Aluminium offers 4 key advantages over timber and uPVC that make it the ideal choice for beautiful window frames:
High Strength
Aluminium is the strongest material used to manufacture window frames.
Aluminium’s integral strength means the material will not be affected by changes in temperature and will not:
- Flex
- Twist
- Expand
- Contract
Timber and uPVC are both susceptible to warping in different weather conditions. For example, timber window frames can warp if the material absorbs too much moisture or is exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. When timber warps, it can compromise how well the window fits in the frame, causing issues with thermal efficiency and operation.
uPVC frames are also prone to warping in high heat which can cause the material to expand and contract, making the frames difficult to open and close properly.
Aluminium isn’t affected by such factors, and because of its innate strength, it also means that windows are able to be manufactured to be much larger without compromising on security levels. This means that design possibilities are considerably more flexible, so more light and less profile can be achieved.
Excellent Thermal Efficiency
Aluminium frames are highly thermally efficient, provided the window frames are fitted with a thermal break.
A thermal break prevents the conductive properties of metal transferring heat out of the home. The Origin Window is fitted with a 35mm polyamide thermal break with interlocking barriers that minimise air flow through the system. A bespoke cavity gasket is fitted into the internal chamber of the window frame, between the sash and the frame (except for the side of the frame where the locks are fitted), to further improve thermal efficiency. You can find out more about windows and glazing thermal efficiency with these useful FAQs.
Introducing Aerogel - what is it and why should you consider it?
Aerogel insulation is so powerful it’s used in spacecrafts and spacesuits, which offers truly industry-topping thermal efficiency results.
As an optional upgrade, for drastically improved thermal efficiency, the Origin Window can be specified to include the space age technology, Aerogel. When upgraded with highly insulating Aerogel, the Origin Window achieves a BFRC (British Fenestration Rating Council) Energy Rating of A++, or U-Value of 0.8, making the window the most thermally efficient aluminium system on the market.
Timber window frames are also thermally efficient; however, the main downside of this material when compared to aluminium is that timber can contract in cold weather, creating tiny gaps between the frame and casement that enable drafts to come into the home.
The thermal efficiency of uPVC windows varies greatly depending on the manufacturer. This has been tackled with Building Regulations now stating that newly installed windows should have an Energy Rating better than C or a minimum U-Value of 1.4W/M²K (as of 15th June 2022) This means the majority of uPVC windows will reach a minimum of this level.
Low Maintenance
Aluminium window frames require the least amount of maintenance.
Aluminium windows only require cleaning with warm water with a mild soapy solution in order to keep them looking clean, though more maintenance is required in certain areas. Most aluminium window frames are powder coated, which means they don’t need to be repainted. Powder coated aluminium is also more resistant to corrosion, discolouring, rotting or warping. You can find out more about maintaining aluminium here in this section on bi-fold doors – much of which also applies to aluminium window frames.
Timber frames require the most maintenance, needing repainting every few years to stop them looking worn and to ensure the timber is fully sealed and protected from moisture.
Frames made from uPVC are a low maintenance choice; however, their main downside is that they can look worn over time, especially if exposed to strong sunlight for extensive periods. Unlike timber, they can’t be repainted, so their lifetime of looking pristine is usually shorter.
Style
Beautiful slim frames and multiple colour finish options make aluminium windows an extremely stylish choice.
Aluminium window frames are available with powder coated RAL colours that create a flawlessly smooth finish, provided the aluminium used is of a high quality. Some window manufacturers make windows from re-melted scrap aluminium, which can create small imperfections in the smoothness of the frame’s surface. At the other end of the scale, the Origin Window is manufactured from prime aluminium billets that can be fully traced to the source supplier. These create windows of the highest quality. The windows can be finished with a wide range of RAL colours, including multiple realistic wood-effect finishes.
Just like timber and uPVC windows, aluminium windows are available in a range of styles to suit your taste and your home, including casement, bay and gable windows.
Timber is aluminium’s closest rival when it comes to aesthetics, particularly in period properties. The main downside of timber frames is that they do show signs of wear and tear more quickly than other materials and require a lot more maintenance. uPVC window frames are not known for their beauty and can look chunky. There are also limited colour options available with uPVC windows.
Speak to your local installer to find out more about the benefits of choosing aluminium for window frames and the options available for your property.
