However, the fact that Aluminium windows are manufactured from a material which has massive strength advantages (compared to wood and uPVC) makes them far more robust. In terms of structural integrity, even the slimmest aluminium windows will keep your home super secure.
Additional Security Measures for Your Home. Short of bricking over them, your aluminum windows can't get any more secure than the combination of steps above. But it still never hurts to add on levels of security.
Casement Windows for Home Security
The casement window is considered the most secure type of window because, with no way to turn the crank from the outside, there's really no way an intruder could enter your home through the window if you're sure to close and lock it.
Because of SheerGuard's unique, high strength fastening system, SheerGuard Clear Burglar Bars can be fitted directly to the Aluminium frames and this has many benefits to the client. (Contact Samantha and Warren for more info.) SheerGuard Clear Burglar Bars can also be installed on Timber, UPVC and Steel Window frames.
Poor insulator: Aluminum doesn't hold in heat as well as other materials. However, weather-stripping and thermal treatment can make this less of an issue. Condensation: Moisture or even frost can form inside aluminum-frame windows, leading to problems.
Casement windows are considered better than double-hung windows at keeping out drafts since the window seal is generally quite tight. Casement windows are good when you want to "scoop" cooling outside air into the house.
Aluminium frames do not degrade in the same way that uPVC frames do. Verdict: when looking at uPVC vs aluminium windows for durability, both are weather-resistant and durable. Aluminium can last up to 50 years, whereas uPVC will last up to 30 years.
Sliding Locks:
These locks are applicable if your window is the sliding window variation. They are located on the frame track and use either thumbscrew, keys, or lever to secure the window.
Thumbscrew locks are inexpensive and lock aluminum windows securely. Basically a small clamp that secures with a paddle-top screw, thumbscrew locks are easy to install and slide along the aluminum window frame when you want to raise or lower the window.
A polycarbonate window is much more difficult to break through than a standard glass window. In fact, according to some estimates a polycarbonate window is over 200 times more resistant to impact! Compared to standard glass windows, they offer superior protection against burglaries and weather-related disasters.
Front door: 34% of burglars twist the doorknob and walk right in. First-floor windows: 23% use a first-floor open window to break into your home. Back door: 22% come in through the back door. Garage doors: 9% gain entrance through the garage.
Double glazing is virtually burglar-proof as it's incredibly hard to break, effectively putting two barriers between you and potential thieves. Furthermore, the gas in-between the gaps also acts as a shock absorber.
Aluminium doors are a more secure home improvement compared to uPVC. This is because of the inherent strength of the material, combined with additional security accessories and locking mechanisms, to further improve the protectiveness of the profile.
Aluminium windows and doors are well resistant to burglary because of the extreme stability and resistance to deformation of the base material.
Windows are the most fragile entry point to your home.
The sound of breaking glass is usually not heard by neighbors who are likely to be away from home when you are. Windows are also not equipped with locks, only latches, making them much easier to force without breaking the glass.
The most effective deterrents for home burglaries and car theft were CCTV cameras, the panel said. They also named loud barking dogs, strong heavy doors, a TV being switched on and locked UPVC windows as the next most likely to put them off breaking into a home.
Burglars usually break your window only if they can't bypass your door and window locking system. However, often, they look for another target rather than smash the glass.
In terms of price, installing aluminium windows is always more expensive than UPVC (on a like for like basis) because of higher material and manufacturing costs. But, in the long term, aluminium can prove very cost-effective because it's a more robust material than UPVC.
If you're after a sleek look to your home, aluminium frames offer slimline frames. Thanks to the strength of the aluminium alloy used, narrower frames can be made meaning more of the window is made up of glass. uPVC frames, on the other hand, are thicker and chunkier.
Aluminium frames do not rust like other metals; however they do corrode. The part of the aluminium that corrodes is known as aluminium oxide, which is a chemical compound of both aluminium and oxygen. The aluminium oxide is a strong material that protects the rest of the aluminium from further corrosion.
Aluminum windows have an average lifespan of about 20 to 25 years. The problem with aluminum is that it's prone to damage. If you're in an area that's prone to intense weather like hurricanes or hailstorms, your aluminum windows may have to be replaced more often than the average.
A benefit of aluminum is that it is more flexible than wood as well as other materials like fiberglass and vinyl. More flexibility makes it is easier to mold this material into custom shapes for windows.
Very strong – aluminium alloys are used to make window door and curtain wall frames. That's because pure aluminium on its own doesn't have a high tensile strength. However, once it is alloyed with other elements like manganese, silicon, copper and magnesium its strength increases vastly.