Extrusion Spotlight: Windows

As we break into a new dawn of cutting-edge construction, the tools and materials construction workers use are slowly improving in quality. At the heart of this revolution, is the steady rise in the use of extruded aluminium in windows.

This lightweight alternative to traditional materials has a considerable list of advantages and is fast becoming a new industry preference in both new builds and historical renovations.

What are the benefits of aluminium windows?

As the modern alternative to materials such as wood, steel and PVCu, aluminium is the ideal construction material for leading-quality window frames. There are a few core reasons for this:

Lightweight and Resilient

Aluminium is naturally lightweight and resilient. This means that window frames constructed from aluminium can hold larger panes of glass, providing a larger, cleaner window.

In addition, aluminium will not rust or rot like steel or timber and will hold its surface finish for much longer. This results in massively reduced maintenance efforts.

Thermally Efficient

Because of its incredible stability, aluminium does not flex or warp with temperature changes in the same way as traditional materials. This avoids the opening of gaps within the window construction as the materials move.

As well as this, glass has improved thermal insulation properties relative to materials traditionally used for frames, meaning that, because aluminium frames can hold a greater proportion of glass, aluminium frames are more thermally efficient.

100% Recyclable

While aluminium windows have an outstanding lifespan, when they do eventually require replacement, the frames can be entirely recycled and repurposed. This reduces the long-term impact on the environment.

Unlike aluminium, PVCu recycling results in the production of a lower quality material each time, while wood may decompose but it cannot necessarily be repurposed.

Can aluminium windows be repainted?

Aluminium windows can indeed be repainted, however, as with any material, care needs to be taken before-hand to ensure the material surface is adequately prepared to hold the paint.

While painting provides the opportunity to uplift or simply alter the colour of aluminium window frames, there is a variety of surface treatments available which will colour and protect the material surface far better than paint, and require less maintenance.

Treatments range from powder coating to anodising and polishing and will provide a longer-lasting and more stable finish.

Are aluminium windows better than UPVC?

In the first instance, aluminium windows will likely prove more expensive than PVCu. However, aluminium will provide a much lengthier lifespan than PVCu, and be available in a wider variety of colours.

Once again, courtesy of aluminium’s relative strength, it can provide windows with much slimmer lines of sight, giving a much tidier, more modern appearance while also looking less out place than PVCu on historic properties.

Due to its increased resistance to fluctuations in temperature and its ability to facilitate larger panes of glass, aluminium is also more thermally efficient than PVCu as a window frame material.

Aluminium windows vs. wood

Wood is the traditional material of choice for window frames, especially on older properties. While attractive, wood requires consistent maintenance efforts to ensure the paint is kept tidy and in order to prevent it from simply rotting.

In addition to this, it is extremely sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and cannot hold especially large panes of glass without becoming extremely large, meaning it is not especially efficient with regards to temperature.

With the exception of those who are determined or legally bound to maintain wooden windows, aluminium represents the more sensible, and often more visually appealing, option for both modern and traditional properties.

At Orgbar Aluminium, we provide a huge selection of aluminium extrusions for an equally varied profile of industries.

To learn more, contact us today.

For more information on Extrusion Spotlight: Windows talk to Orgbar Aluminium Limited