With the rise in creative innovations in the fenestration industry, doors and windows shopping is no longer limited to one or two solutions. Whether you’re looking to install windows that increase the safety measures of your homes and offices or are searching for door designs that scream elegance and grandeur to create a luxurious entrance, you can find door and window profiles that match the exact vibe of your space.
When looking at door and window catalogs, you may have seen aluminium popping up as one of the go-choices for designing sophisticated and straightforward door and window frames. Despite holding a significant position in the fenestration industry, aluminium as a building material continues to be controversial owing to the many myths floating around with regards to it.
When considering using aluminium frames for your doors and windows, you may receive mixed reviews about their merits and demerits, leaving you more confused than before. The reason for the diverse opinions about aluminium doors and windows is their popularity. Just like any other famous person or item, several rumors and myths circulate about aluminium doors and windows too.
Thanks to its high strength and versatility, aluminium has been used as a construction material for decades. What began with minimal uses in panels and frames of small houses and buildings has grown to become a style statement providing metallic sheen and class to both residential and commercial spaces. Today, aluminium is the ultimate answer to all your window and door needs, regardless of their nature. However, several myths surround the usage of aluminium in window and door frames. Here are some myths you should steer away from when shopping for aluminium doors and windows.
Myths about Aluminium Windows and Doors
Myth #01 Aluminium Windows Cause Condensation
Condensation is a process where water droplets accumulate on a cold surface turning the surface moist. As a metal, aluminium is known to turn cold quickly due to fluctuations in temperature and cause condensation, turning the aluminium doors and windows damp. However, condensation stems from multiple factors such as the humidity of the air, outdoor temperature, as well as glass surface temperature. And we cannot wholly eradicate condensation from our lives; however, modern-day aluminium windows and doors do not cause any extra condensation. Aluminium has the same level of thermal insulation as wood and uPVC – the only two strong contenders of door and window frames in the market.
High-performance aluminium doors and windows are designed with the latest thermal break technology, which possesses hollow chambers in the glass filled with insulation to provide aluminium doors and windows with outstanding transfer coefficients and ensure that your indoor temperature is always ideal. At AIS Windows, our aluminium frames come with excellent thermal resistance properties to improve the energy efficiency of your homes and offices. They help regulate the temperature by blocking the heat out during summers and trapping the warmth during winters to maintain the perfect indoor atmosphere.
Myth #02 Aluminium and Stylish Don’t Really Go Together
Many homeowners believe that aluminium is a cheap material that lacks style and class. While this might be true for cheaper aluminium panels and sheets; window and door frames designed using aluminium are anything but less stylish. Aluminium doors and windows are available in several varieties of shades, patterns, and styles. Gone are the days when aluminium came in only silver or white and in a hardwood sub finish. Nowadays, charcoal and greyish-colored aluminium frames are becoming increasingly popular. Powder coating is the process using which manufacturers can color aluminium frames in virtually every hue you desire. It is also possible to spray aluminium frames with different colors making them all the more diverse. You can choose a matte or a glossy aluminium frame finish depending on your desired décor style. Minimal designs, corner typologies, multiple doors, and window constructions are offered by highly functional aluminium frames. Moreover, the malleability of aluminium makes it highly customizable. This property comes in handy if you own a home with quirky windows and doors.
Myth #03 Aluminium does not Offer Insulation
It is a common myth that being a metal, aluminium does little to contain the warmth or coolness of your space. While aluminium doors and windows do not rely on chamber-style insulation seen in uPVC frames, they have several thermal breaks built onto them. Thermal breaks create a small space or a bridge between the inside and outside faces of the window pane. Since air is a poor conductor, it prevents the heat from escaping your room making aluminium door and window frames energy-efficient and thermally insulated. Some manufacturers also prefer special insulation polyamides in aluminium frames to make them adequate for buildings that are zero-energy consumable. To enhance thermal insulation, gaskets are also installed with aluminium door and window frames. The high reflectivity of aluminium wards off solar radiation effectively making it a boon for most of the Indian subcontinent. Aluminium’s reflectivity is best exploited by façade shading.
Myth #04 Aluminium windows and doors are Downright Incompatible with Vintage Buildings
Since aluminium has a naturally sleek finish, most people tend to see it as incompatible with old buildings that demand a regal finish. However, one of the best benefits of aluminium doorsq and windows is that they offer a frame depth choice. This feature makes aluminium frames ideal for building home extensions or replacing old windows in traditional buildings. Aluminium frames also look excellent with almost all kinds of hardwood or stone sub-frames and mullions. Mainly, they fit incredibly well with traditional houses and even add a modern touch.
Myth #05 Aluminium has a Low Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
Generally, metals do not have a high coefficient of expansion leading them to contract and expand rapidly even with slight temperature changes. This makes several metals unfit for door and window frames containing glass. However, aluminium is highly stable and minor temperature changes do not affect an aluminium frame’s natural state. When installed with thermal breaks, they are even less likely to expand or contract.
Myth #06 Aluminium Windows are Difficult to Maintain
This is one of the most unfounded myths about aluminium. Just because aluminium is a metal, many consider it to be prone to corrosion and weather damage. Aluminium is actually less reactive than most other metals and requires little to zero maintenance. It is usually weather-proof, termite-resistant, and does not allow pests or insects to grow. You do not even need to have your aluminium doors and windows painted to keep them free of corrosion. Despite being a metal, it does not rot, flake, or peel off easily; hence, appropriate for rooms and areas constantly exposed to the outside.
Myth #07 Aluminium is not Eco-Friendly
That metal wastes are toxic to the environment is not news. When left in the soil or water for long periods, metal wastes can kill natural life too. Aluminium, however, is one of the easiest metals to recycle. Even the most straightforward recycling units located across the world perform aluminium recycle regularly. This feature makes aluminium doors and windows one of the most ecologically sustainable options.
Myth #08 Aluminium Windows Are Not Strong
Widespread myths are floating around about aluminium not being strong or durable enough to provide security. The reality, however, is entirely different. Aluminium has the most robust structural integrity of all other metals in the world. Owing to its impact-resistant properties, aluminium can carry heavy loads and maintains the dimensions and tightness of your door and window frames effortlessly. Modern-day aluminium doors and windows are also equipped with excellent multi-point locking systems and toughened glass to enhance the overall security measures of your homes and offices.
At AIS Windows, we only use high-performance aluminium that does not split, rot, warp or corrode over time. They are also designed to be dust, UV, and termite-resistant to maintain a clean and hygienic environment that requires minimal maintenance. They are capable of withstanding extreme climatic conditions such as rain, wind, snow, sleet, and heat. Owing to their modern aesthetic and impressive strength, they are used for designing every space – be it hotels, offices, auditoriums, hospitals, or showrooms.
Myth #09 Aluminium Doors and Windows Lack Scope for Customization
There is a misconception among people that because aluminium is a metal, it can only be used in plain and unstylish ways, and you can only install them in just one manner. However, that’s not the case. Gone are those days when aluminium was only available in its signature silver color. Aluminium doors and windows can also be customized the way you want and painted in the hues — you desire. Through a process of powder coating, you can give your aluminium doors and windows any color or hue. There is a wide range of options available in color, style, and design to fit your palette if you want to go with aluminium doors and windows for your home.
Myth #10 Aluminium Doors and Windows are not Durable
Even if there is a huge glass surface attached to minimal or slim aluminium frames, aluminium can still bear the load. Aluminium does not get warped under temperature fluctuations, so no matter where your house is situated, be it in a region that receives a lot of sunshine and heat in summers or is extremely cold during winters, the dimensions of your aluminium doors and windows will remain unchanged without any chance of them contracting or expanding. Aluminium doors and windows can maintain the same tightness and dimensions for many years. This would also ensure that your window or door is perfectly attached to the frame, and there is maximum tightness against water and air intrusion. Structural integrity is not an issue for aluminium, so if you are a homeowner who wants to enjoy the view outside without any fear of untimely corrosion or breakage, you can easily choose aluminium doors and windows.
Myth #11 Aluminium Doors and Windows Do Not Provide Security
This is simply a wrong notion because in reality aluminium doors and windows offer extremely high levels of security. Due to their durability, structural integrity, and solid construction, aluminium doors and windows cannot fall prey to robbers or possible intruders. Aluminium as a material is strong which is why it can be paired with many security accessories such as multi-point locking systems so as to provide you and your family with a high level of security.
After busting myths about Aluminium doors and windows, let’s understand the numerous benefits of aluminium doors windows. In recent years, aluminium has taken the architecture and interior designing sector by storm. Following are the pointers that will show you why aluminium is favorite among architects and interior designers.
Why is Aluminium the Best Choice?
Not only are aluminium windows and doors a great addition to residential properties, but they also are a valuable addition to hotels. The benefits of aluminium are plentiful. Let us explore each of them –
Durable
Due to certified surface treatments, aluminium windows and doors do not peel, flake, or warp easily. They also do not rust because of aluminium’s corrosion-resistant property. As a result, aluminium windows and doors have a longer product life. Aluminium is weather-resistant and can easily handle harsh weather conditions. It can even withstand rain, wind, and intense sunlight without rotting or getting discolored. Its charm remains unaffected by harmful UV rays. Whether your hotel is located in a high-wind area or an area that sees heavy rainfall, the weather-proof nature of aluminium will continue to bring you a good return on your investment.
Moreover, aluminium is endowed with exceptional moisture-resistant properties. It prevents water from seeping into the walls that surround the window or the door. This prevents the formation of mold around the walls of your hotel rooms.
Strong
Aluminium is a highly strong metal. It also has a high strength-to-weight ratio that makes it very hard to make a dent in it. It is also a low-density metal — that is why slim yet sturdy aluminium frames for windows and doors can easily be made.
Low-Maintenance
Besides being highly durable and strong, aluminium windows and doors are maintenance-free. A routine wipe with a clean cloth dipped in a cleaning agent is all that is required to make aluminium windows and doors ready for a great first impression on visitors and potential buyers alike.
Recyclable
We are living in the age of awareness where both on an individual and global level, steps are being vigorously taken to build a cleaner and greener environment. Choosing aluminium windows and doors is an environmentally conscious decision as aluminium is non-toxic and is a 100% recyclable material. Industry experts have also claimed that recycling aluminium requires only 5% of the initial energy that was consumed while manufacturing it. This further makes aluminium an environmentally sustainable material. Moreover, aluminium windows and doors also have a low carbon footprint.
Energy-Efficient
Due to the advent of thermal break technology, modern-day aluminium windows and doors help in maintaining optimal room temperatures in every season – They keep the spaces warm during winters and cool during the warmer months. This makes hotel rooms and suites comfortable for guests no matter the time of the year.
Acoustic-Insulation
A guest’s stay at your hotel can quickly turn into a sour experience if loud noises disrupt it. To avoid this, acoustic insulation should be taken into account when choosing doors and windows. Using aluminium windows and doors with double-glazed glass panels can offer high sound insulation. This would ensure that your guests can enjoy their privacy without getting disturbed by outside noises.
Aluminium Window Types
There are several types of aluminium windows you can install in your favorite rooms to match your style statement and satisfy your requirements.
Aluminium Glass-to-Glass Windows
One of the best utilization of aluminium’s robust features is a glass-to-glass window. These windows consist of two glass panes jointed at a ninety-degree angle without any mullion in between. Since no framing obstructs the glass, these kinds of windows make your room appear infinitely large and borderless. They allow plenty of natural light to infiltrate your living space taking you closer to an open-plan house. Such windows are fitted in aluminium frames to ensure the sturdiness and safety of the homeowners. Aluminium glass-to-glass windows offered by AIS has a 37-50 mm of construction depth, a value of 7 Watt per metre square Kelvin, and a sound reduction property of up to 30 decibels.
Aluminium Tilt-and-Turn Windows
Aluminium tilt-and-turn windows are one of the most efficient and economical fixtures for modern homes. They offer the pleasant aesthetics of a regular window and the intelligent operability of a standard ventilator all in one. If you want to use it for ventilation, all you have to do is open the top sash at a small angle to allow airflow. For standard usage, you must swing the entire sash inwards. AIS Aluminium tilt-and-turn windows also come with an added perk – a sound reduction of up to 40 decibels.
Aluminium French Windows
The best way to add continuity between rooms and the home exterior is by installing French windows. French windows installed in an aluminium frame do not appear bulky or imposed on your house. They are hinged to the side and can open inwards or outwards. You can either opt for a floor-to-ceiling French window or a more traditional yet large casement style French window. When you use AIS’s Aluminium French windows, you get the enhanced security features of multi-point locking systems and noise reduction of up to 42 decibels.
Aluminium top-hung Windows
Aluminium top-hung windows are like regular casement windows, but they are hinged on top rather than at their sides. They are perfect for ventilation in small rooms. More typical of British villas, these windows can be opened using stainless steel stays. Low-maintenance and noise-free operation are some of its best features.
Aluminium Sliding Windows
Aluminium sliding windows can be made with two incredibly thin sashes that move within a sliding frame. They are optimum for ventilation and very versatile. You can choose from a wide variety of different glass colors and styles to make a bold statement with your sliding windows. Sliding windows have a construction depth of 45-212.5 mm and reduce noise levels by up to 42 decibels. Aluminium sliding windows are best for a room where you are struggling with constricted space.
Aluminium Side-Hung Windows
One of the most common window types, side hung aluminium windows are found in homes, hotels, and even hospitals. When fitted with the correct glass type, they protect your space against pollution, sound, and temperature while providing you with excellent unobstructed views.
Aluminium Door Types
Aluminium Tilt-and-Slide Doors
A quirky yet practical twist on traditional slider doors, tilt-and-slide doors have an additional sash that can be slide back and forth independently. When you require added ventilation, you may open the sash inwards and allow airflow. Such doors reduce sound by 20 to 30 decibels.
Aluminium Lift-and-Slide Doors
Lift-and-slide doors are used in places where you want an expansive opening. These consist of large glass panels creating a glass wall that can slide. They can be straight, bent, or built-in a corner and can be closed using a conventional doorjamb or a lock on the outside wall.
Aluminium Slide-and-Fold Doors
Used in glass walls, aluminium slide-and-fold doors add immense space to your rooms without appearing bulky or out-of-place. With multiple locking points, these doors open either inward or outward.
At AIS windows, we use high-grade aluminium to manufacture all our aluminium doors and windows. Our experts tailor window and door designs according to your requirements and the vibe of your residential or commercial space. Later, we manufacture and customize aluminium frames to suit your choice. We also provide complete glass solutions covering aspects like security & safety, energy efficiency, privacy, and noise reduction. Contact us today to build the home you’ve always dreamt of!
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