Rehau: the manufacturer that invented fibre glass reinforcement
Rehau is a German manufacturer with over 75 years of experience that revolutionised the PVC window sector by developing RAU-FIPRO, a fibreglass composite material that replaces traditional metal reinforcement. This eliminates the thermal bridges from the internal steel and allows the manufacture of lighter, more efficient windows with greater dimensional stability.
In Spain, Rehau has a production plant in Tortosa (Tarragona) and commercial offices in Barcelona and Madrid, with a network of around 450 employees. This is not a brand that simply imports profiles: it manufactures locally and offers direct technical support to fabricators.
We have worked with Rehau profiles on renovation and new-build projects. This article gathers our real experience with their main systems and an honest assessment of when to recommend them and when not to.
Rehau window systems: complete range 2026
Rehau structures its catalogue around five main systems, from the renovation range through to Passivhaus certification. The most noteworthy aspect is that three of them use RAU-FIPRO (no steel), something no other mainstream manufacturer offers in Spain.
Rehau GENEO: 86 mm, genuine Passivhaus
The GENEO is Rehau's flagship product and one of the most advanced profiles on the market. With 86 mm depth and 6 chambers, it dispenses entirely with metal reinforcement thanks to RAU-FIPRO, which eliminates internal thermal bridges. The result is a Uw of up to 0.73 W/m²K with triple glazing — certified Passivhaus by the PHI in Darmstadt.
- Profile depth: 86 mm
- Chambers: 6
- Uf profile: 0.76 W/m²K
- Uw window: up to 0.73 W/m²K (Passivhaus certified)
In practice, the difference is noticeable when handling it: it is lighter than an equivalent profile with steel, but just as rigid. The sashes can accommodate up to 130 kg and glazing up to 53 mm. For maximum-efficiency projects, it is hard to find anything better in PVC.
Rehau ARTEVO: 80 mm, the evolution of the GENEO
The ARTEVO is Rehau's latest generation, introduced with an exclusive technology: an integrated LowE film built into the profile itself during manufacture. This allows a Uw of up to 0.69 W/m²K to be achieved without additional insulating foam, and also facilitates full recycling of the profile.
- Profile depth: 80 mm
- Uw window: up to 0.69 W/m²K
- Reinforcement: RAU-FIPRO X (enhanced fibreglass)
- Exclusive technology: Integrated LowE film
Rehau SYNEGO: 80 mm, 7 chambers, upper-mid range
The SYNEGO occupies the upper-mid-range position with 80 mm depth and 7 chambers in the frame. Unlike the GENEO, it uses conventional metal reinforcement (or with thermal break), which makes it more affordable while maintaining very good thermal performance.
- Profile depth: 80 mm
- Chambers: 7 (frame) / 6 (sash)
- Uf profile: 0.94 W/m²K
- Maximum glazing: 51 mm
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RAU-FIPRO: why fibreglass reinforcement matters
What truly distinguishes Rehau from the rest is RAU-FIPRO: a fibreglass core co-extruded with the PVC that replaces the internal galvanised steel. Conventional PVC profiles contain a steel bar inside that acts as a thermal bridge — cold passes through the metal and reduces the window's real insulation value.
With RAU-FIPRO, that thermal bridge disappears. Furthermore, fibreglass has 60% less thermal expansion than standard PVC, meaning windows that do not warp with temperature changes. The material is 100% recyclable, and Rehau already has the RAU-FIPRO X evolution with 50% more fibreglass, capable of supporting sashes of up to 150 kg.
Real advantages of Rehau windows
- No internal thermal bridges (GENEO/ARTEVO) — By eliminating the steel, the profile's insulation is real, not theoretical. The difference shows up on your heating bill.
- Local manufacturing in Tortosa — Lead times are shorter than brands that import from Central Europe. For projects with tight schedules, this matters.
- Genuinely complete range — From the EURO-DESIGN 70 for renovations to the ARTEVO for Passivhaus. Few brands cover such a wide spectrum.
- Dimensional stability — RAU-FIPRO reduces thermal expansion by 60%. In areas with high thermal swings (inland Spain, mountain regions), this is a notable advantage.
- Verified sustainability — First brand with the VinylPlus seal across all its European plants. Own recycling facility with a capacity of 45,000 tonnes/year.
Limitations and weak points
- High price in the upper range — The GENEO and ARTEVO are noticeably more expensive than equivalent systems from Kömmerling or Veka. RAU-FIPRO technology carries a cost.
- Fewer fabricators in Spain — The network of authorised manufacturers is smaller than Kömmerling's or Cortizo's. Depending on the area, finding a nearby fabricator can be difficult.
- The EURO-DESIGN 70 doesn't stand out — In the 70 mm range, Rehau offers nothing special compared to a Kömmerling 76 AD or a Cortizo A-70. Its real advantage lies in the upper range.
Real opinions: our experience installing Rehau
After years working with various brands, here are our honest assessments of Rehau, based on real installations:
- "The GENEO is the most rewarding profile to install" — With no steel inside, the sashes weigh significantly less. On a 10-window renovation, the physical difference at the end of the day is very noticeable. And the adjustment is impeccable.
- "In energy renovation, Rehau justifies the premium" — We have used a thermal camera on GENEO windows installed 3 years ago and the frames show virtually no cold spots. With steel profiles there is always something.
- "The SYNEGO is a reliable all-rounder" — For 80% of residential renovations, the SYNEGO more than delivers. It doesn't have RAU-FIPRO technology but its performance is above the market average.
- "Rehau's problem is availability" — We have had projects where the client wanted Rehau but the nearest fabricator was 200 km away. With Kömmerling or Cortizo that doesn't happen. In the Girona/Costa Brava area, finding a Rehau fabricator is possible but more limited.
- "The EURO-DESIGN 70 is not Rehau's strong suit" — If the budget is tight, there are 70 mm options from other brands that offer the same or more. Rehau shines when you can go up to SYNEGO or GENEO.
Rehau vs other brands: direct comparison
The most frequent question is how Rehau compares to Kömmerling, Veka or Cortizo. The answer depends on which system you compare:
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Indicative Rehau window prices 2026
Indicative prices including installation in the Girona and Costa Brava area. VAT included. They vary depending on glazing, finish and hardware:
- Rehau EURO-DESIGN 70 — Casement 120×120 cm, double glazing: from 450 €
- Rehau SYNEGO — Casement 120×120 cm, double glazing: from 580 €
- Rehau SYNEGO — Tilt-and-turn 120×120 cm, triple glazing: from 720 €
- Rehau GENEO — Casement 120×120 cm, triple glazing: from 780 €
- Rehau GENEO — Tilt-and-turn 150×150 cm, triple glazing: from 1,050 €
- Rehau GENEO — Balcony door 90×210 cm, triple glazing: from 1,200 €
- Rehau ARTEVO — Casement 120×120 cm, triple glazing: from 900 €
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Who do we recommend Rehau windows for?
- Deep energy renovation — If the goal is to minimise energy demand to its greatest extent (A-rated certification or Passivhaus), the GENEO or ARTEVO are among the best options on the market.
- Homes with high thermal swings — In areas where the difference between summer and winter is extreme (inland Catalonia, the Pyrenees), RAU-FIPRO avoids expansion problems that other profiles may develop.
- Projects where weight matters — On facades with large glazed areas or historic building renovations where the structure cannot carry much weight, the GENEO's weight saving (no steel) is a real technical advantage.
- Tight budget with high expectations — If the budget is limited, Rehau is NOT the best option. A Kömmerling 76 AD or a Cortizo A-70 will deliver better performance per euro spent.
Conclusion: is Rehau worth it?
Rehau is an engineering brand. Its RAU-FIPRO technology is real, measurable and makes a difference in the GENEO and ARTEVO ranges. This is not marketing: the absence of internal steel translates into better insulation, less weight and greater dimensional stability.
But that technology has a price, and the fabricator network in Spain is more limited than Kömmerling's or Cortizo's. If your project justifies the investment (maximum efficiency, Passivhaus, large dimensions), Rehau is a safe bet. If you are looking for the best value for money for a standard renovation, there are more accessible alternatives.
Frequently asked questions about Rehau windows
Does Rehau manufacture in Spain?
Yes, Rehau has a profile production plant in Tortosa (Tarragona) and commercial offices in Barcelona (Gavà) and Madrid. The profiles installed in Spain are manufactured locally.
What is RAU-FIPRO and why does it matter?
RAU-FIPRO is a PVC and fibreglass composite material developed by Rehau that replaces the internal galvanised steel reinforcement. It eliminates steel thermal bridges, reduces the weight of the profile and improves dimensional stability by 60%. It is Rehau's main technical advantage over other manufacturers.
How much do Rehau windows cost?
It depends on the system. A EURO-DESIGN 70 with double glazing starts at around 450 € per installed window. A GENEO with triple glazing is around 780–1,050 € depending on size. Prices include installation in the Girona and Costa Brava area.
Rehau or Kömmerling — which is better?
It depends on budget and goal. In the top range (GENEO vs 88 MD), Rehau wins on thermal efficiency thanks to RAU-FIPRO. In the mid range (SYNEGO vs 76 AD), Kömmerling offers better value for money and greater availability. More details in our comparison.
Are Rehau windows Passivhaus certified?
The GENEO and ARTEVO systems are certified as Passivhaus components by the Passive House Institute in Darmstadt. The ARTEVO max achieves a Uw of 0.69 W/m²K, one of the best values on the PVC market.
Is the Rehau premium worth paying?
If your project involves high efficiency, deep energy renovation, or you need large-format windows without excessive weight, yes. For a standard residential renovation, there are probably more price-balanced options such as Veka or Cortizo.
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