uPVC or aluminium windows? An honest comparison

It is the question we hear most often when windows are replaced. The short answer: uPVC almost always wins on price and on insulation for the same money; aluminium wins on lifespan, daylight and large glazed openings. The long answer depends on the building, the floor, the orientation and how much you want to spend today so you never think about windows again for thirty years.

Thermal and acoustic insulation

uPVC is an insulating material by nature: a good 5-7 chamber profile with low-emissivity double glazing reaches very low U-values without any tricks. Aluminium conducts heat, which is why today it is only used with a thermal break: a polyamide bar separates the inner and outer parts of the profile. A good thermally broken aluminium window insulates like a good uPVC one, but costs more.

For noise what matters most is the glass (acoustic laminated glass, with different thicknesses between the two panes) and the seals: here the two materials are equal. On a busy avenue the acoustic glass makes more difference than the frame.

Lifespan and maintenance

• uPVC: 30-40 years with no maintenance beyond cleaning. Quality white profiles do not yellow; coloured or wood-effect ones are foiled and should be chosen with good-brand foils, especially when facing south.
• Aluminium: 40-50 years; powder coating or anodising does not peel. It is the choice for large glazing and for anyone who wants to forget about their windows.
• Timber-aluminium: wood inside (warm, beautiful) and an aluminium shell outside that takes the rain and sun. No external maintenance, all the warmth of wood indoors. This is the top tier.

Looks and sizes

Aluminium allows slimmer profiles, so more glass and more light, especially on sliding doors and large openings onto terraces and gardens. uPVC profiles are wider: on a small window the difference shows. Colours exist for both, but on aluminium the range is practically endless (RAL, textured finishes) and the colour does not age.

Cost

Material	Price band	Insulation	Lifespan	Light / profiles
uPVC	low-medium	excellent	30-40 years	wider profiles
Thermally broken aluminium	medium-high	good-excellent	40-50 years	slim profiles, large glazing
Timber-aluminium	high	excellent	40-50 years	wood indoors, zero maintenance outside

The price is also driven by the glass (triple, acoustic, safety), the hardware, shutters or blinds, and the installation: a poor installation ruins the best window, which is why we carry out the fitting ourselves with the proper tapes and foams.

Our advice for Turin

• Busy roads (main avenues, near the ring road, by the railway): acoustic laminated glass, whatever the frame.
• South or west facing with open balconies: aluminium, or white uPVC; be careful with dark foiled uPVC in full sun.
• Buildings with façade rules (historic centre, condominium regulations): the colour and sometimes the material are often prescribed; ask the building manager before ordering. Timber-aluminium often keeps everyone happy.
• 1960s-70s houses in the suburbs: uPVC with low-e double glazing is the best value, and together with external insulation it transforms the house.

Tax deductions

Replacing windows qualifies for the energy-efficiency and renovation deductions: see our guide to the 2026 deductions. In the quote we tell you which one suits your case.