Although other materials like wood and uPVC make perfectly adequate window frames, aluminium is a material that has become increasingly popular in recent years all over the country. It offers a modern look that is much loved by contemporary designers. However, aluminium windows are nothing new. They have been fitted to buildings around the world since the 1920s, notably being installed in several early New York skyscrapers. If you are thinking of purchasing new double glazed windows for your home, then why should you consider the merits of aluminium windows?

Sheer Strength

When you have very large window panes, the frames that they are supplied in need to have a great deal of strength. This means that they can span from one side of the pane to the other without bowing helping to keep the glass rigid. When a window frame is supported by a wall it can often cope without a great deal of strength. However, very large windows, perhaps those which form the wall itself or which run from the floor to the ceiling, often need a stronger material, such as aluminium, instead.

Lightweight Material

Because aluminium is a light metal, it can be used in situations where other materials won't do. Aluminium is widely used in the aerospace industry because of its lightweight nature. This means, for example, it is good for things like glazed roof lanterns in conservatories and for skylights. Aluminium tends to be chosen as the framing material for glazed atriums and curtain walls as well as domestic double glazing units because it is so light.

Colour Options

Although it looks perfectly presentable in its natural state – aluminium is shiny when untreated – the metal can be painted quite easily. This means that you can install aluminium window frames that match the colour of your home helping them to blend in seamlessly with the existing look of the structure. As well as paint finishes, it is common to powder coat aluminium windows so that they are protected from scratches and bumps.

Thermal Retention

Some people avoid aluminium window frames because they have suffered from a known drawback for decades. As an efficient conductor of heat, aluminium frames tend to transfer heat energy from one side of the window to the other. This is undesirable in both summer and winter because it will make your home either too hot or too cold. Thankfully, some modern window manufacturers now insert insulations bars into their aluminium frames which, when fitted correctly, do away with this problem.

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