Choosing the right aluminum windows

Let’s face it — aluminum windows are an expensive investment, but they are worth the price. Why? Foremost, these windows are more durable, can withstand larger dimensions and loads, and are easier to maintain. So what are the key aspects when choosing aluminum windows?

After reading this article you will know:

• What to consider when choosing aluminum windows
• Why it is worth investing in aluminum windows
• What is the difference between the selected Aluprof window systems

What to look out for when choosing aluminum windows?

• price and reliability of the supplier
• thermal insulation
• height of the frame and sash
• maximum dimensions and loads

Price and reliability of the aluminum windows supplier

There is no need to deny it — for customers, the right price is one of the most important aspects when acquiring goods. Aluminum windows can be two times more expensive than for example uPVC models, you have to find a reliable supplier.

Choosing the wrong provider may lead to a variety of problems, ranging from delays to unsatisfactory quality. The second matter is the huge price difference for the same window systems between various fenestration suppliers, as they can fluctuate up to several dozen percent.

debesto works only with credible factories, additionally, we constantly monitor the fenestration market in Poland, thanks to this, you can be sure that by entrusting us with your order, you do not overpay for the purchased goods, and their quality will be at the highest level.

Thermal insulation of aluminum windows

In the beginning, let’s establish that the more insulation, the warmer the window is. But it should be remembered, that panes have the greatest impact on the U-Factor, since they occupy the largest area of the window.

*U-Factor — parameter of the thermal insulation value of the window

In terms of thermal insulation, aluminum windows can be classified as either cold or warm. We consider warm windows to be highly energy-efficient, while cold windows are less energy-efficient.

Cold profiles do not have thermal insulation inside the frames and are dedicated to the internal building only.

On the other side, warm aluminum profiles have thermal spacers that are usually made of polyamide or foam. Manufacturers also add additional spacers, which also improves their thermal properties.

*selected window RU 4 ft 0.43 in x 4 ft 10.27 in, 2 panes (Ug 0.18), warm inter-pane frames

Height of the frame and sash

The height of the frame and sash assembly is another element that affects the window thermals — the lower the fold, the larger the glass area, which is why narrow-frame profiles have been gaining popularity recently.

This trend awakened the rivalry between aluminum windows producers that compete in creating systems with the lowest possible height of the frame with the sash, which also allow as much light as possible to enter the room. Another advantage of the standard profiles with low frame height is the slightly lower price of the windows, since the material consumption is lower.

Aluminum window profiles: Light Transmission vs. frame height

From an aesthetic point of view, you have to remember that the larger the dimensions of the structure with the sash are, the higher the folding height can be — this is related to the maximum loads that a given sash and fitting can have. With larger constructions, however, the differences in the height of the assemblies are not that noticeable.

Aluminum window dimensions and loads

Each window system has its own maximum dimensions and load — this is another parameter that determines which system you should choose for your investment, for instance, if you want a 10-foot entrance, without the need to divide the structure into a lower sash and transom, the number of available options becomes significantly lower. But fret not — debesto’s technical consultants will help you choose solutions that meet your needs.

Aluminum windows – are they worth investing in?

Here’s what are the advantages of aluminum windows:

• being more resistant to weather conditions and scratches, for that reason, aluminum windows can remain in an unchanging state for several dozen year
• it can withstand heavier loads, for instance, the longest acceptable side of the window in uPVC is approx. 9 ft 10.11 in, in aluminum it can be as much as approx. 13 ft 1.48 in
• they do not require additional care like constructions made from wood
• thanks to varnishing, such profiles are more durable than veneered uPVC profiles, you can choose from various options for finishing the structure, e.g. it can be wood-like, matte, glossy or with a fine sand texture
• aluminum profiles can be covered with all colors from the RAL palette, they can also be two-colored – a different tint and finish from the inside and outside

Read more about differences between aluminum and uPVC windows

And what if you do not want to pay more for aluminum windows, but you care about their aesthetic aspects? Even when you have a limited budget, there are now more and more uPVC systems on the market that imitate aluminum profiles. One of them is, for example, Gealan Linear or Aluplast Energeto Neo.

Comparison of aluminum windows based on selected Aluprof profiles

Based on individual Aluprof window systems, let’s analyze the differences between cheap “warm” profiles, energy-efficient models and passive aluminum windows, which are characterized by a low heat transfer coefficient. We will also learn what effect additional thermal insulators actually have on the overall thermals.

Energy-efficiency of aluminum windows

*selected window RU 4 ft 0.43 in x 4 ft 10.27 in, RAL 7016, 3 panes 1.89 in (Ug 0.09), warm frame, aluminum handle, installation anchors
**without extra charge from a proven manufacturer
ST = standard, HI/SI/AERO = additional thermal insulators

Based on the table above, we can find out that:

Aluprof MB-79N Standard:

• is about 5% cheaper than its older version MB-70 ST
  • is based on the MB-70, it looks almost the same from the outside, but has better thermals and a slightly higher minimum folding of the frame with the sash at no extra charge
  • this model can achieve an even lower fold, which is 3.54 in, by changing the hinges from visible to hidden for an additional cost
  • has the same U-Factor parameter as MB-70 with an additional HI insulator, but it is cheaper by approx. 8%
  • with an additional SI thermal spacer, this profile is a good, cheaper alternative to the standard MB-86 version

MB-104 Passive:

• is a good option when you are looking for a window with good thermal parameters, corresponding to passive windows
• although it is more expensive than the MB-86 AERO by about 4%, its U-Factor parameter improves notably
• has a higher fold which is already over 3.94 in

You should remember that passive systems require a different assembly than standard window systems, but we will talk about it in a separate article.

Apart from Aluprof products, debesto also offers solutions from other leading aluminum window system providers, including Reynaers, Cortizo, Aliplast, Ponzio, Yawal, Deceuninck, and Schüco.

Gain deeper insights with the aluminum vs. aluminum-clad window comparison

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