PVC or Aluminium? Window and Glass Selection in Cyprus

Short answer: There is no single right answer to the question of PVC or aluminium: PVC frames generally offer better thermal insulation in the same price range, while thermally broken (insulated) aluminium stands out in coastal homes where slim profiles, large sliding glass panels and long service life are desired. Since the main load in Cyprus in summer comes from the sun, the properties of the glass, rather than the frame, are decisive—especially the g value, which shows how much solar heat it lets in. Non-insulated aluminium frames should not be preferred in a new home because they create a thermal bridge.

This article has been prepared for buyers who want to understand the window frame and glass items in the technical specification when buying an off-plan home in Northern Cyprus (TRNC), homeowners considering replacing their windows, and readers looking for ways to reduce their summer bills. We covered the durability of materials against salt and humidity on the coast in general in our coastal durability and maintenance guide; here, we focus on the window system.

Why is the window the weakest link in a home?

A wall, when well insulated, lets in very little solar heat. Glass, however, lets solar heat in directly together with light. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass panels, preferred for sea views in Cyprus, can quickly heat up the living room with afternoon sun from the south and west. In winter, the same large glass surfaces become a major source of heat loss and condensation, especially on north-facing façades.

The performance of a window is determined by three components: the frame (profile), the glass and how these two are installed into the wall. Even the best glass will not deliver the expected result in a poorly installed frame with missing seals. Therefore, all three should be evaluated together when making a decision.

PVC or aluminium: frame comparison

Three Cyprus-specific factors stand out when deciding between PVC and aluminium: strong sunlight (UV), salty coastal air and large glass openings. The table below compares the general features of the two materials; since values vary depending on the product system, make the final comparison based on the manufacturer’s technical datasheet.

The critical distinction here is whether the aluminium is “insulated” or not. A non-insulated aluminium profile creates an uninterrupted metal bridge between the inner and outer surfaces; in winter, this leads to condensation on the inner surface, and in summer, to a heated frame. In thermally insulated systems, a low-conductivity polyamide strip is placed between the inner and outer aluminium parts. If the technical specification only says “aluminium frames”, ask in writing whether it is a thermally broken system and what the system name is.

Glass selection: U value, g value and Low-E

Glass is as important as the frame—and in Cyprus, even more important. When comparing glass products, two values stand out in technical datasheets:

• U value (W/m²K): Shows heat transfer through the glass; a lower value means reduced heat loss in winter and reduced heat transmission indoors in summer. The glass’s own value is written as Ug, while the value of the window together with the frame is written as Uw.
• g value (solar factor): Shows what percentage of solar heat passes through the glass into the interior. According to glass manufacturer Saint-Gobain, the lower the solar factor, the better the protection against the sun.
• Light transmittance: How much daylight the glass transmits. The ideal glass cuts heat while letting in as much light as possible.

Low-E (low-emissivity) glass reflects heat radiation thanks to a very thin metal oxide coating applied to its surface. Depending on the type of coating, it provides either mainly thermal insulation (low U value) or solar control (low g value). Saint-Gobain states that solar control glass is used especially on large glass surfaces and south-facing façades to reduce heat build-up, prevent glare and lower the need for air conditioning. In a climate like Cyprus, where the cooling load is dominant, solar-control Low-E double glazing is a sensible choice, especially on west and south façades.

A warning: glass with a very low g value can sometimes appear dark or mirrored and may darken the interior. Therefore, do not decide without seeing a sample and checking light transmittance. Also, glass values are given for a specific build-up (glass thickness, spacer gap, gas fill, and which surface the coating is on); compare two products based on the same build-up.

Sound is also an important criterion in apartments facing a main road, coastal road or a lively social area in summer. In double glazing, selecting two panes of different thicknesses and making one of the panes laminated (with an interlayer film inserted between the glass) reduces sound transmission compared with standard double glazing of the same thickness. In sound insulation, the frame seals and the filling of installation gaps are as decisive as the glass; the best glass will not deliver the expected result in a sash that has gaps.

Installation, sliding systems and safety

After selecting the right profile and glass, installation determines performance. Closing the gap between the wall and the frame with insulation foam and, on the exterior side, waterproofing tape or high-quality mastic prevents water ingress around the window during winter rains.

1. Sliding or opening? Classic sliding systems are practical, but their air tightness is generally weaker than opening windows. For large openings, lift-and-slide systems offer better sealing.
2. Seals: High-quality EPDM seals that do not harden in the sun provide long service life; at handover, check that the sashes sit properly on the seal.
3. Drainage holes: The drainage holes in the lower profile that discharge water to the outside must be open and facing the correct direction.
4. Safety glass: Laminated or tempered safety glass should be requested for floor-to-ceiling glass and glass used instead of railings.
5. Fly screens and shutters: Fly screens should be planned from the outset so windows can be kept open in summer, and provision for external shutters or blinds should be made for solar control.

External shading can be even more effective than the best glass because it stops the sun before it reaches the glass. We explained passive cooling measures in our passive cooling and natural ventilation guide.

Window checklist for handover and renovation

When taking delivery of a new home or evaluating a window replacement quote, request and check the following items in writing:

• Profile system name, material (PVC or thermally insulated aluminium) and colour.
• Glass build-up: double-glazing spacer gap, Low-E or solar control coating, gas fill if any; Ug and g values if possible.
• Opening and closing of the sashes, locking points and stiffness of the handles.
• Whether there are scratches on the glass, or misting or dust between the double glazing panes.
• Plaster cracks around the window, moisture stains on the inner surface and mastic gaps on the exterior side.
• Warranty period; separately for profile, glass and hardware.

You can find the other steps on handover day in our new home handover checklist. If window replacement will be carried out in apartment buildings, let us remind you that the Condominium Ownership and Construction Servitude Law makes the installation of facilities in common areas and the application of exterior paint in a different colour subject to the written consent of four-fifths of the condominium owners. For any colour or system difference that will change the façade appearance, check the management plan and consult the site management.

The right window selection is also directly reflected in your summer bill. Every measure that reduces the load on the air conditioner delays moving into higher-priced tiers in the progressive tariff; for details, see our article on the Kıb-Tek electricity tariff 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is PVC or aluminium more durable by the sea?

Both materials are long-lasting on the coast when selected correctly. PVC profiles do not rust, but the steel reinforcement and hardware inside them need to be protected. In aluminium, coating quality and stainless steel hardware are decisive. In both cases, regularly washing off salt build-up with fresh water extends service life.

Does Low-E glass work in Cyprus?

Yes. Low-E glass with solar control properties reduces the summer air-conditioning load by lowering the g value, which shows the proportion of solar heat that passes inside; versions with thermal insulation properties reduce heat loss and condensation in winter. In Cyprus, solar control is especially important in large glass surfaces on west and south façades.

Which values should I look at when choosing glass?

Look at three values: the U value showing heat transfer (Ug, or Uw for the window), the g value showing solar heat transmission, and light transmittance. In Cyprus, the aim is for the g value to be low while light transmittance remains sufficiently high. Compare values based on the same glass build-up and, if possible, see a sample.

What is the downside of non-insulated aluminium frames?

Non-insulated aluminium creates an uninterrupted metal bridge between the inner and outer surfaces. In winter, the inner surface of the frame cools down, increasing the risk of condensation and mould, while in summer the heated frame carries heat into the interior. In a new home, thermally broken aluminium or PVC frames should be preferred.

Can I replace my windows in an apartment?

You can renew the windows in your independent unit, but you need to check the management plan for colour or system differences that will change the façade appearance. The Condominium Ownership and Construction Servitude Law requires the written consent of four-fifths of condominium owners for facilities in common areas and exterior paint in a different colour. Consult the site management first.

Are double glazing and Low-E glass the same thing?

Not exactly. The product commonly referred to as double glazing is an insulated glass unit with an air or gas gap between two panes. Low-E, however, is a thin coating applied to the surface of one of these double-glazing panes. Uncoated double glazing may also be referred to as double glazing; when getting a quote, ask separately whether the double glazing has a Low-E or solar control coating.

If you would like to review the window frame and glass specifications of a home you are considering buying together through the technical specification, you can contact the Akol Global team.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace legal, tax or financial advice. Last updated: October 2026.