Guide · Updated 2026

PVC windows: the complete guide to prices, profiles and efficiency

Everything you need to decide before buying, explained by people who have been making windows for more than 20 years.

PVC windows have become the most popular choice in renovation and new build in Portugal, and for good reason. They combine excellent thermal and acoustic insulation with an accessible cost and virtually no maintenance. But not all PVC windows are the same: the profile, the number of chambers, the reinforcement and the glazing make all the difference to the final result.

In short

A quality PVC window is defined by three things: the profile system (chamber count and reinforcement), the glazing (double or triple) and the installation. Get all three right and you gain energy savings of up to 30% and comfort for more than 30 years.

What are PVC windows?

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a rigid, stable and highly insulating plastic. In windows it is extruded into hollow profiles with several air chambers; those chambers are what slow the passage of heat and noise. The best profiles also carry an internal reinforcement, in steel or fibre, that keeps the window straight and secure over the years.

Contrary to what people assume, modern PVC does not yellow or distort: premium profiles such as Aluplast Energeto or Cortizo A70 are made to withstand decades of sun exposure while keeping their colour and shape.

Main advantages

PVC windows bring together a set of benefits that explain their popularity:

  • Superior thermal insulation — the air chambers cut heat loss and bring the energy bill down.
  • Acoustic insulation — up to 42 dB of noise reduction with the right glazing.
  • Minimal maintenance — no painting; cleaning with water and a neutral detergent is enough.
  • Accessible cost — the best insulation-to-price ratio on the market.
  • Durability — a service life of 30 to 40 years with no loss of performance.

Profiles and systems

The profile is the skeleton of the window. The more chambers and the greater the construction depth, the better the insulation. These are the systems SKLO works with most often:

PVC profile systems
SystemMain characteristic
Aluplast Ideal 40005 chambers, 70 mm, ideal balance of price and performance
Aluplast EnergetoFibre reinforcement, no steel, Uw down to 0.8 W/m²K
Cortizo A7070 mm, triple sealing, excellent acoustic insulation
Cortizo A8484 mm, 6 chambers, maximum energy performance

What do they cost in 2026?

The price of PVC windows depends on the profile system, the type of glazing, the dimensions and the hardware. As a market reference in Portugal, installation included:

Reference prices (installation included)
RangePrice per m²
Basic, 5 chambers, double glazing€180-260/m²
Mid, Energeto, Low-E double glazing€260-350/m²
Premium, A84, triple glazing€350-450/m²

Want an exact figure for your case? Ask us for a quote and you will get one with no obligation.

PVC vs aluminium vs timber

There is no material that is best in absolute terms; there is the right material for each project. This quick comparison helps:

CriterionWinner
Insulation per euroPVC
Slim frames / large openingsAluminium
Natural, premium looksTimber
Lowest maintenancePVC

How to choose your windows

Before asking for a quote it is worth being clear on four points. They drive both the price and the comfort you end up with:

  • Solar orientation — south and west façades benefit from solar-control glazing.
  • External noise — in an urban area, choose asymmetric or triple glazing.
  • Opening type — tilt-and-turn, sliding or fixed, according to how each room is used.
  • Profile reinforcement — essential in large windows to prevent distortion.

Installation and guarantee

Even the best window fails if it is badly installed. Correct fitting delivers airtightness and watertightness and eliminates thermal bridges. At SKLO, installation is carried out by our own certified team and comes with a ten-year guarantee.

The process, from first contact to final fitting, usually takes between 4 and 8 weeks, depending on the system chosen and the size of the project.

Frequently asked questions about PVC windows

Quick answers to the questions we hear most from people renovating.

How long do PVC windows last?

Quality PVC windows last between 30 and 40 years. Premium reinforced profiles resist distortion and keep their insulation performance for decades, with minimal maintenance.

Are PVC windows good for acoustic insulation?

Yes. With double or triple glazing and multi-chamber profiles, PVC windows cut noise by up to 42 dB, which suits busy urban areas.

What is the difference between PVC and aluminium?

PVC offers better thermal insulation at a lower cost; aluminium allows slimmer frames and larger openings. The choice depends on the project, the budget and the look you want.

What does it cost to install PVC windows?

In 2026, PVC windows cost between €180 and €450 per m² installed, depending on the profile system, the glazing and the hardware. A tailored quote is free and takes 24 hours.

Do PVC windows need maintenance?

Very little. Clean the frames with water and a neutral detergent and lubricate the hardware once a year. PVC needs no painting or treatment.

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