Aluminum window systems are an indispensable component in the construction of buildings with a non-traditional architectural style. Structural aluminum is lightweight, very durable, does not corrode, is fireproof and extremely unpretentious during operation.
The existing technological capabilities have made it possible to reduce the total metal consumption of the aluminum profile without loss of bearing capacity. For standard window openings, the aluminum profile is usually not used. It is used mainly to create facade glazing and transparent roofs in the construction of non-standard architectural objects. The aluminum window structures themselves can withstand large glazing formats (with glass thickness up to 60 mm and weight up to 60 kg per square meter). The width of the internal space of the double-glazed window, at the same time, reaches 44 mm.
Types of aluminum profiles
Aluminum profiles there are two types โ cold and warm. For glazing balconies, loggias, verandas and other unheated rooms, a cold profile is used, which does not have thermal insulation properties and protects the glazed space only from wind, dust and moisture. In cold windows, single glass with a thickness of up to 12 mm is used. For glazing of the heated living space, a warm aluminum profile is used, consisting of two closed profiles connected by a heat insulator.
The heat insulator (thermal bridge), in turn, contains several air chambers (up to 5 pcs.). The thickness of the thermal bridge is sometimes 100 mm, thanks to it, aluminum windows do not freeze. The polyamide, from which the thermal insulator is made, has the same coefficient of thermal expansion as aluminum, while withstanding any extreme weather conditions. Being an excellent thermal insulator, polyamide gives additional soundproofing to aluminum structures. To make the glass units hermetically adjacent to the aluminum profile, an EPDM rubber seal and a special sealing tape are used. Special openings and channels, which are supplied with an aluminum window structure, drain condensation formed on the metal surface.
Due to the plasticity of the starting material, aluminum windows can be of any complex shape: from an arch to an oval. The aluminum profile itself can be tinted to match any of the color options in the RAL tinting chart. The most common colors of aluminum profiles are silver, white and brown. When painting aluminum, a special powder technology is used with the use of polymer enamels. Aluminum windows can be equipped with either hidden fittings, or all window fasteners can be brought out.
For constant filtration of fresh air, aluminum window structures are equipped with self-ventilating devices or even special fans. Some large panoramic window structures use remote equipment to open hard-to-reach sashes and vents.
What are the specifics of installing aluminum windows?
When installing an aluminum window system, the linear expansion of aluminum with an increase in ambient temperature must be taken into account. The increased moisture content of cement and lime used in the construction of load-bearing walls can, in some cases, damage the aluminum structure, which is also an important factor when installing an aluminum window.
What should not be forgotten when purchasing aluminum windows? The price of a window directly depends on its size, shape, number of sashes, finish, fittings and color. Various additional accessories and components significantly increase the cost of an aluminum window. Before delivering aluminum windows home, you need to check whether the cost of delivery and installation is included in the total cost of the product.
What are some of the new possibilities offered by aluminum windows for facade solutions?
What are the advantages of using aluminum windows for facade solutions and how do they compare to other materials like wood or PVC?