PVC vs Aluminum Windows: definitive comparison 2026

PVC or Aluminum? The million-dollar question

When renovating the windows of your home, one of the most important decisions is choosing between PVC windows o aluminum windows. Both materials have their advantages, and as official distributors of Kömmerling in Alicante, we help you make the best decision.

Thermal Insulation: PVC wins by a landslide

The thermal insulation is one of the most important factors to consider, especially in the Alicante area where summers are very hot.

Thermal conductivity:

• PVC: 0.16 W/m·K (excellent insulator)
• Aluminum: 160 W/m·K (very conductive)
• Aluminum with TBC: Improves with thermal bridge break, but is still inferior to PVC

Conclusion: PVC is 1000 times better insulator than aluminum. This translates into less heat loss in winter and less heat gain in summer.

Acoustic Isolation

Si vives cerca de una carretera, aeropuerto o zona ruidosa, el aislamiento acústico es crucial para tu confort.

• Kömmerling PVC windows: Up to 47 dB of acoustic reduction
• Aluminum windows with TBC: Between 30-38 dB

The multi-chamber structure of the PVC profiles better absorbs sound vibrations, providing a quieter environment.

Energy Efficiency and Savings

With quality PVC windows you can achieve:

• Heating savings: Up to 45%
• Air conditioning savings: Up to 30%
• Energy classification: Kömmerling windows reach class A+++

The return on investment in PVC windows occurs between 5-8 years thanks to savings in air conditioning.

Durability and Maintenance

PVC Windows:

• Useful life: +50 years
• Maintenance: Practically zero (only cleaning with soap and water)
• Resistance: Does not rust, does not corrode, does not need repainting
• Color: Resistant to discoloration by UV rays

Aluminum Windows:

• Useful life: 25-30 years
• Maintenance: Requires periodic maintenance
• Problems: May suffer corrosion in coastal areas (such as Alicante)
• Lacquering: May deteriorate over time

Aesthetics and Design

Traditionally, aluminum offered narrower and more aesthetic profiles. However, the modern Kömmerling PVC systems have evolved enormously:

• Kömmerling 76 profiles: More stylized lines
• AluClip Zero: Aluminum exterior with PVC interior (the best of both worlds)
• Colors: More than 50 finishes available, including wood imitation
• Exterior foil: Possibility of different interior/exterior colors

Security

Both materials offer high security options:

• Security hardware: Multiple locking points
• Safety glasses: Laminated or tempered
• Steel reinforcements: In PVC profiles for greater rigidity

Kömmerling PVC windows can incorporate systems anti-lever that comply with RC2 safety regulations.

Sustainability and Environment

PVC:

• 100% recyclable up to 10 times
• Kömmerling uses recycled PVC in its profiles
• Lower carbon footprint during its useful life (better insulation = less energy consumption)

Aluminum:

• Recyclable, but the primary manufacturing process is very energy intensive
• Higher energy consumption during use (worse insulation)

Price: Smart Investment

Summary Comparison Table

When to choose each option?

Choose Kömmerling PVC if:

• You are looking for the maximum thermal and acoustic insulation
• You want to save on air conditioning
• You prefer low maintenance
• You value the long-term durability
• You have standard or medium sized windows

Consider aluminum if:

• You need windows of very large dimensions
• You are looking for profiles very minimalist (although Kömmerling already offers similar options)
• Your budget is very limited and you don't care about insulation

Kömmerling: The leading brand in PVC

At Altea Glassware we are official distributors of Kömmerling in Alicante. This German brand has been innovating in PVC carpentry for more than 120 years and offers:

• 10-year Guarantee on all its profiles
• Certifications: ISO 14001, Passivhaus, BREEAM
• Premium systems: Kömmerling 76, 88+, AluClip, PremiSlide
• European manufacture with the highest quality standards

Request your free quote

At Cristalería Altea we advise you in a personalized way to choose the best option for your home. We carry out measurements at home and free estimates in Altea, Benidorm, Calpe, Denia, Jávea and all the Marina Alta.

Request Free Quote

Complete Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

Advice for the Coastal Zone

In the Marina Alta, with its high relative humidity and salty breeze, both materials work well, but with nuances: the PVC is inert to salt and does not require any special treatment. The aluminum must be of marine quality (6063-T5 alloy with Qualicoat Seaside quality lacquering) to guarantee durability. If your home is less than 500 meters from the sea, consult with your installer the suitability of the finish.