Are you constructing or remodelling your house but can’t decide which type of window would best suit your budget as well as the overall aesthetics of your place? If that’s the case, you’re certainly in luck because this blog covers the most popular types of windows in Pakistan along with the advantages and disadvantages of certain materials, their market prices and take a look at window designs that are always trending.
Windows are an integral part of any house. Apart from being a source of natural light and ventilation, they also play a huge part in determining the value of your home. To be honest, selecting the right material for windows is akin to long-term investment, as it can directly impact the resale price of your property. In addition to that, the material and design of the windows in your home also have a significant impact on its décor – after all, who wouldn’t want to live in a house with beautiful French wooden windows offering a great view of the city?
However, before we begin to discuss different types of windows for homes and their prices in Pakistan, let’s clarify that the types of windows actually refer to the type of material used for the window frames as well as their design based on functionality. In almost all cases, window panes are made out of glass. Though it can be single or double glazed, among other options, depending on your personal preference and budget. Moreover, the labour cost to install windows in Pakistan varies with the difficulty of each project.
Popular Types of Windows in Pakistan – Framing Material
When choosing between different types of house windows, one must pay special attention to the framing material. It’s not a decision you can take lightly. Apart from the cost, you also need to take into account the strength, durability and maintenance requirements of each material.
These are the most popular types of material used for window frames in Pakistan.
- Wooden windows
- Aluminium windows
- UPVC windows
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of different types of window frames along with their rates.
Wooden Windows
Installing wooden windows have always been a popular choice among homeowners in Pakistan – and for a good reason. Wood has been used as a building material for thousands of years because it is easy to craft, sturdy and long-lasting.
Among all other types of window frames, the ones made out of wood are the most aesthetically pleasing. Wooden windows, regardless of their shape and design, add a touch of elegance and warmth to a house. They can also be painted to match your décor and come in a variety of sizes and styles.
However, this material is quite costly. With wood being a natural resource that is quickly depleting in most parts of the world, including Pakistan, prices of these window frames can be very high.
Pros and Cons of Wooden Windows
Here are some pros and cons of installing wooden window frames in your house.
Pro: Frames made out of wood can make your home look expensive and luxurious. They are pleasing to the eye and add elegance to your décor. This is why a lot of other window materials, such as vinyl, are shaped to mimic wood.
Con: Wooden windows require regular upkeep and maintenance. Being a natural material, it is prone to warping and cracking. It can also lose its shape and colouration due to excessive moisture or heat.
Pro: One of the biggest reasons why most homeowners prefer wood over other materials is because it is easy to craft, trim and customize based on your personal preference.
Con: With wooden windows, there is always a possibility of termite infestation. Moreover, wood also attracts ants, whereas decayed wood leads to the growth of mould if you leave it unchecked for a period of time.
Pro: If maintained properly, wooden window frames can last for a very long time. All you need to do is paint, varnish and polish it twice a year and keep an eye out for any signs of rot or decay.
Con: Wooden windows in Pakistan are quite expensive. In fact, wood is one of the most costly building materials, period. Therefore, if you are on a tight budget, you may have to reevaluate your options.
Pro: Since wood is a bad conductor of heat, wooden windows acts as a great insulator. They help keep your home warm in winters and cool in summers, helping you cut down on your electricity bill.
Rates of Wooden Windows in Pakistan
Wooden window prices in Pakistan vary with different types of wood.
For instance, the price of kail wood is around PKR 2600 per cubic foot, whereas you can buy imported ashwood and diyar wood for PKR 3800 per cubic foot, on average. Buying imported yellow pine will cost about PKR 3500 cubic foot.
Aluminium Windows
Slim-fitting aluminium window frames have been gaining popularity in Pakistan for a number of reasons. Firstly, windows made out of this material are cheaper than wood. Secondly, they are quite strong and durable. Thirdly, this material can be manipulated into any shape. Therefore, if you’re looking for types of windows in Pakistan that are economical than wood, visually pleasant and won’t need to be replaced for several years, you should consider buying aluminium window frames with glass panels.
Moreover, aluminium frames are generally not very bulky and require very little framework around the edge of the pane, allowing for a larger glass surface.
It is also important to mention that while wooden frames appear to be an optimal option for traditional houses, aluminium windows fit better with the modern and contemporary styles of construction, as they focus on glass and steel exteriors.
You can check out our guide on the most popular construction styles in Pakistan for further clarification.
Pros and Cons of Aluminum Windows
These are the most noteworthy benefits and drawbacks of installing aluminium windows in Pakistan.
Pro: Despite being made out of a relatively light material, aluminium frames are extremely durable and sturdy. Aluminium is incredibly resistant to most natural elements and can last for decades in your home.
Con: Being a metal, aluminium is a bad insulator. Therefore, unlike wood, it won’t keep your home warm during the cold winter months and cool during the hot summertime. However, you can tackle this problem by investing in aluminium windows that come fitted with a thermal break.
Pro: Aluminum windows in Pakistan are resistant to corrosion and decay. This means, they don’t require much maintenance and can be cleaned rather easily. Just wipe it with a clean cloth and your windows would be as good as new.
Cons: One of the biggest disadvantages of these window frames is that they are not as elegant-looking as wooden windows. But this factor largely depends on the homeowner’s personal style preference.
Pro: Last but not least, aluminium window frames in Pakistan are much more economical than the wooden ones.
Rates of Aluminum Windows in Pakistan
There are several categories of aluminium available for sale in the market. The starting price for the economical aluminium windows in Pakistan is around PKR 500 per sq ft, though it may vary with different designs.
If you’re still confused, here is a detailed comparison between wooden and aluminium windows that might help you out.
UPVC Windows
Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride, more commonly known as UPVC, is an increasingly popular building material that’s slowly replacing wooden window frames all across the world, including Pakistan.
The main reason behind its popularity is that it does not require constant maintenance and is resistant to decay and infestation. In addition to that, UPVC is also very eco-friendly since converting the raw material into the form of finished goods does not take a lot of energy.
On their own, UPVC window frames are not as sturdy as their wooden or aluminium counterparts. However, galvanized steel is employed to make these frames rigid and durable. The material also acts as a super insulator and does not expand, contract, rust or corrode. It also doesn’t require paint and comes in a natural white colour.
However, since the material for UPVC windows is usually imported from China and Europe, these frames can be slightly costly. Moreover, UPVC frames are also considerably bulky-looking.
Pros and Cons of UPVC Windows
A number of contractors in Pakistan are now recommending installing UPVC windows in homes. Let’s take a look at their pros and cons.
Pro: UPVC windows don’t require a lot of maintenance as they don’t decay or fade. Instead, they are weatherproof and you only need to be wiped to look clean and tidy.
Con: Aesthetically, UPVC windows rank way below wooden windows as they are quite bulky and don’t fit well in a home featuring traditional décor.
Pro: It is extremely resistant to moisture along with being flame retardant, which comes as a huge plus.
Con: Owing to its lightweight, these window frames are not as structurally strong as other materials on this list.
Pro: UPVC is known for its high level of insulation, which means it keeps out cold during winters and helps you cut down on your electricity bill. Also, these types of windows for houses are much more environment-friendly than the wooden and aluminium ones.
Con: They are not easy to customize.
Rates of UPVC Windows in Pakistan
Depending on the width of its section in millimetres, UPVC window prices in Pakistan start from PKR 1000 per sq ft.
Comparing Different Types of Window Materials
Here is a comparison between wooden, aluminium and UPVC windows in Pakistan.
| Specification | Wooden Windows | Aluminium Windows | UPVC Windows |
| Durability | High | High | Moderate |
| Insulation | High | Low | High |
| Expansion and Contraction | High | High | Low |
| Pest Resistance | Low | High | High |
| Resistance to Corrosion | High | Low | High |
| Soundproofing | Moderate | Low | High |
As you can see in the table above, each material used for windows in Pakistan has its own distinct characteristics. While wooden windows appear superior to their counterparts in most other categories, they lose out on being prone to termite infestation. Similarly, UPVC windows are not as durable but are resistant to contraction and expansion. Aluminium windows, on the other hand, are bad at insulation but are low-maintenance and extremely durable.
Popular Types of Windows in Pakistan: Functionality & Design
Windows designs in Pakistan vary with the framing material. Nonetheless, there are a few trends that are not only functional across the board but are also considered timeless. Apart from adding to the beauty of your house, windows serve a number of practical functions. Therefore, the design you choose should fit the layout and décor of your home as well as ensure security, offer the best view and allow proper ventilation.
However, it should be noted that windows should not be added haphazardly to a floor plan. You can read our list of factors to consider for the placement of windows in a home to learn more about the topic.
Based on their functionality and design, these are the most popular types of windows in Pakistan:
- Sliding windows
- Casement windows
- Fixed or picture windows
Let’s take a further look at these widely-used kinds of windows for homes.
Sliding Windows
When it comes to the design factor, sliding windows are easily the most common types of windows used in homes. They are easy to open and close, available in all sizes small and big, and easy to install. The glass panes in sliding windows, which are opened by gliding sideways, are supported by aluminium tracks as wood would warp or wear from the constant use. These types of windows are also cost-efficient, offer plenty of ventilation and are aesthetically pleasing. You can install a screen in your sliding window without much hassle.
The biggest downsides of sliding windows are that they are not very secure and can rattle due to strong winds.
Casement Windows
Installing casement windows has always been a popular choice among homeowners in Pakistan. These windows are attached to a frame by one or more hinges and can open outwards or upwards, depending on your personal style. If you are imagining those traditional windows where the panel swings opened outwards like a door, then you’re on the right track, because before sliding windows became prevalent, casement windows were found in almost every home.
These windows can be shut closed with the use of a hand crank, which makes these windows hard to be opened from the outside, ensuring safety. Also, you can have them made in almost any material.
Fixed of Picture Windows
As the name suggests, fixed or picture windows stationary, non-opening windows that are mostly rectangular in size and offer an exquisite view of the scenery outside your home. Though these window styles look extravagant and allow more natural light into a room, they are bad for ventilation as they have an airtight seal and cannot be opened.
However, if you live in the northern areas of Pakistan or somewhere with an exquisite view of natural beauty or cityscape, adding these windows to your home will definitely increase its resale value.
Moreover, compared to sliding and casement windows, fixed windows cost the least.
So, that was all about the types and rates of windows in Pakistan. For further questions or suggestions, send us an email on blog@zameen.com. In case you are planning to remodel your house, don’t forget to take a look at our guide on types and prices of wooden cabinets in Pakistan. Furthermore, you can also check out our in-depth analysis of wooden flooring options and their rates in Pakistan.
To learn more about the costs of different construction materials, head over to Zameen Blog – the top property, lifestyle and home decor blog in Pakistan. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest updates about the real estate and development sector.
