Aluminumand Windows And Doors - Should You Bother?With double glazed windows gaining popularity in the 1960s, aluminum windows became the most common choice for windows. Aluminum continued to be the most popular choice for windows and doors for double glazing even till the mid 1980s. Aluminium windows constituted 60% of the market of windows. However, with the coming of PVC, aluminium windows and doors became less popular and PVC became the most popular choice for doors and windows. In a consensus taken in 2003 it was found out that only 17% of window frames were made of aluminum. Both PVC and aluminum have some points to support their claim of being a better material for making doors and windows. Aluminium became popular in the 1960s because of its low price as compared to wood which was the only other option for window frames for double glazing back then. Also, aluminium was more easily made into frames of the exact size. Aluminium is also very strong, durable and aluminum window and door systems are almost maintenance free. Aluminum frames have one significant drawback and this has led to the popularity of PVC. Aluminum is a very good conductor of cold and heat. Therefore, in colder temperatures, frost sometimes forms on the interior surfaces of windows which are close to the aluminum joints. So aluminium windows cannot conserve as much energy and heat as the other material being used for windows now - PVC. PVCu started to be used for framing double glazing windows in the mid 80sWhen compared with aluminum frames, In comparison to aluminium, PVCu is less expensive and more energy conservative. PVC is not as strong as aluminium and therefore when windows are made with a high security tag, aluminium is preferred to PVC. Alumiuim has also improved over the years. Thermal breaks reduce the heat conductivity (which is measured in U values) of aluminium framed windows. This is done by fitting a less conductive material in between the window panes. Using this thermal break, the U value of aluminium is brought within conservation standards. The advantages of aluminium window frames are as follows. 1. Strength - Aluminium framed windows warp less and is resistant to extremes of weather. Aluminium windows do not need to be painted and are also more strong and durable than wooden frames. 2. Cost - Aluminum frames cost much less than wood frames and are also easier to manufacture. PVC, though, is much cheaper than aluminium and is also more efficient in heating. 3. Ease of maintenance - Aluminum is almost maintenance free and unlike wood, does not warp or decay and neither does it need to be painted after a few years. 4. Security - As aluminum framed double glazing windows fit tightly, it is a popular choice where security is of the greatest importance. |