Aluminum profile windows, features and characteristics of aluminum profile windows

Photo: Schüco
Aluminum alloy is lightweight and resistant to corrosion. It is much harder and more resistant to bending than PVC (the most popular material for window frames in Russia) and, unlike the latter, is almost not subject to thermal expansion. One problem is that the thermal conductivity of the alloy is 220 W/(m • K), which is hundreds of times higher than that of wood or PVC.

A frame made of an ordinary hollow aluminum profile will certainly freeze in winter: its indoor surfaces will be covered with frost. Therefore, the profile for windows of heated rooms has to be made with a thermal break - a longitudinal plastic insert (inserts) separating the outdoor and indoor metal parts. This technology is far from new (it is already about a quarter of a century old), however, even today it is considered complex and remains quite expensive.

On the domestic market, window profiles made of “warm” aluminum are offered by Agrisovgaz (AGS brand), Tatprof, SIAL-Profile (mainly distributed in Siberia), Realit, Gutmann, Reynaers, Schüco, etc.

Let's talk in more detail about the design and consumer characteristics of frames made of “warm” aluminum, simultaneously comparing them with analogues made of PVC and wood.

Advantages of aluminum profile

Rice. 2. Window with aluminum profile.

Of course, the buyer has a question: why choose something that is not very common, if there are always time-tested options. In repairs, especially in its main issues, people are quite conservative, and if everyone has encountered plastic and wood in their lives and knows their properties firsthand, then in the case of aluminum it is necessary to explain why it can be used along with the named materials, and in on what issues it can seriously compete with them or surpass them in characteristics.

Noise insulation

Rice. 3. Noise insulation performance.

On average, the noise level on a quiet street in a residential area does not exceed 45 dB. A noisy street with car traffic can give a reading of 80 dB (for comparison, the figure for a factory workshop is about 100 dB). Aluminum windows, depending on the number of chambers, show different properties in terms of sound insulation. The indicator of a standard two-chamber design will be 37 dB. The “warm” profile will save you from noise with an indicator of 48 dB.

Unlike plastic windows, aluminum windows do not have a 7-8 chamber structure that allows them to muffle the noise of the work shop, however, for a quiet city street, 40-45 dB is more than enough.

Heat saving

Rice. 4. Properties of aluminum windows.

Those window designs about which there is a stereotype of “coldness” are now used only in non-residential buildings, where temperature retention is not important.

Today, aluminum windows are made with several internal chambers - in “warm” structures their number reaches 5 (as in standard PVC models), which makes it possible to achieve significant thermal insulation performance. With tightness and high-quality double-glazed windows and fittings, a house with such windows will always be warm.

The advantage of windows with several chambers is that in winter cold air does not enter the room and warm air does not leave it, and in summer hot air does not heat the living space.

Wind protection

Rice. 5. Windows with multiple cameras.

This indicator of aluminum windows was valued even in the days when only the “cold” version was available. Wind protection of this design has earned respect in non-residential premises, and with the advent of insulated profiles (the so-called “warm” aluminum glazing), the number of chambers of which reaches up to 5, this indicator has become much more respectable. It is this property that is most important when choosing balcony structures and glazing, and aluminum profiles are one of the leaders in this niche.

A high-quality profile and a good double-glazed window will save you from cold winds and drafts.

Long service life of aluminum profile

Rice. 6. Reliability of the design.

In terms of service life, no other structure can be compared with aluminum construction - the fact is that aluminum, in its essence, is an eternal material, and nothing can happen to it. It is not exposed to light or chemical attack, it does not deform from cold and heat, and cannot crack or catch fire.

Thus, the profile itself will last you a lifetime, taking into account the fact that from time to time (just as in any other structures) you will carry out maintenance or replacement of fittings. A painted aluminum double-glazed window will delight you with its original color for a long time, since the powder-polymer paint on these windows does not fade.

Environmental friendliness

Rice. 7. Use in eco-houses.

Due to its chemical properties, aluminum is a completely non-toxic material. If PVC windows have a certain characteristic plastic odor, which does not depend on their cost, then the aluminum structure is devoid of it.

Since profiles made of this metal do not burn and are not exposed to heat, they do not emit any decomposition products, which affects the complete safety of both the residents of the apartment and the environment. For those who care about the environment, aluminum has another trump card - this material can be recycled, and if you get tired of your window, it will be easy to assemble a new product from it.

Easy to use

Rice. 8. Any means of care are suitable.

Aluminum is the most easy-to-maintain material - if in the case of wooden and plastic structures it is advisable to carefully select detergents that do not contain any active cleaning substances, then a metal window can also be washed with chemicals. The only point worth paying attention to is that these windows can be scratched, and this will have an unpleasant effect on their appearance. There are even special products made from aluminum resins that will save you from accidental scratches. Thus, the only recommendation would be to avoid using hard brushes, sponges and abrasive materials when caring for the structure.

You can see the advantage of an aluminum window over a PVC profile in the video:

Guarantee

In terms of 1 m2, glazing made from aluminum profiles cannot be called a budget option, especially if we are talking about a warm contour using modern insulating materials and double-glazed windows.

Each manufacturer responsible for the supply and installation of structures in this category provides customers with a certain period of free warranty service .

Duration of the warranty period

Almost every aluminum window manufacturer claims that their products can last up to 50 - 60 years without the need for replacement or major repairs.

However, in fact, the company provides the following warranty periods after installation and delivery of the structure to the customer:

For aluminum profiles and double-glazed windows (provided the breakdown is not the fault of the customer) – 5 – 10 years.
For fittings, handles, turning and locking mechanisms 1 - 3 years.
For adjustment and calibration of products, stoppers and other additional options – 6 – 18 months.

After signing the relevant document, the customer receives the right to contact the installation organization in the event of any problem reflected in the list of warranty cases.

What does it depend on?

The duration of the warranty for aluminum window structures depends on the following criteria :

Image of the supplier company. If there is an appropriate level of capitalization, the company can afford to provide the longest possible guarantee.
Quality of aluminum profile - as a rule, metal structures are supplied from related production, which, in turn, provides a guarantee to the counterparty.
The manufacturer of window fittings (most often from Germany) also supplies its products to the window manufacturing plant with a guarantee for the operation of all mechanisms.

Each company sets the warranty period based on an analysis of the competitive environment. Thus, all manufacturers actively competing in the market offer customers approximately the same period of free service.

Features of aluminum profile

Rice. 9. Window composition.

In order to choose any material, you need to know its characteristics. Let's look at what distinguishes an aluminum window frame:

High mechanical strength - it is impossible to deform such a structure in everyday life, since it absolutely withstands the effects of heat, light, as well as any mechanical pressure. The profiles do not use pure metal, but a mixture of it with magnesium and silicon, which increases the strength indicator even more impressively. In addition, aluminum does not burn.
Light weight - it is this indicator that has earned great love and respect among those who buy it. This property is especially important when working with balconies and loggias - where there is absolutely no need for extra load on the supporting structures.
Thinness of the profile - aluminum profiles are the thinnest compared to PVC and wood, which allows more light to penetrate into the room.
Flexibility - if this criterion is not so important for an ordinary person, then in design it is a pleasant bonus - aluminum structures can be rounded without difficulty, and it is possible to make doors and window profiles of interesting shapes from them.
Free sizes - due to the lightness and flexibility of the design, it is possible to manufacture aluminum profiles of any required size.

Accessories

Aluminum structures are reliable, so they do not use as many locking mechanisms as for other products. The fittings allow you to add a mid-turn mode to the opening methods, which is ideal for windows of round or oval configuration. At the same time, the sash rotates around its axis by 180 degrees.

Handles for systems can be standard or have anti-burglary mechanisms. Hinges can also be either standard or hidden from prying eyes.

Please note that the product is sealed, so it is important to use ventilation. It could be:

window Convenient, but this method, due to the presence of additional partitions and sashes, will reduce the flow of light.
ventilation limiter. It will be possible to ventilate the room with both increased air flow and weak air flow.
supply ventilation valve. The most convenient and functional solution. The ventilation valve is located, as a rule, at the top of the system; it allows air from the street to pass through, while retaining dust, and also protects well from noise. The ventilation valve is adjusted by turning the handle, thus controlling how much air enters the room.

Structure and characteristics of aluminum profile windows

Rice. 10. Warm and cold windows.

Considering in detail the structure and characteristic features of aluminum windows, we will divide them into two large groups - “cold” and “warm”.

Cold windows This type of profile is installed in those rooms where protection from dust and wind is important, and thermal insulation is not a key factor. The cold profile design consists of one chamber, without any inserts or insulation. The advantage of this type is its low weight, thinness (however, this point must be kept in mind during installation) and if the characteristics meet the requirements, then this is a worthy option for glazing a balcony, for example.
Warm windows For residential premises where the heat factor plays a major role, this type of profile is chosen. A warm window consists of several chambers, their number can reach up to five. This design, in addition to the frame itself and the glass, includes special inserts made from fiberglass or polyamide that allow you to insulate the room from frost. This insert is called a “thermal break” or “thermal bridge”: two metal profiles are separated by a polyamide element, thus their contact is completely eliminated, and if the outer frame is cooled, its temperature will not be transferred to the inner one.

Where are they used?

Until recently, aluminum windows were used exclusively in industrial (warehouses, workshops) and public (offices, shopping centers) buildings. This was due to the low thermal conductivity of such structures and their high cost. With the development of technology, the thermal conductivity of aluminum profiles has been reduced through the use of special heat-insulating liners. Today, aluminum structures are also installed in residential buildings. The use of sliding aluminum systems for glazing loggias and balconies is especially popular.

Aluminum window production technology

Rice. 11. Window production.

Aluminum windows have a higher price compared to PVC profiles due, first of all, to the labor intensity of their production. We will not consider the entire procedure in great detail and technologically meticulous - we will only note its most important stages:

Aluminum casts are heated in a special oven to make them easier to work with;
The metal profile is cut according to the customer’s required dimensions;
The ends of the impost (the parts responsible for holding the sashes in the frame) are milled on a special machine;
All necessary holes for fittings and window operation are punched;
Special holes are drilled for specific locks and components;
The prepared frame is blown with compressed air to get rid of metal shavings and dust;
The seal, fittings, handle, fasteners and hinges are installed;
The corners of the profile are clamped, the seal in the corners is glued;
The frame and sashes of the window are connected;
Double-glazed windows are being installed.

If all the characteristics of an aluminum window suit you and you decide to buy it, in addition to carefully choosing a company, be sure to pay attention to the fact that the price of the profile will depend on:

Thickness (with extra thickness comes extra warmth and sound absorption);
Components (the window itself will last you a lifetime, only the fittings will need to be replaced from time to time, so it is preferable to immediately choose high-quality ones);
The number of cameras in a double-glazed window (the more, the quieter and warmer, so for rooms choose designs with 4-5 cameras).

Coloring methods

One of the main advantages of using an aluminum profile is the durability of the color coating - there is absolutely no need to periodically update it. Aluminum profiles are painted using two methods:

Anodizing is a galvanic method in which the color range is limited. In this process, a strong, durable coating is applied to the surface of the product, preventing corrosion and protecting against minor damage. Next, the profile is painted with aniline-based dyes.
Powder coating is one of the methods of applying paint and varnish, which makes it possible to provide a durable, environmentally friendly and durable coating. It has a number of important properties - heat resistance, impact resistance, anti-corrosion. The color spectrum can cover the entire RAL scale - about 400 shades, including imitation of valuable wood species.

Sealant

For any type of glazing and with sashes and doors, an important element of the fittings is the sealing tape. It is responsible for preventing drafts, eliminating mechanical damage to the aluminum profile, and preventing moisture penetration.

There are only three types of seals:

TPE is characterized by high quality, but there is a high risk of cracking in severe frosts.
VMQ is resistant to temperature and humidity changes. Experts recommend using it in harsh climates.
EPDM is technically slightly inferior to the previous model, but due to its lower cost it is more popular in the middle zone.

Variety of rubber seals Source al-solution.ru

average cost

The average cost depends on the shape of the window, profile, double-glazed windows and fittings, as well as finishing materials.

So, for example, according to the shape and number of sashes, the average cost (from) :

single doors – 7000 RUR;
double doors - 10,000 rubles;
tricuspid – 20,000 rubles;
round – 14,000 RUR;
trapezoidal - 12,000 rubles;
balcony blocks – 45,000 rubles;
arched - 25,000 rubles;
with thermal break (warm profile) and double doors - 40,000 rubles;
with increased sound insulation, thermal break and 2 doors - 78,000 rubles;
with wooden overlays and 2 doors RUR 122,000

More information about prices here.