Total windows Thermal Performance
Windows lose heat in several ways: largely by conduction and radiation through glazing; by conduction through frames; and by air leakage. Today's effective sealing materials minimize air leakage around glazing and through the variety of joints. In aluminium windows, thermally-broken framing members minimize conduction heat loss through frames. These are usually composed of three pieces: an outer extruded frame; a central core of insulating material; and an inner extruded frame. The central core acts as a barrier to heat flow from a warm interior to a cold exterior in winter, and vice-versa in summer.

This modern construction creates highly thermally efficient frames and enables window manufacturers to take advantage of other important aluminium properties-durability, strength, stability and corrosion resistance for the benefit of consumers. Manufacturers today use a variety of glazing methods and frame designs to minimize window condensation, which can be damaging if it occurs on window frames. By using "thermal breaks" they make aluminium windows with condensation resistance similar to that of wood / timber windows and vinyl / plastic / u-pvc windows.

It's important to note that heat loss through glazing is independent of the material of which sashes and main frames are made. It's the same for windows with frames of aluminium, wood, or vinyl. The total original (i.e., at installation) thermal efficiency of a window is a measure of its ability to resist heat loss through glazing, frames, and by air leakage through joints. Today's aluminium windows offer similar original thermal efficiency to those of wood and vinyl plus the additional advantage of long-term durability, strength, stability, and freedom from structural deterioration.

Related Links:

Tilt-and-turn windows and doors;
Tilt-and-slide windows and doors;
Bi-Fold windows and doors (BiFold windows and doors);
Casement windows and doors;
Awning windows and doors;
Round windows and doors;
Arch windows and doors;
Special shapes windows and doors;
and more!