Window & Door Systems Compared
We supply four European window and door systems. Each one is a good choice for a different project — here is how they compare, and how to choose between them.
uPVC windows and doors for homes and renovations, with strong insulation at the lowest cost.
uPVC windows
Modern aluminum windows and doors with slim sightlines and excellent insulation at a sensible budget.
Aluminum windows
High-specification aluminum for large, heavy vents and high-security residential and commercial work.
Aluminum windows
For premium residences and landmark projects: wall-sized sliding doors, TipTronic automation and US-rated performance.
Schüco systemsSide-by-side comparison
| Aluplast IDEAL 4000uPVC | Aluprof MB-79NAluminum | Reynaers MasterLine 8Aluminum | Schüco AWS / ASE / AS PDAluminum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| System from | Germany | Germany | Belgium | Germany — fabricated to order in Germany |
| Frame | 5-chamber uPVC | Thermally broken aluminum | Thermally broken aluminum | Thermally broken aluminum |
| Window profile depth | 2 3/4 in | 2 3/4 in frame, 3 1/8 in sash | 3 1/32 in frame, 3 7/16 in vent | 2 15/16 in (AWS 75.SI+), 3 9/16 in (AWS 90.SI+) |
| Frame insulation, best Uf (EN) | 1.3 W/(m²K) | from 0.83 W/(m²K) | 1.0 W/(m²K) | from 0.80 W/(m²K), Passive House certified |
| US U-factor | 0.20–0.26 | 0.19–0.28 | 0.18–0.27 | 0.24 double glazing, 0.17 triple glazing (NFRC 100-rated) |
| Maximum glass thickness | 1 5/8 in | 2 15/32 in | 2 27/32 in | up to 2 3/8 in (ASE 80.HI) |
| Security | Security hardware on request | Doors RC 1 to RC 3 | RC 2, RC 3, PAS 24 | up to RC 2 (ASE 80.HI), RC 3 (AS PD 75.HI) |
| Large vents and sliding doors | uPVC sliding doors for residential openings | Aluminum sliding doors (MB-77HS) | Window vents up to 661 lb and 110 1/4 in × 66 15/16 in | Vents up to 1,100 lb (ASE 80.HI) and 2,205 lb with TipTronic (AS PD 75.HI) |
| Relative cost | $ — most affordable | $$ | $$ | $$$ — premium |
| Best for | Homes, renovations and multi-family projects on a budget | Modern homes and commercial projects that want slim aluminum | Large, heavy vents and high-security projects | Premium residences, landmark projects, wall-sized glass and smart homes |
Figures are the manufacturers' best published values; actual performance depends on configuration, glass and size. EN values are European test figures. US U-factors are in Btu/(h·ft²·°F), as published on our product pages, and vary by glass and configuration — every project receives values for the exact units ordered. Schüco data: US performance data.
How to choose
- Budget comes first: Aluplast IDEAL 4000 uPVC gives you European tilt-and-turn windows and strong insulation at the lowest cost.
- You want slim, modern aluminum: Aluprof MB-79N and Reynaers MasterLine 8 give narrow sightlines in any RAL color. We supply both direct, with project pricing.
- The openings are very large or very heavy: Reynaers MasterLine 8 for large windows; Schüco ASE 80.HI and AS PD 75.HI for wall-sized sliding doors.
- You want automation or a premium brand on the specification: Schüco, with TipTronic motorized sliding doors, NFRC 100-rated energy performance and NAFS-tested structural performance.
- You want a classic American hung window in aluminum: Schüco AWS 75 VS, a vertical sliding window with tilt-to-clean, tested to ASTM standards.
- Your architect has already specified a system: we supply the exact system on the drawings and install it in NY, NJ, CT, PA and MA. Elsewhere in the US we supply and deliver.