PVC or aluminium - which system is right for your project?

A practical comparison to help you choose the right material based on performance, aesthetics, budget, and project type.

The short answer

PVC

is the best choice for most private homes - excellent thermal insulation, a lower price, and wide design flexibility.

Aluminium

is ideal when narrow profiles, larger openings, modern aesthetics, or commercial-grade systems like curtain walls and structural glazing are required.

Worried about condensation after replacing your windows?

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Side-by-side comparison

Parameter

Profile depth

80mm (7-chamber)

Narrow sightlines (50–75mm)

Thermal insulation (Uf)

up to 0.94 W/m²K

up to 1.3 W/m²K

Sound insulation (Rw)

up to 47 dB

up to 45 dB

Glazing capacity

up to 51mm triple

up to 60mm+ triple

Security class

up to RC3

Max. element size

Standard residential sizes

Larger spans possible

Colour options

50+ colours, wood effect, matt/gloss

RAL palette, anodised, textured

Maintenance

Low - wipe clean, no painting required

Low - powder-coated finish

Durability

30+ years

40+ years

Recyclability

Fully recyclable

Price level

More affordable

Higher investment

Where each system excels

Advantages of PVC

Advantages of aluminium

What to choose?

Both

Building or renovating a private home?

PVC is usually the best choice - excellent thermal insulation, a lower price, and wide design options cover most residential needs.

Large openings or floor-to-ceiling glazing?

Aluminium's narrow profiles maximise the glass area and can handle larger spans with structural confidence.

Modern, minimalist architectural style?

Aluminium provides narrower sightlines and a sharper aesthetic suited to a contemporary design language.

Multi-unit residential development?

Often a hybrid approach - PVC for the residential units (cost and thermal efficiency), aluminium for the ground-floor commercial section or lobby façades.

Is budget the main priority?

PVC provides excellent performance at a significantly lower price than aluminium.

Commercial or mixed-use building?

Aluminium systems offer curtain wall integration, fire-resistance options, and the structural capacity required by commercial projects.

Frequently asked questions

Is PVC cheaper than aluminium?

Yes, typically 20–40% lower in price for comparable specifications. PVC offers the best value for residential projects where thermal insulation is a priority.

Which lasts longer?

Both are durable. PVC systems last 30+ years, while aluminium lasts 40+ years. Both are fully recyclable at the end of their service life.

Can you combine PVC and aluminium in one project?

Absolutely. Many projects use PVC for residential windows and aluminium for entrance systems, façade elements, or large sliding doors. We coordinate both systems as a single project.

Which is better for sound insulation?

PVC has a slight edge - up to Rw 47 dB compared to Rw 45 dB for aluminium. Both can be enhanced with acoustic insulating glass units.

Do aluminium windows feel cold?

Modern aluminium profiles use thermal break technology (polyamide insulating strips) which eliminates thermal bridging. They are no longer the cold metal frames of the past.

Can PVC windows look like wood?

Yes. PVC systems offer 50+ colour options, including realistic woodgrain laminates in oak, walnut, and other shades - without the maintenance required by real wood.

Still not sure?

We help clients choose the right system every day. Send us your project information - plans, photos, or just a description - and we will provide a recommendation.

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