uPVC vs Brick Porches: Which Is Best for Your UK Home?

uPVC vs brick porches

If you were to ask any homeowner what they would add to their entrance or make any changes, “adding a porch” would be among the most common answers. A porch might be a tiny addition, but it comes with some big advantages, such as less draught in the hallway, places to store muddy boots, and a better look of the house. The hardest decision, however, is to come up with which material to use for the porch installation.

Most homeowners are confused when deciding between a uPVC and a brick porch. Both options are proven to be very reliable as they have been used for thousands of houses built across the country. In fact, no answer to the question of uPVC vs. brick porch will be a wrong one since it mostly depends on needs of a particular homeowner and on his/her budget.

What Is a uPVC Porch?

A uPVC porch is built from strong, weatherproof uPVC framing combined with double glazing and a purpose-built roof. It’s the option most homeowners reach for when they want something practical that won’t drag on for weeks to install,  and won’t need looking after once it’s up.

Why People Go for uPVC

  • It’s usually the cheaper of the two, which matters if you’re working to a set budget
  • There’s next to no upkeep — no painting, no repointing, just an occasional wipe-down
  • Modern uPVC copes fine with everything the British weather can throw at it
  • Double glazing helps cut draughts and keeps the hallway noticeably warmer
  • Installation is quick, often wrapped up within a few days rather than weeks
  • You get a decent choice of colours and finishes, including woodgrain effects, if plain white isn’t your thing

Worth Bearing in Mind

  • On a period or heritage property, uPVC can sometimes look a little too modern
  • It won’t outlast brick over the very long term
  • Quality varies a lot between installers, so the fitting matters as much as the material

What Is a Brick Porch?

A brick porch is exactly what it sounds like — a proper masonry extension, usually built to match the brickwork already on your house. Done well, it doesn’t read as an addition at all; it looks like it’s always been there.

Why People Go for Brick

  • It gives a traditional, established look that suits period and older homes particularly well
  • It’s built to last for decades with very little maintenance required
  • A well-matched brick porch tends to add real value when it’s time to sell
  • You can tailor the brick, roofline and finish to match your existing façade exactly
  • Solid walls do a better job of blocking outside noise than glazing alone

Worth Bearing in Mind

  • It costs more upfront than uPVC, sometimes considerably so
  • Building one properly takes time — think two to three weeks rather than days
  • You’ll need to factor in groundwork, foundations and labour, not just materials

uPVC vs Brick Porches: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature

uPVC Porch

Brick Porch

Average Cost

Lower, more budget-friendly

Higher, premium build

Installation Time

2–5 days

2–3 weeks

Maintenance

Minimal — just a wipe-down

Very low, occasional repointing

Lifespan

25–35 years

50+ years

Insulation

Good, thanks to double glazing

Excellent, thanks to solid cavity walls

Kerb Appeal

Clean, modern finish

Classic, traditional finish

Best Suited To

New-builds and modern homes

Period, traditional and brick-built homes

Resale Value Impact

Positive

Strongly positive

So, uPVC or Brick — Which Is Right for You?

There isn’t a single “best” answer here, only what’s best for your particular house and situation:

  • Go for uPVC if budget and speed matter most, and you want something low-maintenance that still looks smart
  • Go for brick if your home is traditional and brick-built, and you’d rather invest once in something permanent
  • Consider a hybrid porch if you want a bit of both — a solid brick base topped with a uPVC glazed structure, giving you extra light and warmth without losing that sturdy foundation

That hybrid option has become genuinely popular recently, precisely because it doesn’t ask you to compromise. You get the strength of masonry at ground level and the thermal performance of uPVC above it.

Does a Porch Actually Add Value to Your Home?

In most cases, yes. It’s one of those upgrades that pays for itself in more ways than one:

  • It’s usually the first thing a viewer notices, so first impressions improve straight away
  • You gain useful buffer space for coats, shoes, prams — all the clutter that otherwise ends up in the hallway
  • Heat loss through the front door drops noticeably once there’s a porch acting as a barrier
  • A well-designed porch, whether brick or uPVC, tends to be reflected positively in valuations

Why Homeowners Choose Glitz Windows for Their Porch

We’re not in the business of pushing one material over another just because it’s easier to fit. Whether you’re set on uPVC, brick, or something in between, our job is to build the porch that actually suits your home — not the one that’s most convenient for us.

  • Free, no-obligation quotes with pricing that’s upfront from the start
  • Bespoke designs across uPVC, brick and hybrid porches, tailored to your property
  • Energy-efficient materials that genuinely help with draughts and heating bills
  • Experienced, accredited installers who’ve been building porches across the UK for years
  • A wide choice of colours and finishes, whatever style your home calls for
  • Workmanship guarantees and aftercare, so you’re covered long after installation

From the first design conversation through to the final fitting, we handle the whole process — the result should be a porch that adds real warmth, value and kerb appeal, not just square footage.

Ready to Upgrade Your Entrance?

Whether you’re drawn to the classic look of brick, the practicality of uPVC, or a hybrid design that gives you both, Glitz Windows can help you get there.

Get in touch with Glitz Windows today for a free, no-obligation quote and find out which porch style genuinely suits your home.

uPVC vs Brick Porches FAQs

Is a brick porch warmer than a uPVC porch?

Slightly, generally speaking. Solid brick with cavity walls holds heat a touch better than glazing, though modern double glazing has closed that gap considerably.

uPVC comes out cheaper in most cases, thanks to lower material and labour costs. Brick costs more upfront but is the longer-term, more permanent investment.

Yes, and plenty of homeowners do. A hybrid design with a brick dwarf wall and a uPVC glazed top gives you durability and style without picking one over the other.

Usually not, as most porches fall under permitted development rights provided they meet certain size and height limits. It’s still worth double-checking with your local council or asking your installer to confirm before work starts.

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