
• Life Lifespan – Because aluminium is rust resistant and very strong, it features a long lifespan which means that your money will be well spent because your new carport or veranda will last for many years to come – up to 25+ years
• Choice of Finishes and Colours – Aluminium can be finished with a range of coatings to add colour and to further protect the product. These coatings include powder coating, anodising and electroplating. All of which offer a wide range of colours to enable you to match your current aesthetics.
• Seamless Parts – Because aluminium can be moulded and shaped into one-piece sections, the construction is much stronger than alternatives that require multiple different parts to create one section of the structure. This makes the product again, much stronger. It also means that installation is much easier and therefore much quicker, causing less disruption to you.

Benefits of uPVC

• Cost Effective – uPVC is usually more cost effective than most materials, making the cost to you much cheaper
• Light in Weight – Like aluminium, uPVC is also light in weight making it easier to install
• Warm to Touch – Because uPVC is naturally a warm material, it is warmer to touch and is used for its insulation properties in windows and door and therefore may offer some insulation in a carport or veranda
• Choice of Colour –uPVC be finished in a range of colours, the number of colours available depend on the manufacturer and supplier
• Easy to Clean – uPVC, along with aluminium are both easy to keep clean and can be washed with warm soapy water. Strong detergents and pressures washers are not required or advised.

So, there it is, you can compare the two materials and decide for yourself which one fits in best with your needs and requirements.

Still unsure? Download our Good Carport Guide for more tips and information when it comes to choosing the perfect carport or veranda for your home.