8 tips for choosing aluminum windows

Until recently, aluminum windows were inferior in popularity. plastic and woodenbut today, numerous design and innovative technical solutions have allowed them to confidently compete in the window market. Today, aluminum windows are practical and durable structures that are lightweight but can withstand heavy loads, so they are indispensable in cases where large-scale glazing is required. In addition, aluminum windows are widely used in public, industrial and residential premises. The assortment has now expanded so much that it has become difficult to choose an aluminum window without preliminary little theoretical preparation.

No. 1. The main advantages of aluminum windows

Aluminum window profiles are made by hot pressing aluminum alloywhich includes additives such as magnesium and siliconThe latter is sometimes replaced by copper. Thanks to these components, the finished material acquires the necessary indicators of strength, stiffness and the ability to withstand heavy loads. Wall thickness aluminum window profile is usually 1.5-2 mm, but there are also lightweight systems with walls of 1.2-1.3 mm.

Aluminum windows are widely popular. a huge number of advantages:

• strength. Thanks to the use of additives described above, it is possible to obtain a profile that can withstand double-glazed windows of almost any weight and configuration. This has become a competitive advantage for the aluminum profile;
• reliability. The profile perfectly tolerates impacts, it is resistant to abrasion, it is easy to care for it, and in the event of dents, they can be easily removed, therefore, we can talk about a high maintainability;
• resistance to negative environmental factors. The aluminum profile is not afraid of rain and snow, sunlight, temperature changes and even acid precipitation will not damage it. Coating with special paints and varnishes only increases the stability of the material;
• ease. Sometimes the weight of the window structure does not allow the implementation of bold design decisions, as it creates an excessive load on the bearing supports. With the aluminum profile, you can safely install the largest windows;
• durability. Many manufacturers give guarantees for aluminum windows for 50-80 years. According to this indicator, the aluminum profile is ahead of other materials;
• fire safety;
• environmental friendliness. Aluminum is a natural element, the production technology does not provide for the use of toxic materials, so the finished profile will not emit any harmful substances into the air;
• plastic. This property of aluminum allows the manufacture of windows of any shape. It can be oval, round, polygonal and other fantasy designs;
• good design. Until recently, aluminum windows were rarely installed in residential premises due to their low aesthetics. Today the situation is diametrically opposite. The profile can be painted in any color by powder coating or anodizing, it can be decorated with wood, and very accurately.

Among the main disadvantages are the following:

• cost. The price of aluminum windows is not the lowest, but taking into account the durability and structural strength, such expenses are more than justified;
• high thermal conductivity of aluminum. This means that on a hot day, the profile heats up quickly, and a cold profile freezes. This the problem, fortunately, has long been resolved - manufacturers used layer heat insulating materialdue to which the design gets excellent characteristics heat- and soundproofing;
• the aluminum profile does not let air through, so you will need to take care of reliable ventilation system.

No. 2. Cold or warm aluminum profile?

The aluminum profile, depending on the embodiment, can be of two main types:

• cold;
• warm.

Cold called a single-chamber aluminum profile in which no insulation materials. Such designs have the lowest possible weight and used only in non-residential premises: parking verandasunheated loggias, utility rooms, etc. Since the heat transfer coefficient of aluminum is 1000 times higher than that of plastic and wood, such a profile is instantly cooled or heated, therefore, a warm profile has been developed for residential premises.

Warm aluminum profile - This is a more complex system. Between two profiles is located a layer of polyamide 1.5-4.5 cm thick. It is an excellent heat insulator. The structure is assembled on special rolling devices, the polymer ridges tightly fit into the grooves of the profile, and later they are soldered. Two external aluminum profiles are not connected anywhere between themselves to ensure maximum thermal insulation of the room. An insert made of polyamide is often called a thermal break, which accurately reflects its function. It turns out that there are three cameras in the warm profile, but sometimes the heat insulator is additionally divided into several chambersdue to which the manufacturer increases the level of insulation and strength.

Polyamide is a layered composite, which includes up to 25% fiberglass. The thickness of the thermal break determines how much aluminum profiles will be diluted from each other, which directly affects the degree of thermal insulation. For most regions of Russia the polyamide layer must be at least 2.5 cm.

Manufacturers continue to improve the design of aluminum windows to make them even more energy efficient. On sale you can find designs in which aluminum profile filled with polymer foam. Used frequently polyurethane. Thanks to this technique, convective flows inside the profile are reduced and it is possible to increase the level soundproofing.

No. 3. What should be a double-glazed window?

In aluminum windows, a particularly important role is assigned to a double-glazed window, which should reliably isolate the room from temperature and noise effects. That is why aluminum windows often supplied with 3- and 4-chamber double-glazed windows, because the more cameras, the better thermal insulation and noise protection provides the design. Do not confuse the number of cameras with the number of glasses: the camera is the space between the glass panes. Usually the thickness of the glass is 4 mmbut in double-glazed windows with two or more cameras the outer glass can be 6 mm thick to improve sound insulation. For the same purpose, double-glazed windows are used in which the distance between the glasses is not the same.

To make the window construction even more reliable protection against external negative factors, in double-glazed windows special glasses can be used:

• triplex consists of several glass laminated with a film. Triplex is difficult to break, it has good soundproofing properties;
• selective glasses they differ from ordinary ones by the presence of a low-emission layer, due to which it is possible to keep warm in winter and cool in summer;

  

  

  

  
  
• strained glass receives additional strength characteristics due to heat or chemical treatment.Even if such a glass is broken, there will be no sharp fragments;
• colored glass it is painted in bulk and allows you to create a cozy atmosphere in the apartment. Such glasses are recommended to be installed when the window faces the south side, as they reduce light transmission.

Number 4. Profile design

The surface of the profile is painted in the factory powder coating method. No solvents are used, so this technology is completely safe. The coating is so strong that no atmospheric influences are not afraid of him, and the original color is preserved for years.

Profile can be painted in any shadehave a matte or glossy surface. Moreover, with powder coating you can imitate the texture of any tree species: First the main color is applied, and then the texture pattern. In the same way, the profile can repeat the structure of stone or any other material.

Another way to decorate your profile is electrochemical anodizing. The technology involves “growing” a thin oxide film on the surface of the profile, which literally grows into the material itself and therefore has high strength. Before sealing, the film lends itself to tinting, due to which you can get a golden, black coating, imitate the color of the old birch, etc.

Since earlier aluminum windows were scolded for their primitive design, today manufacturers are doing their best to radically change the perception of these structures, and they are doing well. One of the most popular solutions at the moment is the aluminum profile, wood trimmed: it is very difficult to distinguish such windows from wood, but the lightness and strength of the aluminum structure are preserved. To create such aluminum-wooden structures, high-quality wood of expensive species is used.

No. 5. Which seal is better?

The sealant provides complete tightness of the entire window structure, protects against drafts and heat loss. For aluminum windows, the following seals are used:

• EPDM sealant based on natural rubbers - this is the most popular option that is used by most manufacturers. It is resistant to negative environmental factors, behaves normally when temperature changes, in frost and heat, does not lose elasticity, and is inexpensive. Its cross-sectional shape is not so important, it is better to pay attention to using not only the internal and middle insulation loop, but also the external one;
• rubber compressor though cheap, but at low temperatures its elasticity is lost, which means its basic properties. For domestic conditions of a harsh winter, this option is not very suitable;
  
• silicone sealant - a leader in terms of performance, it is durable, not afraid of frost, temperature changes, sunlight, but it is very expensive, therefore it is used extremely rarely;
• thermoplastic elastomer It has properties similar to rubber, but softens at high temperatures. It is used infrequently, since its performance is far from ideal, and the cost is higher than that of a rubber seal.

No. 6. Aluminum window fittings

The fittings in aluminum windows are fixed either in the cavity of the eurobase or inside the profile. Despite the external similarity of such windows with wooden and plastic, hardware here has a number of features. Since the aluminum profile is more rigid, durable and reliable, fewer locking elements can be used, which makes the mechanism simpler, easier and cheaper.

Features of the used accessories for aluminum windows allow to realize several ways to open the wings: this is not only traditional swing, tilt, tilt and tilt and parallel-slide, but also mid-turn. In the latter case, the window cloth rotates around an axis passing through the middle of the window. A similar option is often implemented for opening round and oval windows.

Fittings include pens. They can be performed in any shade, have both the most ordinary and non-standard forms. As for functionality, you can choose the most ordinary handle, which is only responsible for opening and closing, and if necessary, you can stop the choice on the handles with a lock or removable handles, which will become an element of safety for families with small children. To protect against unauthorized access burglarproof handles are used.

Loops can be executed in a standard way way or be hidden. Since the convenience of operating the window depends on the hardware in many respects, sufficient attention should be paid to its choice. Better to give preference accessories from well-known manufacturers: Roto, Savio, Siegenia and others. Some large manufacturers of aluminum windows have their own production and all the necessary fittings.

Number 7. Ventilation systems

High-quality aluminum windows have a high level of tightness, in fact, thanks to this characteristic, they are widely used in houses and apartments. Old wooden windows due to the presence of slots, they ensured the influx of the required amount of fresh air, and when installing a new aluminum window, it will be necessary to take care of the ventilation system. Usually, one of the following systems is used:

• ventilation limiter with fixation in a certain position. This is something like combs that are used for plastic and wooden windows, but for aluminum windows the limiter has a slightly different shape, since ordinary combs are not suitable for the design and method of fastening. As a rule, such limiters can be installed in 10-12 different positions, providing the necessary level of ventilation;
• vents, which were used for ventilation everywhere a couple of decades ago, today can be part of the aluminum window construction. This is a simple and reliable option, but due to the presence of additional profiles and wings, the flow of sunlight into the room will be reduced;
• ventilation inlet valves Air-Box Comfort S types are located at the top of the window, let in fresh air, but retain dust and provide reliable protection against noise. This system is regulated by turning the knob, so that you can control how much fresh air will flow into the room.

Number 8. Top aluminum window manufacturers

The production of aluminum windows is a rather complicated technology that requires the use of specific equipment, so it is better to trust your choice only to trusted manufacturers. They give a guarantee on their products and, in addition, they are constantly pleased with innovations that increase functionality and design energy efficiency. Let us dwell on the best manufacturers of aluminum windows.

Schuco

This German company is a market leader in aluminum windows. It has been operating since 1951, was at the origins of the production of aluminum profiles, and today Schuco windows are used around the world. These are convenient, most thoughtful and practical designs that have an excellent design, can be painted in any color on the RAL card. The company's aluminum windows are energy efficient at the passive house level. By production, double-glazed windows and accessories of verified manufacturers are used.

Provedal

Famous spanish company has also been featured in the aluminum window market for a long time. The main feature is that anodizing is used in the production, so the coating is obtained as long as possible. The company's windows are in high demand in dozens of countries.

Reynaers

Reynaers - company from belgium, which is constantly expanding the range of products. The manufacturer is distinguished by the widest gamut of profile colors, high durability of the product, its functionality and thoughtfulness. Not so long ago, wood-aluminum windows were introduced into the assortment, which are in great demand in the domestic market.

Profilco

Greek company Profilco has been working since 2001, but during this time managed to establish itself as a reliable professional who quickly responds to market requirements and is ready to constantly present new solutions. The company includes a large research center, all products meet the most stringent international requirements for quality and safety. The network of sales offices is widely developed, so domestic buyers can order products from a leading European manufacturer.

ALUMIL S.A.

It is one of the largest aluminum extrusion companies in Southeast Europe. Production facilities are located in countries such as Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Serbia. The holding includes branches and sales offices around the world. The research center is constantly working on improving aluminum systems, and strict quality control of products is being carried out. The company offers several options for the execution of aluminum windows and a lot of options for the colors of the profile.

ACG Windows & Doors

The Chinese leader in the production of aluminum windows has long been widely represented in the domestic market. The company's products are inherent in an affordable price and a high level of quality. The profile can have any color, due to which it will fit into any style of interior. Products are in demand not only in the domestic market, but also around the world.

Realit

The factory of aluminum profiles "Realit" has been operating since 2002, it is equipped with the most modern technological lines, and today it can offer high-quality aluminum profiles, which are used in the future for the production of aluminum windows. The assortment has profiles for cold and warm windows. Profiles for warm aluminum windows are equipped with two insulator inserts.

In conclusion

Every year, the demand for aluminum windows is growing, because all over the world they have understood that these are the most durable, reliable, safe, lightweight and functional designs that provide a comfortable microclimate and ease of use. The main thing is to make the right choice, and you can forget about the problem of installing and repairing windows for decades.