Aluminium windows are a high performing glazing product. They are fully compatible with both residential and commercial installations and can be customised to meet almost any project specifications. There are certain myths surrounding aluminium windows. Sometimes they haven’t always been viewed in a completely favourable light. At Techniglaze, we have used aluminium windows on numerous glazing projects. They provide a wide range of benefits for both the installer and end-user, so we’ve decided to set the record straight and dispel some of the common myths surrounding aluminium windows.
In terms of cost, aluminium windows are usually slightly more expensive than uPVC windows and slightly more cost effective than timber windows. The initial financial outlay is offset, however, by aluminium window’s outstanding durability. On average, alumimnium windows last far longer than their uPVC counterparts. When compared to timber, they have a similar life expectancy although aluminium windows require far less maintenance than wooden windows.
Over their functional life, aluminium windows are easily the best financial investment. Their outstanding durability and inherent strength create a window which will last for many years. At the end of their functional life, the aluminium frame can be melted down and reformed without losing any of its quality to make aluminium windows 100% recyclable.
For many years, aluminium windows were thought of as less thermally efficient than other window types. Aluminium itself, is an excellent conductor of heat. This means that windows made from aluminium can be prone to heat loss problems. Fortunately, modern aluminium windows feature polyamide thermal breaks.
Thermal breaks are inserted through the core of an extrusion to separate the internal and external sides of the frame. This helps to prevent the conduction of heat through the window frame thus improving the thermal performance of the window by reducing heat loss.
Condensation on windows is caused by a build up of moisture in the air. When the cold exterior air penetrates a failing window and meets the warm interior air, condensation can form on the inside of the window pane. Older aluminium windows were prone to problems with condensation and often performed poorly in terms of the window’s U-values.
Modern aluminium windows, however, are far better at preventing heat loss and therefore do not suffer from condensation problems in the same way as their older counterparts. With the incorporation of thermal break technology and waterproof gaskets and air tight seals, modern aluminium windows easily equal other window types in terms of thermal performance.
There is a myth surrounding aluminium windows that they are not sustainable. In reality the truth is actually the opposite. Aluminium windows are one of the most sustainable glazing products available today. Aluminium is a 100% recyclable material. Once an aluminium window comes to the end of its functioning life, the aluminium frame can be melted down and re-formed without losing any of its quality. This creates a closed loop process where the aluminium can be used infinitely.
Aluminium is created from the raw material Bauxhite. Bauxhite is found in abundance in the Earth’s crust and is extremely easy to mine with limited environmental impact. This ease of extraction also helps to boost aluminium’s sustainability.
As you can see from the information above, aluminium windows are in fact, one of the best glazing products available today. Alongside the points made in this article, aluminium windows are also sometimes viewed in a negative way for other reasons. Let’s briefly dispel these last few aluminium myths.
If you’d like to find out more about aluminium windows from Techniglaze, get in touch today. You can call us on 01761 417 654 or contact us online.
We are delighted with the windows, and have already been complimented by our neighbours on the upgrade.
Tyler and Paul were very professional and showed good initiative for the inevitable adjustments that needed to be made. They were particularly considerate of our house, it’s character and our pets! Please pass on our thanks and comments as appropriate.
We are delighted with the windows. As you know we were concerned that they would look different and more “clunky” but really you can’t tell the difference except that the new ones are not falling apart!!! The guys who did the fitting were also good. They were working in freezing fog, really cold but they carried on regardless, they were extremely tidy and cleared up after themselves.
I am delighted with the recent installation, it’s good to look out of clear windows. The work was carried out professionally by two excellent gentleman.
I will not hesitate to contact you when I am ready to replace others, also would certainly recommend you to others.
Really impressed with the customer service and professionalism from everyone at Techniglaze. Especially liked the follow up call after our doors were fitted to make sure we were happy. Would definitely recommend.
Excellent. This company really care about doing a great job. Roger and Keith have been very helpful and explaining things in detail that a lay person may not understand.
Excellent customer service, range of products and attention to detail. I honestly can’t rate them highly enough. They stepped in and came to the rescue after Salisbury glass cost us 8 months of time and 100k in increased material costs.
These guys have been great to us. Helped us out at short notice after we were badly let down by another supplier. We asked for several minor details that were not standard (e.g. different locking mechanisms), and they were flexible and open to ideas. We ended up also commissioning our front door from them; it is super sturdy and beautiful. Always courteous, professional, and good payment terms.
First class service for my window repair, with tricky access issues and a large, heavy glazed unit to install. Really glad I chose this company.
I was looking for a company that could deliver a bespoke pair of roof lights in the Alitherm system. Techniglaze offered the best price and worked with us to ensure the sizes were exactly right and conducted the sales process very professionally. The product is first class and we are exceptionally pleased with the service and product. I can highly recommend Techniglaze.
