Hybrid vs. Aluminium Windows
Choosing wisely
- The exterior design
- The interior feel
- The amount of light in the rooms
- The energy efficiency
- The durability
- The resale value
- The solidity
- The size of the windows to be installed or replaced
- The cost of the product (expense or investment)
Aluminium, PVC or hybrids?
| Features | Aluminium windows | Hybrid windows | PVC window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | Over 60 years | Approximately 15 to 20 years | Approximately 15 to 20 years |
| Energy performance | ENERGY STAR® certified | ENERGY STAR® certified | 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) | Unlimited (exterior only) / always white interior | 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 concern | Made in Montreal Quebec aluminium, locally extruded (Quebec City and Laval 100% recyclable, can be recycled indefinitely | PVC – non-recyclable | PVC – non-recyclable |
| Price | Investment - Lasts 3 times longer | Expense | Expense |
| Warranty | 100% for 30 years – parts and labour Transferable |
20 to 25 years
Often non-transferable
Coverage often decreases over time
Labour not covered after second year (Read warranties carefully for limitations.) |
20 to 25 years
Often non-transferable
Coverage often decreases over time
Labour not covered after second year (Read warranties carefully for limitations.) |
Aluminium windows
An investment that is both durable and profitable
Although the initial cost is greater, the main feature of an aluminium window is its elegance and strength. Being significantly stronger than PVC, you can get a slimmer frame allowing more room for the light to shine through. The fact that it is made of aluminium with a thermal barrier also provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation. The exterior and interior finish can also be of different colors to better reflect the decor of your home. Finally, aluminium windows have a 60-year lifespan on average and are very easy to maintain.
Bien que le coût initial soit plus élevé, une fenêtre en aluminium a comme principale caractéristique d’être élégante et robuste. Étant beaucoup plus résistante que le PVC, vous pouvez obtenir un cadre plus mince, ce qui laisse toute la place au vitrage permettant ainsi une plus grande luminosité. La finition extérieure et intérieure peut également être de couleurs différentes pour mieux refléter le décor de votre maison.
