Windows for second homes: what 25 years on the Costa Brava have taught us
Second homes are one of our specialities. We've been working on the Costa Brava for over 25 years — from Blanes to Portbou — and we're very familiar with the particular conditions of these properties: salt air exposure, long periods without use, residents' communities and budgets that need to be efficient.
90% of second home apartment owners who contact us share the same concerns: security, noise insulation (especially in tourist areas) and low maintenance.
Common problems with second home windows
- Aluminium windows without thermal break: 80% of apartments built in the 80s-90s have basic aluminium that condensates, doesn't insulate and creaks in the wind.
- Salt air corrosion: on the first and second line from the sea, salt air deteriorates hardware and unprotected aluminium profiles.
- Built-in shutter box: typical in Catalonia, the built-in box is the weakest insulation point.
- Noise: in tourist areas (Lloret, Platja d'Aro, Roses), night-time noise in summer is a constant problem.
- Security: ground floor or first floor flats are vulnerable to break-ins when empty for months.
PVC or aluminium for your second home?
For second homes on the Costa Brava, our clear recommendation is PVC:
- Zero maintenance: PVC doesn't need painting, doesn't corrode with salt air and cleans with soap and water. Perfect for a property you don't use daily.
- Better thermal insulation: in winter, when the property has been without heating for months, PVC windows help the house warm up faster on arrival.
- More competitive price: for equivalent performance, PVC is 15-25% cheaper than aluminium with thermal break.
- Durability: PVC windows have a useful life of 40-50 years without maintenance, even in marine environments.
See our complete PVC vs aluminium comparison. For the best brands, visit our PVC window manufacturers guide.
Anti-burglary security for second home windows
Security hardware
- Multi-point locking: a standard window has 2-3 locking points. With security hardware this increases to 6-8 points.
- Anti-lever mushroom cams: mushroom-shaped locking points prevent the leaf being separated from the frame with a lever.
- Lockable handle: prevents the window being opened from outside even if the glass is broken.
Safety glass
- Laminated glass: two glass panes bonded by a PVB interlayer. Even when hit, it doesn't break easily.
- P2A glass (anti-burglary): resists a minimum number of axe blows per EN 356 standard.
For more information on glass types, see our glazing guide.
Salt air on the Costa Brava: how it affects your windows
- PVC: immune to salt air. Doesn't corrode, doesn't oxidise, needs no treatment. The ideal choice for seafront properties.
- Standard aluminium: corrodes with salt air. Hardware seizes up, handles deteriorate.
- Marine powder-coated aluminium: special anti-corrosion treatment version. More expensive than PVC and requires periodic maintenance.
Acoustic insulation in tourist areas
- Acoustic laminated glass (4+4/16/6): reduces noise 30-40% more than standard double glazing. Up to 42 dB insulation.
- Well-sealed window: the perimeter seal is as important as the glass.
- Compact shutter box: replacing the built-in box with a compact PVC box notably improves acoustic insulation.
See our glass guide for more details.
Changing windows in residents' communities
- Many communities require all windows to be the same exterior colour. PVC allows white, wood-effect or any RAL colour finishes.
- Some communities organise collective replacements for the entire building, which reduces the per-unit price.
At Instal Tancaments we have experience with whole-community projects. We offer volume discounts and coordinate installation to minimise disruption.
How much does it cost to replace windows in a second home?
| Property type | Windows | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|
| Small apartment (1-2 bed) | 4-5 windows | €2,500-4,000 |
| Medium apartment (3 bed) | 6-8 windows | €4,000-6,500 |
| Terraced house | 8-12 windows | €6,000-10,000 |
| Villa / detached house | 12-20 windows | €10,000-18,000 |
Remember you can benefit from window replacement grants that can reduce costs by up to 40-50%.
For an exact price based on your measurements, use our window price calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Can windows be changed while I'm away?
Yes. We do the measuring visit when you can come, manufacture over 3-4 weeks, and coordinate installation in one day. Many clients come specifically for a weekend for the installation.
Is it worth fitting shutters on a second home?
It depends. If the property is on the ground floor, shutters provide security. If noise is a problem, shutters with a compact box improve acoustic insulation.
Do PVC windows withstand extreme summer heat?
Yes. Quality PVC profiles withstand temperatures up to 70°C without deforming. The brands we install (Veka, Ecoven, Kömmerling) are certified for Mediterranean climates.
What warranty do the windows have?
The PVC windows we install carry a 10-year profile warranty and 5-year hardware warranty. Actual useful life exceeds 40 years with minimal maintenance.