Better Security - Security is also a top concern when buying new windows. Aluminum is a stronger and more durable material than vinyl and offers structural advantages due to its build strength. Also, the quality and design of locks can help increase the levels of security of your windows.
So because single-pane aluminum windows are extremely inefficient, you would certainly benefit from replacing them with better windows. In fact, because of new energy efficiency standards in Texas, single-pane aluminum windows are no longer available to consumers.
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.
Windows made with uPVC are generally better thermal insulators than aluminium. uPVC is a lightweight material, which makes uPVC double or triple glazed windows quick and easy to install. uPVC can last up to 20 years in great condition, meaning your investment will be one that lasts.
Aluminum-clad windows offer exceptional strength for long-lasting durability. Take good care of your aluminum-clad window frames and you can expect them to last for decades. Wood windows, on the other hand, are prone to warping, contracting, and expanding as temperatures and humidity levels change throughout the year.
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.
Durability: Fiberglass replacement windows are perhaps the strongest option available, known for their resistance to extreme temperature and also for their durability. Vinyl windows can be reinforced with interlocking sashes.
Durability. Aluminium windows have can last up to 30 years. This is because, aluminium is considerably more resistant to the outside elements compared to other frames, making them less likely to warp or rot as a result. Aluminium also has a high strength-to-weight ratio, making them harder to dent.
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.
Why the construction of aluminium windows make them predisposed for condensation. Materials such as metal, in this case aluminium, have a high U-value. In building parlance, a U-value relates to the insulating properties of a building material. The higher the U-value the lower its ability to insulate.
Aluminum is metal, and as we all know, metal is a great conductor of heat and cold. Older aluminum frame windows didn't have insulation. The frames are hot or cold to the touch.
In general, aluminium windows are cheaper than timber windows. However, better quality, thermally insulated aluminium windows are closer in cost to timber windows. Aluminium windows are maintenance free, but do corrode over time.
Overall Strength Compared to Steel
While being praised for its malleable qualities, this particular property of aluminium can also act as a disadvantage. It can be more easily dented and scratched in comparison to steel. Steel is strong and less likely to warp, deform or bend under any weight, force or heat.
Yes. If your windows are more than 20 years old it is probably time to start thinking about replacing the lot. Many professionals agree that if homeowners can afford it, they are better served by replacing all their windows in one order. The installation team can complete the full job in a couple of days.
Many window design professionals agree that new, quality windows should last between 15 and 20 years before you start to think about replacing them. Most companies producing vinyl windows often provide a 20-25 year warranty, which is essentially a lifetime warranty – the expected lifetime of the product.
Buying the least expensive window or door for your home is never the best thing to do. They are usually cheap for a reason. In my opinion, it is well worth the extra cost to receive the increased value you receive for an energy efficient PVC or aluminum/clad window unit versus a vinyl replacement window.
Ongoing Maintenance
Aluminum is prone to condensation, and extra moisture leads to rust and mold. For that reason, aluminum windows need to be cleaned with an aluminum cleaner regularly. It's also essential to keep the moving parts lubricated because aluminum windows tend to corrode and rust over time.
PVC windows and doors still perform better than their aluminium window and door counterparts, with some pvc window and doors in our range achieving u-values as low as 0.8! There is no doubt that better designing and adapting our houses to use less heat will have a positive impact on the environment.
Because aluminium is light, malleable and easy to work with, its doors and windows can offer high levels of wind, water and air-tightness for optimum in-house energy efficiency, resulting in warmer, less draughty homes and lower energy bills.
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.
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.