PVC vs Aluminum: Complete Comparison to Choose Your Windows

The choice between PVC and aluminum windows is one of the most important decisions when renovating or building. Both materials have specific advantages, and the best option depends on the needs of each project.

General Comparison Table

Characteristic PVC Kömmerling Aluminum RPT
Thermal insulation Excellent (Uw 0.8-1.1) Good (Uw 1.6-3.0)
Acoustic insulation Up to 47 dB Up to 42 dB
Maintenance Null Minimum
Structural resistance Good (with reinforcement) Excellent
Minimum profiles 70-80 mm view 20-50 mm view
Maximum leaf weight Up to 400 kg Up to 400 kg
Fire resistance Self-extinguishing (B2) Non-combustible (A1)
Marine corrosion Immune Good (anodized)
Recyclable Yes (up to 7 times) Yes (100%, infinite)
Approximate price Medium-High High (TBR) / Medium (cold)
Useful life +50 years +50 years
Colors White, foiled, RAL Any RAL, anodized

Thermal Insulation

Winner: PVC

PVC is a natural insulator with a thermal conductivity of 0.16 W/mK, compared to 160 W/mK for aluminum (1,000 times more conductive). Although RPT aluminum greatly reduces this difference thanks to the thermal bridge break, PVC still offers significantly better thermal transmittance values.

Aesthetics and Design

Winner: Aluminum

Aluminum allows for much narrower profiles, maximizing the glass surface and luminosity. It is the preferred option in contemporary architecture and minimalist design. PVC has improved a lot aesthetically, but its profiles are still thicker.

Maintenance

Tie

Both materials require minimal maintenance: periodic cleaning with water and neutral soap, and occasional lubrication of hardware. Neither needs painting or special treatment.

Structural Resistance

Winner: Aluminum

Aluminum has a superior strength/weight ratio, which allows creating larger structures with thinner profiles. It is especially advantageous in large format windows.

Price

Winner: PVC

In general, PVC windows offer a better value for money, especially considering their superior thermal insulation properties. High-end RPT aluminum can be 20-40% more expensive than equivalent PVC.

Our Recommendation

Situation Recommendation
Regular housing with maximum energy savings PVC Kömmerling
Large windows with minimalist design Aluminum RPT
Coastal area with high saline exposure PVC o Anodized aluminum
Building with uniform facade regulations AluClip Zero (PVC+aluminum)
Economic terrace enclosure Cold aluminum
Passivhaus or nZEB PVC 76MD Zero

The solution AluClip Zero de Kömmerling combines the best of both worlds: multi-chamber PVC inside for maximum insulation and lacquered aluminum outside for maximum resistance and aesthetics.

Contact us for personalized advice according to the needs of your project.