Aluminium, UPVC & glass suppliers in Lahore — bulk rates

Windows, doors, shopfronts, railings and partitions in Lahore are mostly built from three materials: aluminium sections, UPVC profiles and glass. Fabricators and builders buy them in bulk from suppliers and cut them to size. Homeowners who buy material directly, or who want to check a fabricator's quote, need to know how each is specified and priced, because two quotes for "aluminium windows" can describe very different products.

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How to choose a supplier

1. Ask for specifications in writing: for aluminium, the section series, wall thickness and finish; for UPVC, the profile system, chambers and reinforcement; for glass, type and thickness in mm.
2. Ask about standards and testing: ask whether the product is made to a Pakistan Standard from the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) or another recognised standard, and to see test certificates. Verify the standard number with PSQCA if it matters for your project.
3. Check samples: cut ends, finish and weight tell you a lot.
4. Check stock consistency: for a large job, buy one batch so colour and finish match.
5. Ask about cutting and delivery: some suppliers cut glass and sections to size.

How pricing works

We do not publish rates, because they change with metal and resin prices and the exchange rate. Get written quotes on the same specification.

• Aluminium sections: commonly per kg, or per length (piece) of a given section.
• UPVC profiles: usually per length or per running foot of a given profile.
• Glass: per square foot, by type and thickness; tempering, lamination and double-glazing cost extra.
• Hardware: per piece or per set.
• Fabricated windows (if you buy finished): usually per sq ft of window area, by system.

What moves the price:

• Aluminium: wall thickness, section series, finish (mill, anodised, powder coated), and metal prices
• UPVC: profile system, number of chambers, steel reinforcement, colour and lamination
• Glass: thickness, type (clear, tinted, reflective, laminated, tempered), size of sheet, cutting and edge work
• Quantity, delivery distance and handling
• Exchange rate and import duties on raw material

From request to delivery

1. Get a schedule from your architect or fabricator listing window and door sizes and the system.
2. Request quotes with the full specification, not just "aluminium windows".
3. Compare like for like: same section, thickness, finish and glass.
4. Confirm lead time, especially for powder coating, tempering and double-glazed units.
5. Inspect on delivery (below).
6. Store safely until installation.

Delivery checks

• Aluminium: check the section profile and thickness against the sample; check finish for scratches and patchy colour; weigh a sample length if bought by weight.
• UPVC: check profiles for warping, colour match and protective film; ask about the steel reinforcement.
• Glass: check thickness, type, size, chipped edges and scratches. For tempered glass, ask for confirmation from the toughening plant; tempered glass cannot be cut after toughening.
• Count pieces against the delivery note.

Aluminium, UPVC or both?

Many Lahore houses mix the two: aluminium for large sliding doors and shopfront-style openings, UPVC for bedrooms on busy roads. Whatever you pick, the glass choice affects heat and noise as much as the frame does.

Red flags

• Quotes that do not state thickness, finish or glass type
• "Heavy" aluminium that feels light when you hold the sample
• UPVC windows with no steel reinforcement in large openings
• Glass that measures thinner than ordered
• "Tempered" glass with no proof of toughening
• Large advance with no written specification

FAQs

Aluminium or UPVC for a Lahore house? Aluminium is slim, strong and common for sliding windows and shopfronts. UPVC is often chosen for heat and noise insulation. Your fabricator can show both on your opening sizes.

Why do aluminium quotes vary so much? Mostly wall thickness, section series and finish. Compare quotes on the same specification.

Which glass is safest? Tempered and laminated glass are safety glasses. Use them where people may impact the glass, such as doors, railings and large panes, as your architect advises.

Is double glazing worth it in Lahore? It reduces heat gain and noise, which helps in hot summers and on busy roads. Cost and payback depend on your house.

Can I buy material and give it to a fabricator? Yes, but agree with the fabricator first on the system and quantities, and who is responsible for waste and errors.

How should glass be stored on site? Upright on edge, on padded supports, out of direct sun and traffic, never flat on the ground.

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