If you are looking for a new skylight or conservatory, your first thought will be about the benefits of a glass roof in providing natural illumination for the space below. But you should never overlook the importance of the frames that the glass is attached to. They make up much of the aesthetic appearance as well as being a practical part of it.

Both the aesthetic and the practical are reasons to choose carefully when it comes to the materials involved. When you do this, you may soon find lots of reasons to pick aluminium over alternatives such as wood or PVC.

The relative benefits of wood and aluminium are often compared. It is true that wood is organic and it can look good, although only with a lot of maintenance. Besides, while wood may be organic, its production still involves chopping a tree down, even if a new one is planted in its stead, whereas aluminium, while an alloy, can be recycled.

Compared to those, PVC comes out worst as it is plastic, the product of fossil fuels and, while it can be recycled, can only be used six or seven times. Given it is less robust than aluminium, it will tend to have a shorter useful working life.

PVC also tends to look dated, with many seeing plastic as being a tacky option, which is worth bearing in mind because the better your conservatory looks, the more it may add value to your property.

Aluminium is also stronger than wood, not prone to rotting or shrinkage and, as a stainless metal, it will not rust. This means it is by far the most practical option. Add to that the range of colours it is available in and there is a strong argument for saying it is the most aesthetic choice as well.