6 min read

# Why Aluminum Frames Outperform PVC Long-Term

The aluminum versus PVC debate has been ongoing for decades, and both materials have loyal advocates. While PVC windows often win on upfront cost, the long-term picture tells a very different story. When you factor in durability, thermal performance evolution, sustainability, design flexibility, and total cost of ownership over a 30+ year lifespan, aluminum emerges as the clear leader for discerning homeowners and architects.

## Durability and Lifespan

PVC windows typically last 20–25 years before the frames begin to yellow, warp, or become brittle — especially on south-facing elevations exposed to intense UV radiation. Replacement means removing the entire frame, making good the openings, and starting from scratch. Aluminum frames, by contrast, have a proven lifespan of 40–60+ years. The combination of powder-coated or anodized finishes with inherently corrosion-resistant aluminum means they maintain their appearance and structural integrity decade after decade. SCHÜCO and REYNAERS profiles, for example, come with 25-year warranties on the finish alone.

## Thermal Performance: Closing the Gap

Historically, PVC's main advantage was its naturally low thermal conductivity compared to metal. But modern thermally broken aluminum profiles have completely closed this gap. Systems like SCHÜCO AWS 75 SI+ and REYNAERS MasterLine 8 feature multi-chamber polyamide thermal breaks that achieve frame U-values as low as 1.0 W/m²K — matching or exceeding PVC equivalents. When combined with triple glazing, the overall window U-value drops to 0.8 W/m²K or lower. The myth that aluminum is "cold" is simply no longer true with modern thermal break technology.

## Sustainability and Recyclability

This is where aluminum pulls dramatically ahead. Aluminum is 100% recyclable without any loss of quality, and recycling it requires only 5% of the energy needed to produce primary aluminum. At end of life, aluminum frames have genuine scrap value and are actively collected for recycling. PVC, while technically recyclable, degrades with each recycling cycle. In practice, a significant proportion of PVC window frames still end up in landfill. The environmental case for aluminum becomes even stronger when you consider that a single aluminum frame might last 50+ years versus two generations of PVC frames over the same period.

## Design Flexibility and Slim Sightlines

Aluminum's superior strength-to-weight ratio allows for significantly slimmer profiles than PVC. Where a PVC frame might require 70–80mm of visible frame width, a premium aluminum system can achieve the same structural performance with just 50–60mm — a difference that translates into noticeably more glass area and natural light. For large-format sliding doors, floor-to-ceiling fixed panels, and curtain wall applications, aluminum is often the only viable option. PVC simply cannot achieve the spans, sizes, and structural loads that modern architecture demands. Aluminum also offers unlimited color choices through powder coating, including metallic, textured, and dual-color options.

### The Verdict

While PVC has its place in budget-conscious projects, aluminum is the unequivocal choice for anyone prioritizing longevity, design freedom, sustainability, and long-term value. The slightly higher initial investment pays for itself many times over through a longer lifespan, lower maintenance costs, better recyclability, and a timeless aesthetic that enhances property value. At PROFI WINDOWS, we specialize exclusively in premium aluminum systems because we believe our clients deserve materials that match their ambition.

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