There is no universal winner. In a standard home, PVC usually stands out for insulation and low maintenance. For large sliding doors, oversized panels and minimalist architecture, aluminium usually offers more possibilities.
Location changes the answer
On the coast, PVC simplifies frame maintenance, although hardware and screws still need protection. Good aluminium also performs well near the sea when the finish, pre-treatment and maintenance are correctly specified.
PVC or aluminium: comparison by criteria
| Criterion | PVC | Aluminium |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation | In a standard home it usually stands out for insulation. | With a thermal break it can perform well; the result depends on the system, the glass and the size of the opening. |
| Coast and sea air | Simplifies maintenance of the frame. Hardware and screws still need protection. | Performs well near the sea if the finish, pre-treatment and maintenance are correctly specified. |
| Maintenance | Minimal maintenance of the frame. | Depends on the finish and pre-treatment specified. |
| Large openings | Depends on the system and the size; we check each opening. | Usually offers more possibilities for large sliding doors and oversized panels. |
| Look | Clean lines, a good fit for standard homes. | Slim profiles for minimalist architecture. |
| Cost | The price depends on the system, the size, the glass and the hardware more than on the material alone. Always compare quotes that include the same things. | |
By type of home
- Flat in a block: before deciding, ask your community whether facade colour or style must be respected; once that is clear, we choose a compatible option.
- Country house: insulation and maintenance usually weigh most; for large terrace doors, aluminium is considered for those openings.
- Second home on the coast: sun and sea air. We check the solar control of the glass, the aluminium finish and the protection of the hardware.
- Business premises: decided opening by opening, according to access, leaf size and use.
Our conclusion
We choose opening by opening. The same home can combine PVC in the bedrooms with aluminium for a large terrace door if that combination solves the project better.
Common mistakes when choosing and measuring
- Choosing only by the profile and forgetting the glass, which matters as much as the profile.
- Measuring at a single point: measure the width and the height at three points and always note the smallest figure.
- Not stating the opening side as seen from inside.
- Comparing quotes that do not include the same things: read what affects the price and what to ask for.
- Not asking who measures and who installs: if you will fit them yourself, see windows without installation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, PVC or aluminium windows?
There is no winner for every case. In a standard home, PVC usually stands out for insulation and low maintenance. For large sliding doors, oversized panels and minimalist architecture, aluminium usually offers more possibilities. We decide opening by opening.
Is PVC or aluminium better near the sea?
Both can work. PVC simplifies frame maintenance, but hardware and screws still need protection. Aluminium performs well near the sea when the finish, pre-treatment and maintenance are correctly specified.
Can I mix PVC and aluminium in the same home?
Yes. The same home can have PVC in the bedrooms and aluminium for a large terrace door if that combination solves the project better.
Can I buy only the windows, without installation?
Yes. We supply them made to measure, in PVC or aluminium, for you or your installer. See windows without installation.
What do I need to ask for a quote?
The list of openings with width, height and opening side seen from inside, the material you prefer (or advice), the colour and the town. If you do not have everything, send what you have, with photos showing a tape measure.
Next step
- Catalogue: uPVC windows and aluminium windows and doors.
- Several windows at once: quote for 5 or more windows. Work in the trade? See windows for professionals.
- Large entrances: aluminium pivot doors.
- Near you: window installers in Albox and areas we cover.