October 2024

Ranking of best slim-frame windows for premium design-builds

This ranking of best narrow-frame windows is your ultimate resource for selecting the perfect windows that blend elegance and functionality. Slim windows can significantly increase your project’s market value.

Attract discerning clients looking for modern, sleek window designs that maximize natural light and views, making your property stand out in the competitive real estate market. Discover slimline windows for high-end residences, exploring debesto’s exquisite slimline window range.

Table of content:

The best narrow-frame windows in our ranking:

Aliplast Max Light Modern

By choosing the best slim profile Aliplast Max light Modern, you not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property but also significantly increase its market value.

See the detailed ranking results to understand why we chose Aliplast Max Light Modern as the best solution for aluminum narrow-frame windows.

best narrow frame windows Aliplast Max Light Modern

Quick overview on reviewed profiles

Reynaers Slim Line 38 (Cubic)

  • Reynaers Slimline 38 is a window and door profile system emphasizing minimalist design.
  • The system is particularly noted for its slim frame profiles, making it suitable for modern architecture that enhances natural light access.
  • The Slimline 38 series are available in various configurations.
  • In our comparison, we selected the “Cubic” version.

Aliplast Max Light (Modern)

  • The Aliplast Maxlight is a high-performance aluminum window and door profile system designed for modern, luxury architectural designs.
  • It features large glass surfaces and minimalistic frames, enhancing the aesthetic and functional quality of buildings.
  • The system is versatile, offering various configurations and profile shapes to meet diverse architectural needs.
  • In our comparison we selected the “Modern” version

Aluprof MB-Slimline

  • The Aluprof MB-Slimline is a sleek and modern window and door profile system, designed specifically for contemporary high-end residential installations.
  • It features ultra-slim frames that maximize natural light entry, providing an almost frameless appearance from the outside.
  • The minimalist design emphasizes clean lines and expansive glass surfaces, aligning well with modern construction trends.

The most cost-efficient windows with slim frame

  • In the category of “Most Cost-Effective Profile” the winner is Aliplast Maxlight Modern emerged as the most cost-effective option at $921
  • Approximately 3% more expensive is the Aluprof MB Slimline , priced at $951
  • The most expensive profile is the Reynaers Slimline 38 Cubic, which is 7% more expensive compared to the winner.
  • This assessment highlights the Aliplast Max light Modern as the leading choice for those seeking a balance between quality and affordability in high-end slimline window profiles.

How did we choose the most cost-efficient narrow-frame windows?

We priced tilt & turn windows sized 36 in x 60 in

The price parameter indicates the cost for a tilt-and-turn window with the specified dimensions and standard 48 mm triple pane glass.

This type of window provides functionality for ventilation while maintaining security, as it can tilt inward at the top or swing in like a door.

The slimmest operable window

  • In the category of “Minimum Height of Frame and Sash Submission,” the winner is Aliplast Max light Modern presented the lowest minimum height at 2.75 inches, offering a more compact frame and sash design compared to its competitors.
  • It was 0.09 inches slimmer than Reynaers Slimline 38 Cubic, which had a minimum height of 2 14/16″ and significantly more compact than the Aluprof Slimline, which had a minimum height of 3 1/8″,
  • Aliplast Max Light Modern is the superior choice for those seeking to maximize glass area with minimal frame obstruction.

The difference between these profiles is insignificant. What is worth to mention the Aluprof MB Slimline profile in this comparission is the standard version with built up profile. This profile could be quoted in SG version, which have visible gasket from oustide. The submission is then only 1.28 inches, but the look is totally different.

narrow frame windows Aluprof MB-Slimline SG invisible gasket frame
Profile name
Minimum frame and sash height
2 3/4″
2 14/16″
3 1/8″

How did we choose the slimmest operable windows?

This parameter specifies the lowest possible height for both the frame and the sash that can be submitted for an order.

It is essential for ensuring the window units fit the architectural specifications and comply with modern design for high end residence.

narrow frame windows slim operable window

The slimmest picture window

  • In the category of “Minimum Height of Frame in picture windows,” the winner is Aluprof MB Slimline presented the lowest minimum height at 1 1/4″
  • It was 0.1 inches slimmer than Aliplast Max Light Modern, which had a minimum height of 1 3/8″
  • On the third place it is Reynaers Slimline 38 Cubic in total height of a frame 1 1/2″.
  • The difference between these profiles is even more insignificant than in tilt&turn windows. Between all the profiles are only milimiters of difference.
Profile name
Minimum frame height
1 1/4″
1 3/8″
1 1/2″

How did we choose the slimmest picture window?

The slimmest picture window:

This refers to the minimum vertical measurement of the frame in a picture window, which is fixed and does not open. This measurement is crucial for modern custom homes.

picture narrow frame windows

The most energy-efficient narrow-frame windows

  • In the category of “Most Energy Efficient Window Profile,” the winner is Aliplast Maxlight Modern emerged as the most energy-efficient option, boasting a U-factor of 0.16.
  • This represents a 20% improvement in energy efficiency over the Aluprof Slimline, which had a U-factor of 0.2, and a 23.8% improvement over the Reynaers SL38 Cubic, with a U-factor of 0.21.
  • This significant difference underscores the Aliplast Maxlight Modern’s superior performance in reducing heat transfer, making it the optimal choice for the beneficiary prioritizing energy savings in their investment.
Profile name
U-Factor (Btu/h·ft2·F)
0.16
0.20
0.21

How did we choose the most energy-efficient narrow-frame window?

We calculated U Factor for the window:

The U factor is a measure of the window’s ability to conduct non-solar heat flow. It is a critical parameter for assessing the energy efficiency of the window, with lower values indicating better insulation properties and greater energy savings.

All the windows from our ranking meet (or even exceed) the recomendations from Energy Star.

why choose narrow frame windows energy-efficient

The best lead time for narrow-frame windows

All of the slimline profiles we are able to deliver in 11 weeks to the North East of the United States.

Time of delivery to the construction site:

This parameter covers the manufacturing and logistics of transporting the window units directly to the construction site. It includes details of production time, the delivery schedule, and any additional costs involved.

Profile name
On-site delivery
11 weeks
11 weeks
11 weeks

Key takeaways of the best narrow-frame window ranking

Summarizing the ranking comparison, the Aliplast Maxlight Modern frequently emerges as the top choice, offering versatility and appeal for businesses through its several visual variants.

When selecting slimline windows for high-end homes, tailoring them to specific project needs is crucial, often requiring consideration of many technical parameters, available system solutions, and additional components not shown in the ranking.

We encourage a consultation visit to determine the most suitable profile for your business needs.

Lukas Roman

author:

Lucas Roman

Technologist at debesto

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