Are aluminum alloy or PVC doors and windows safer for high-rise buildings?

2025,11,11

In high-rise residential buildings, the safety of doors and windows directly impacts the life and property safety of residents. Aluminum alloy and PVC (plastic steel) are two mainstream door and window materials, and their safety needs to be comprehensively evaluated from multiple dimensions, including wind pressure resistance, burglar resistance, fire resistance, durability, and maintenance costs.

1. Wind Pressure Resistance

Aluminum Alloy is Superior High-rise buildings experience significantly stronger winds due to their height, requiring doors and windows to withstand greater wind pressure. Aluminum alloy doors and windows use virgin aluminum (such as aerospace-grade aluminum), with a tensile strength of 160-200MPa. Combined with a multi-cavity structural design, they effectively disperse wind impact. For example, a certain brand of aluminum alloy doors and windows, after simulating a Category 12 typhoon, showed a frame deformation of only 0.3mm, far below the national standard allowable 2mm.

While PVC doors and windows are reinforced with internal steel linings, the elastic modulus of PVC material is only 1/80th that of aluminum alloy, making it prone to creep under strong winds. In one high-rise project, the PVC window frames experienced long-term wind pressure causing the double-glazed windows to fail, resulting in air leakage and condensation problems. Therefore, in areas with strong winds and frequent typhoons, aluminum alloy doors and windows offer more reliable wind pressure resistance.

2. Anti-theft Performance: Aluminum Alloy is Superior

Aluminum alloy doors and windows can enhance security by adding anti-theft locks, stainless steel mesh screens, and tempered glass. For example, Aluminum Alloy Windows using 304 stainless steel stainless steel mesh (wire diameter 0.8mm or higher) can resist forceful tool penetration; combined with a Class C lock cylinder (anti-pry time ≥30 minutes), it can effectively delay intrusion. One brand of aluminum alloy doors and windows has even passed the Ministry of Public Security's GA/T 73-2015 "General Technical Conditions for Anti-theft Security Doors" certification, reaching the Class A anti-theft standard.

PVC doors and windows rely on the strength of their internal steel lining for anti-theft performance, but some low-priced products have insufficient steel thickness (<1.2mm) or welding defects, making them easily pried open. Furthermore, PVC material itself is easily scratched by sharp tools, and repairs are difficult after damage. To improve security, additional anti-theft locks and anti-pry steel linings must be installed, increasing costs.

3. Fire Resistance: Aluminum Alloy Has a Natural Advantage

Aluminum alloy is a non-combustible material (Class A fire resistance) with a melting point of 660℃. It will not burn or release toxic gases in a fire. An experiment showed that aluminum alloy doors and windows remained structurally intact after burning continuously at 1000℃ for one hour, buying time for escape.

While PVC doors and windows contain flame retardants (oxygen index ≥40), they decompose at high temperatures, producing hydrogen chloride gas, which is harmful to humans. In one case, PVC doors and windows deformed due to heat in a fire, causing the glass to shatter and accelerating the spread of fire. Therefore, for buildings with high fire safety requirements (such as high-rise residential buildings), aluminum alloy doors and windows are more compliant with regulations.

4. Durability and Maintenance Costs: Aluminum Alloy Has Lower Long-Term Costs

Aluminum alloy doors and windows have strong corrosion resistance. A protective layer is formed on the surface through processes such as oxidation and spraying, resulting in a service life of over 30 years. Routine maintenance only requires cleaning the glass and hardware, resulting in lower maintenance costs per operation.

While PVC Windows and doors have a low initial cost (approximately 200 RMB/㎡, only 50% of aluminum alloy), PVC material is susceptible to UV aging and may discolor and become brittle after 5-8 years. If the inner steel lining corrodes, the entire unit needs to be replaced, resulting in higher long-term costs. Statistics from one residential community show that the total maintenance cost of PVC windows and doors over 10 years is 1.8 times that of aluminum alloy windows and doors.

5. Comprehensive Recommendations: Choose Based on Your Scenario

Coastal/Windy Areas: Prioritize aluminum alloy windows and doors, as their wind pressure resistance and corrosion resistance are better suited to harsh environments.

Areas with Limited Budgets and Mild Climates: Consider PVC windows and doors, but choose products with an inner steel lining thickness of ≥1.5mm and 304 stainless steel hardware.

Scenarios with Extremely High Safety Requirements: Such as high-rise residential buildings and kindergartens, it is recommended to choose thermally broken Aluminum Windows and doors (an upgraded version of aluminum alloy). These use thermal break strips to separate the aluminum material, providing both insulation and safety, and can be equipped with intelligent security systems (such as infrared sensors and remote alarms).

Author:

Ms. Rebecca Lee

E-mail:

sale01@wddoorwins.com

Phone/WhatsApp:

+86 13502225784