Aluminum vs uPVC windows: What’s the difference?

What is the price difference between aluminum and PVC windows? 

Aluminum windows are almost always more expensive than uPVC.

The price varies significantly depending on the profiles being compared—typically, the difference ranges from 50% to 200%.

We compared the same set of uPVC and aluminum windows. For uPVC, the Salamander BluEvo 82 system and for aluminum, the Aluprof MB-86.

This price factor is important in short-term, budget-driven projects, where keeping costs as low as possible is the priority.

However, the situation changes for long-term investments. In such cases, you also have to consider the maintenance costs, which depend on the durability of the window system.

Although uPVC windows are cheaper upfront, high-end aluminum windows may increase property value and reduce long-term service issues, making them a better choice for premium or long-term projects.

What are the differences in the heat loss parameter?

We could spend a lot of time comparing irrelevant differences between thermal parameters. But the question is, does it make business sense to consider small differences? In fact, two factors determine the choice of a window with a specific thermal performance: building law and the type of building.

Before proposing a window system to your investor, check what minimum U-Factor requirement you need to meet. As a general rule, uPVC windows protect better against heat loss – they have a lower U-Factor parameter.

The glass surface as a crucial factor

The difference disappears when the window area increases because the thermal performance is mainly determined by the glass. However, at the end of the day, it is all about meeting the country’s requirements at an attractive price.

The Aluprof MB-86 profile is one of the warmer aluminum profiles, but if you need an even lower U-Factor, you can offer him one of the passive aluminum systems, such as Aluprof MB-104 passive or Aliplast MaxLight.

However, you must remember that passive solutions involve higher costs. The question then arises about the cost-effectiveness ratio: how much will you pay extra and how much will you get in return for it? 

It’s another issue if you’re building a house for yourself and you want to put windows in the showroom. Showing the window system ‘live’ can help you to negotiate with investors and get a better margin for your investment. Our customers often make their home a showroom and are then willing to pay extra for an even lower U-Factor than is required.

Which window will give more freedom to the architect?

What if your investor wants a non-standard window color? uPVC windows offer approx. 30 veneer colors and aluminum windows over 200 RAL colors (thanks to powder coating). However, they are more expensive.

What if your investor wants the look of aluminum, but the price is too high? You can offer him a uPVC Gealan Linear window, advises debesto specialist Stanislav Bloszko. This is a frequent choice for our customers who want a better look and at the same time an attractive price. If this sounds interesting for you, you can check by yourself and compare uPVC and aluminum windows corner samples. You may also check top-ranked minimalist uPVC windows with aluminum look.

The aluminum window is considered to be more exclusive than uPVC; it has a thin frame, offers greater configurability and lets more light into the room. This is due to its lighter weight and the possibility of a larger size.

Large windows – should you choose PVC or aluminum?

If a builder necessarily needs a very large window, then aluminum is probably the optimal choice. This doesn’t mean that a big size can’t be achieved with uPVC. It depends on whether the builder wants one large glazing or whether a set of windows is acceptable.

Let’s find out the differences between the maximum dimensions of uPVC and aluminum windows. In the case of tilt and turn windows made of uPVC, we can achieve a maximum of 4 ft 11.06 in x 5 ft 2.99 in, while in aluminum the limit dimensions are 5 ft 6.93 in x 6 ft 6.74 in , which is over 40% more. In the case of sliding sash windows, the possibilities for aluminum and uPVC differ by a considerable margin, as the aluminum window can be almost 70% larger. For example, the uPVC HST Aluplast window has maximum dimensions of 16 ft 8.79 in x 8 ft 2.43 in, while the aluminum HST Aluprof MB-77 HS Monorail has maximum dimensions of 21 ft 7.84 in x 10 ft 7.56 in.

It should be recalled that in uPVC windows, steel is responsible for the statics of the structure, which is located inside the profile, whereas in aluminum, the frame itself provides the statics, so suppliers can make larger structures on aluminum profiles. Aluminum is more rigid and does not deform like uPVC. In addition, it is lightweight and puts less strain on the hinges.