Comparison · Punta Arenas
PVC vs. aluminium windows
When replacing your windows, the first decision is the frame material: PVC or aluminium. Here we compare them point by point, focused on what truly matters in the climate of Punta Arenas and Magallanes: cold, wind, humidity and salinity.
The frame decides the insulation
The glass matters —that is why double glazing beats single glass— but the frame is half the equation. A cold frame ruins even the best glass: it conducts outside cold, fogs up and becomes the weak point of the window. So before choosing the glass, it pays to choose the frame material well.
PVC vs. aluminium, point by point
| Criterion | PVC windows | Aluminium windows |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal insulation | Excellent. Multi-chamber profile, does not conduct cold. | Low. Metal conducts cold; improves with a thermal break. |
| Condensation | Minimal. The frame stays warm. | Frequent. The cold frame fogs and drips. |
| Corrosion and salinity | Does not corrode or pit. | Can corrode in coastal/salty air without proper treatment. |
| Acoustic insulation | Superior, especially with double glazing. | Lower: transmits more outside noise. |
| Maintenance | Practically none. Wipe clean with a cloth. | Low, but seals and coating may need care. |
| Large spans and structure | Good; very large spans need reinforcement. | Superior. Stiffer, ideal for large picture windows. |
| Profile / aesthetics | Slightly wider frames. | Slimmer frames: more glass area. |
| Fire behaviour | Self-extinguishing, but combustible. | Non-combustible. |
| Upfront cost | Higher investment; recovered in heating savings. | Lower in the basic range; rises a lot with a thermal break. |
Indicative comparison (August 2026). Performance and cost depend on the profile, the glass and each project.
For a home in Magallanes, PVC is the better choice
In a climate of persistent cold, wind, humidity and salty air, PVC wins where you feel it most: it insulates far better, prevents condensation and does not corrode. With double glazing, it keeps the heat inside and lowers the heating bill for most of the year.
Aluminium is still a good choice for large picture windows or where you want the slimmest possible frame —ideally with a thermal break. We are honest: there is no single perfect material, only the right one for your project and budget.
Why PVC wins in the south
Does not conduct cold
The multi-chamber profile curbs the heat transfer that aluminium lets through.
No condensation
The warm frame prevents the fogging and dripping so common in Punta Arenas.
Immune to salinity
It does not corrode or pit with the humidity and salty air of the south.
More quiet
Combined with double glazing, it cuts wind and street noise better.
Zero maintenance
No paint or varnish: wipe it clean and it lasts for decades.
Real savings
Less heat loss means less heating and a lower bill.
When does aluminium make sense?
To be fair: aluminium has its cases. For very large picture windows, commercial façades or where you want the slimmest possible frame, its structural rigidity is a real advantage. In those cases we recommend aluminium with a thermal break, which cuts much of the heat loss of traditional aluminium. What we do not recommend for the Magallanes climate is plain aluminium without a thermal break: it is the coldest frame and the one that generates the most condensation.
Frequently asked questions
Does aluminium with a thermal break match PVC?
It gets fairly close: the thermal break cuts much of the heat loss of traditional aluminium. Even so, in the residential range PVC usually insulates slightly better and at a lower cost. A thermal break is the right choice when you need aluminium for structure or aesthetics.
Does PVC turn yellow over time?
Cheap PVC can yellow, but the European profiles we use (Deceuninck) have UV protection and stabilisers: they keep their colour for decades. This is not the low-quality PVC of twenty years ago.
Which is more expensive, PVC or aluminium?
Plain aluminium usually has a lower upfront cost but insulates poorly. Aluminium with a thermal break rises and approaches PVC. PVC with double glazing is a larger investment that is recovered in heating savings and comfort. The best step is to quote your project with real numbers.
Can I have slim frames in PVC?
Aluminium allows slimmer frames, but modern PVC systems offer slender profiles with excellent glass area. In a visit we show you the options based on your opening and the design you want.
Does PVC withstand the Patagonian wind?
Yes. With multi-point locking hardware and perimeter seals, PVC windows are airtight and watertight. Very large spans are internally reinforced to guarantee rigidity.
PVC or aluminium for your project? We advise you at no cost
Tell us about your project on WhatsApp. We arrange a visit, measure and give you a clear quote so you can compare with real numbers.