Aluminium or PVC windows?
Make the smart choice
When you have to replace your windows, it’s easy to get intimidated. Just for the frame and sash, there are 3 options: aluminium, PVC or hybrid windows. While they each have their advantages, it’s good to know which criteria are important when you make your decision:
- Strength
- Durability
- Size of windows to install or replace
- Cost of product (expense or investment)
- Design
- Energy efficiency
Aluminium, PVC or hybrid?
| Features | Aluminium windows | PVC windows | Hybrid windows |
|---|---|---|---|
 Durability | Over 60 years | Approximately 15 to 20 years | Approximately 15 to 20 years |
 Energy performance | Several models are ENERGY STAR® certified. | Several models are ENERGY STAR® certified. | Several models are ENERGY STAR® certified. |
 Size | Oversized options available: Up to 5 feet wide and 14 feet tall | Limited by structural standards: Aluminium is 23 times more rigid | Limited by structural standards: Aluminium is 23 times more rigid |
 Colour selection | Unlimited colour selection (interior and exterior) | White interior / white exterior | Unlimited (exterior only) / always white interior |
 Interior frame | Aluminium – no plastic | Completely plastic | Completely plastic |
 Exterior frame | Aluminium – no plastic | Completely plastic | Plastic covered in aluminium |
 Function | Rigid operational frame: Will work well consistently | Operational frame: Large windows may expand and contract | Operational frame: Large windows may expand and contract |
 Environmental concerns | Made in Montreal Quebec aluminium, locally extruded (Quebec City and Laval 100% recyclable, can be recycled indefinitely | PVC – non-recyclable | PVC – non-recyclable |
 Cost | Investment – Lasts 3 times as long | Expense | Expense |
 Warranty | 100% for 30 years – parts and labour Transferable | Read warranties carefully for limitations. | |
| 20 to 25 years Often non-transferable Coverage often decreases over time Labour not covered after second year | 20 to 25 years Often non-transferable Coverage often decreases over time Labour not covered after second year | ||
| Learn more | Learn more | Learn more | |
Aluminium windows
A smart and sustainable choice
With an average lifespan of 60 years, these exceptionally durable windows won’t deform or discolour like PVC windows, which are only 10% to 15% cheaper. Despite higher upfront costs, aluminium windows are by far the best long-term choice. Contrary to popular belief, aluminium windows insulate just as well or better than PVC windows thanks to a thermal insulation technology inserted between the interior and exterior aluminium. Made in Montreal with Quebec aluminium, our windows are perfectly designed to withstand our hot summers and bitter winters.
Hybrid windows
An interesting compromise?
Hybrid windows are made from a mix of aluminium and PVC. But it’s important to understand how they differ. These windows are more expensive but not more durable or solid than 100% PVC windows. In fact, aluminium is only used for aesthetic purposes, like the wide range of colours that don’t get discoloured. Made with a PVC sash covered in aluminium, these windows are just as likely to deform as PVC windows, so structural considerations are important.
PVC windows
All there is to know
At first glance, the lower price of windows with PVC sashes can seem attractive. But when you consider the limited durability of 15 to 20 years combined with risks of thermal deformation and discolouration from sunlight, it doesn’t seem like such a great deal. Plus, because the materials aren’t as solid, they have to be smaller to meet structural standards. Lastly, when you also consider that design and colour selection are more limited, PVC can fall flat.
