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PVC windows and doors: the complete 2026 guide (profiles, glazing, insulation, prices)

Everything you need to know before buying PVC windows and doors: Salamander profiles, low-emissivity glass, anti-break-in hardware, UNI 11673 installation, real prices.

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Mirko Vanzo: Author
2 May 2026: Published
12 May 2026: Updated
16 min: Reading time

Reading time

16 min

PVC windows and doors are today the most widespread choice for replacements in Italy, Albania and across central and northern Europe. They cover roughly 60-65% of the European residential window market, ahead of aluminium (20-25%) and timber (10-15%). The reasons are concrete and measurable: excellent thermal insulation for the price bracket, a 40-50 year lifespan with no structural maintenance, and security with integrated multi-point hardware as standard.

This guide explains — without magic promises — what to genuinely check before signing a quote. The sections are designed to be read out of order too: jump to the one you need.

1. What a PVC window is made of

The PVC frame (rigid polyvinyl chloride) is a hollow extruded profile with a complex cross-section, containing internal air chambers separated by reinforced webs. The chambers — typically 5 or 6 in quality profiles — serve a dual function: they increase thermal insulation (still air is an excellent insulator) and structurally stiffen the frame.

Modern PVC is not what it was in the 1980s. Serious German manufacturers use:

White PVC with UV stabilisers that prevent yellowing. The technology has moved on from the old lead-based stabilisers (banned in the EU since 2015) to calcium-zinc based ones, with better performance and zero heavy metals.
Complex cross-section profiles produced by co-extrusion: different areas of the frame have different PVC formulations (stiffer on the outside, more insulating on the inside).
Galvanised steel reinforcements inserted into the central chambers. PVC alone is not structurally sufficient for large windows: the steel provides the rigidity that prevents flexing over time.

What to check in the quote:

Item	What to look for
Number of chambers	5 minimum, 6 for high performance
Profile depth	70 mm minimum, 76/82 mm for top-tier
Steel reinforcement	Always present, hot-dip galvanised
CE marking	Mandatory, with declared Uw class
PVC origin	Premium German/Austrian vs low-cost Chinese

2. The Salamander profiles explained one by one

Salamander Industrie-Produkte is a German manufacturer based in Türkheim, Bavaria. We work with their systems because they cover the whole range — entry-level through to passive-house — with verifiable German manufacturing quality (RAL certification, CE marking, detailed declarations of performance).

Salamander GreenEvolution 76 (entry-premium)

76 mm profile, 5 chambers
Uf thermal transmittance (frame only): 1.1 W/m²K
Uw thermal transmittance (with 4-16-4 Ar low-emissivity double glazing): 0.95-1.1 W/m²K
Acoustic class: up to Rw 41 dB
Lead-free, greenline formulation
Suited to: standard replacements, energy class B-A
Material price range: mid

Salamander BlueEvolution 72 (premium standard)

72 mm profile, 6 chambers
Uf: 1.0 W/m²K
Uw with 4-12-4-12-4 triple glazing: 0.8-0.9 W/m²K
Centred-glass geometry (offers better weight distribution)
Suited to: new builds, energy class A-A+, major refurbishment
Material price range: mid-high

Salamander BlueEvolution 82 (passive-house ready)

82 mm profile, 7 chambers
Uf: 0.85 W/m²K
Uw with 4-16-4-16-4 Ar/Kr triple glazing: 0.72-0.8 W/m²K
Passive House Institute certification
Suited to: passive houses, class A+, nZEB (nearly Zero Energy Building)
Material price range: high

In practice, for a standard Italian home the GreenEvolution 76 plus double low-emissivity glazing is already more than sufficient. The BlueEvolution 82 makes sense for projects where energy performance really matters — zero bills, CasaClima Gold certification, class A+++.

3. Glazing: where 70% of the thermal performance is decided

Upgrading the frame profile without choosing the glazing carefully is like buying a luxury car with a budget-hatchback engine. Glass is the largest part of the window (60-80% of the surface area) and virtually all the thermal performance passes through it.

Composition of a double-glazed unit

A standard double-glazed unit has this structure:

[Outer pane] — [Gas-filled cavity] — [Inner pane]

The variables that matter:

Pane thickness: 4 mm standard, 6/8/10 mm for acoustic performance/security
Cavity depth: 12, 14, 16, 18 mm. Below 12 mm insulation drops sharply; above 18 mm there is a risk of internal convection (the gas circulates and dissipates heat)
Cavity gas fill: air (worst), argon (modern standard), krypton (top-tier, +20-30% insulation but expensive)
Low-emissivity coating: a micro-thin metallic film (silver or tin oxide) deposited on one of the internal faces. It reflects infrared radiation, keeping heat inside in winter and outside in summer

The figures to ask for explicitly

Code	What it means	Typical range
Ug	Glass-only thermal transmittance (W/m²K)	1.1 (standard double) - 0.5 (top-tier triple)
Uw	Whole-window thermal transmittance	1.4 - 0.8
g	Solar factor (0-1)	0.3 (selective) - 0.7 (clear)
LT	Light transmission	0.6-0.8
Rw	Acoustic insulation (dB)	32 (standard) - 47 (premium acoustic)

Practical reading:

For climate zone E/F (northern Italy, inland Albania): double glazing with Ug 1.0-1.1 and argon is the minimum. Triple glazing with Ug 0.5-0.7 for new builds or class A+.
For climate zone B/C (Sicily, the Adriatic coast of Albania): check the solar factor g. Selective glass with g 0.3-0.4 cuts summer overheating by 5-8°C indoors.
For homes on busy roads or near a station/airport: acoustic laminated glass 44.2 or 44.1 outer + 4 inner, Rw 42-45 dB.

4. Hardware: the locking system

The hardware is what opens, closes and holds the window shut. It is often underrated, but:

It determines air and water tightness (together with the gaskets)
It determines anti-break-in resistance
It determines the service life of the window (poor-quality hardware fails after 5-7 years)

Reliable brands

Maco (Austria) and Roto (Germany) are the two absolute leaders for quality and durability. Other good options: GU, AGB, Siegenia. Be wary of hardware with no recognisable brand.

What to ask for

Item	Standard	Premium
Locking points	4-5	6-8 with corner points
Tilt-and-turn	Always	With micro-ventilation
Hinges	Standard	3D-adjustable, anti-lift
Anti-break-in	RC1 (resists basic manual attempts)	RC2-RC3 (tools)
Handles	Standard	Key-operated, lockable

Anti-break-in RC1 / RC2 / RC3 / RC4

The European standard EN 1627 classifies windows into 6 classes:

RC1: resists manual attempts (shoulder charges, kicks). Not much use.
RC2: resists 3 minutes of attempts with a screwdriver, pliers, wedges. Minimum recommended for ground floors and accessible windows.
RC3: resists 5 minutes, including levers and hammers. For exposed residential properties.
RC4: resists 10 minutes, including power tools. For isolated houses, high-value properties.
RC5-RC6: professional-grade levels for banks, embassies.

For a flat on the second floor or above, RC1 may be sufficient. For ground floors, first floors accessible from a shared stairwell, or adjacent garage roofs, insist on RC2 as a minimum. It costs an extra €50-100 per window, and it changes everything in the event of an attempted break-in.

5. Installation: the 50% of performance that often gets thrown away

A quality window installed badly loses up to 50% of its declared performance. Installation is where many installers cut corners — and where you pay for years in heat loss, draughts and condensation.

The UNI 11673 standard

UNI 11673:2017 is the Italian standard defining the correct installation of windows and doors. It requires:

Triple sealing: external water/wind tightness, intermediate thermal-acoustic insulation, internal vapour tightness.
Closed-cell polyurethane foam or mineral wool to fill the perimeter gap.
Self-expanding sealing tapes (Tescon Vana, Klöber, illbruck Compriband or equivalent) applied before fixing.
Vapour barrier membranes sealed with suitable sealants on the internal side.
Insulated thresholds to avoid thermal bridging at sills.

What to ask your installer

Do you apply UNI 11673 installation practice? Do you have references?
Which tapes/membranes do you use? (The serious brands are illbruck, Tescon, Klöber, Soudal SWS, RAUEXPAND)
Do you seal internally with a vapour barrier?
Do you carry out a smoke test or blower-door test after installation?

Be wary of installers who answer evasively or tell you “the foam does everything anyway”. Foam alone is not enough — it absorbs moisture and loses its insulating properties over time.

Common mistakes

Foam applied without primer on damp walls: the foam does not bond, it comes away, water gets in
Missing external tapes: wind and driving rain penetrate within the first 2-3 years
Uninsulated lower thresholds: thermal bridge → internal condensation → mould
Fixing with direct screws and no wall plugs: the window works loose after a few years
Missing certification: without UNI 11673 documentation you cannot claim the eco-bonus

6. Full security: beyond the hardware

The safest sashes are those that cost the burglar at least 3-5 minutes, because 90% of flat break-ins are abandoned if forcing entry takes more than 5 minutes.

The components that genuinely improve security

Laminated anti-shatter glass (44.4 or higher): two panes bonded with PVB film. Even if broken, the glass stays in place and does not allow the window to be opened.
RC2-minimum hardware with security strike plates (mushroom-head bolts, not standard ones).
Anti-lift hinges: lock the sash in place in the event of a lifting attempt.
Key-operated handle or anti-tamper button: prevents forced opening from outside if the glass is broken.
Euro-profile cylinder lock (on the French door): minimum 6 pins with anti-drill protection.

Armoured shutters

Armoured shutters (in reinforced aluminium) are a useful additional layer of protection for:

Exposed ground floors
Second homes used seasonally
Properties in isolated areas or without an active neighbourhood

RC2-certified armoured shutters cost 50-100% more than standard shutters but are often one of the protections with the best cost/security ratio, because they are visible (a deterrent effect before the burglar even tries).

7. Real prices, no marketing spin

Giving a single price for PVC is impossible because it depends on dozens of variables. What I can give you, though, are the realistic ranges we see on the Italian and Albanian market in 2026.

Per installed window, fitted to UNI 11673 (market reference prices)

Type	Typical size	Indicative price (€)
1-sash window GreenEvolution 76, standard double glazing	60×120 cm	280-380
1-sash window BlueEvolution 72, triple glazing	60×120 cm	380-520
2-sash window GreenEvolution 76, double glazing	120×140 cm	480-680
2-sash window BlueEvolution 82, Passive triple glazing	120×140 cm	720-1,000
1-sash French door GreenEvolution 76	80×220 cm	580-780
2-sash French door BlueEvolution 72, triple glazing	160×220 cm	1,100-1,500
2-sash sliding door GreenEvolution 76	200×220 cm	1,300-1,800

Per square metre: €350-700/m² installed for the standard-to-premium range, as generally seen on the market. Below €300/m² it is almost always low-cost material or poor-quality installation. Above €800/m² it is top-of-range or special glazing.

What affects the price

Profile (76 → 82 = +15-25%)
Double vs triple glazing (+15-30%)
Standard opening vs lift-and-slide (+50-100%)
Colour: standard white vs coloured exterior (+8-15%), woodgrain effect (+15-25%)
Standard hardware vs RC2 (+10-15%) vs RC3 (+25-40%)
Laminated acoustic glass (+10-20%)
Selective solar-control glass (+10-15%)
Integrated shutters (+€200-400/sash)
Traditional solid shutters (+€150-350/window)

Be wary of below-threshold quotes

If you receive a quote of €180-250/m² installed in Italy in 2026, the likely explanations are:

Low-cost Chinese profile (Conch, Veka FunkOptic, profiles with no RAL certification)
Single glazing or non-low-emissivity double glazing
Unbranded hardware, 5-7 year lifespan
“Rough-and-ready” installation with no UNI 11673 compliance, plumber-grade foam
No invoice suitable for tax incentive claims

It’s worth comparing three quotes within the same realistic price bracket, never simply the lowest one.

8. Tax incentives — general overview, percentages to be verified

The Italian tax incentives applicable to windows and doors change from year to year. The four active schemes are:

Ecobonus (energy efficiency upgrade): for works that improve the building’s energy class. Requires Uw values compliant with the climate zone and practical ENEA transmission.
Renovation bonus: for extraordinary maintenance, conservative restoration, building renovation.
First-home bonus: some increased percentages for a main residence.
Furniture and appliance bonus: linked to renovation works, may extend to windows and doors if included within a wider building project.

The specific percentages and caps for 2026 can be found here:

ENEA: https://www.enea.it/ → Ecobonus section
Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate): https://www.agenziaentrate.gov.it/ → search “bonus ristrutturazione” and “ecobonus”
Your accountant, for the concrete calculation on your specific case

Do not base your decision on percentages you heard months ago or picked up from generic sources — these values change frequently, and applying them incorrectly means losing the incentive.

Documentation you’ll need regardless

Supplier’s invoice with a description of the works
Dedicated “spoken” bank transfer (with reference to the regulation, your tax code, supplier’s VAT number)
APE (energy performance certificate) before and after the works (if required by the ecobonus)
Window technical data sheet with Uw, Ug, certifications, CE marking
ENEA submission filed within 90 days of the end of the works
Certification from a qualified technician (if required)

9. Maintenance and real-world lifespan

Well-made PVC windows have a service life of 40-50 years. The difference between a PVC window that lasts 50 years and one that lasts 15 comes down to:

Profile quality (UV additives, formulation)
Glazing quality (argon gas retention, over 15-20 years)
Hardware quality
Installation quality
Correct maintenance

Annual maintenance (15 minutes per window)

Profile cleaning: warm water and a neutral detergent (no solvents, no ammonia). Once a year is sufficient.
Hardware lubrication: specific oil (silicone or window-hardware oil) on the locking points, once a year.
Gasket cleaning: same warm water, then a thin film of petroleum jelly or talc to maintain elasticity.
Adjustment screw check: every 2-3 years, check that hinges and strike plates close correctly, adjust if needed.
Drainage hole cleaning: the drain holes at the bottom of the frame must stay clear (check especially after autumn for leaves/debris).

Nothing more is needed. No painting, no special treatments, no periodic gasket replacement (serious EPDM gaskets last 25-30 years).

10. When NOT to choose PVC

PVC is the winning choice for 70-80% of residential situations in Italy and Albania. But there are specific cases where a different choice makes more sense:

Large glazed walls / wide sliding doors (over 3 m): PVC has structural limits. Above certain sizes, aluminium is needed for rigidity.
Architectural design with slim frames: PVC’s aesthetics involve wider frames (130-150 mm visible). For modern villas with large glazed surfaces, aluminium or timber-aluminium offer more light with slimmer frames.
Listed historic buildings: the local heritage authority (Soprintendenza) often requires timber or painted timber. Check restrictions before proceeding.
Very severe direct exposure (full-day south-facing, coasts with strong salt spray): quality German PVC holds up well, but over 50 years aluminium remains even more weather-resistant.

Quick FAQ

How much better does PVC insulate compared with an old timber window? A 1970s timber window with single glazing has a Uw of 4.5-5.5 W/m²K. A modern PVC window has a Uw of 1.0-1.2. That’s a 75-80% reduction in heat loss at the window itself. Given that windows account for 30-40% of a flat’s total heat loss, the real saving on bills is 20-30%.

Can I remove the old windows myself and only have the new ones fitted? We would not recommend it. Removing the old window is what reveals the condition of the sub-frame and the reveals. If there are cracks, old cracked concrete, or undersized openings, these need sorting out before installation. A good installer includes this in the quote.

What happens if the glass breaks? The low-emissivity cavity loses its effectiveness (fresh air replaces the argon). The whole pane needs replacing, not just the broken glass. Cost: €80-200 per standard window. Keeping the original technical data sheet helps the glazier supply an identical replacement.

Are PVC windows recyclable? Yes, but in practice PVC recycling in Italy/Albania is limited for supply-chain reasons. Salamander runs a profile take-back scheme at end of life that works for medium-to-large sites. For the private consumer, PVC generally ends up in general landfill.

How long does a Salamander window really last? The official warranties are 10 years on profiles and welds. The real-world service life is 40-50 years if minimum maintenance is carried out. Salamander itself cites research on 1980s German buildings with profiles still functioning after 40+ years.

Can I change the colour of the window after a few years? Yes, but they aren’t “painted” the way timber is. Specific adhesive films are applied (RENOLIT, COVA), with a good aesthetic result and a lifespan of 10-15 years. Cost: €80-150 per window. We don’t do this ourselves, but we can point you to specialist companies.

Ready to compare the numbers for your own case? Fill in the quote form: free quote, detailed pricing within 24 hours, Uw guidance compliant with your climate zone.