Differences and features of fittings for aluminum windows

Accessories for aluminum windows - pros and cons

The volume of consumption of fittings for aluminum windows in residential buildings and apartments is steadily increasing. In Europe, the share of such windows is about 40%, in Russia it is still about 10%, but the figure is constantly growing.

When ordering windows, a question often arises:

“Which fittings should I choose? Will the fittings from plastic windows fit into aluminum ones? "What is the difference?"

The fittings of an aluminum window are a mechanism responsible for the tightness of the structure (tight pressing of the sash to the frame) and the absence of blowing, as well as easy control of the sash.

The answer lies in the structural features of the aluminum profile. This is a thin-walled profile that is hollow from the inside. It is difficult to attach hinges and a handle to an aluminum profile. Fittings for aluminum and plastic primarily differ in the method of fastening. The elements of the mechanism are not fastened with self-tapping screws through the walls of the profile, but are attracted by screws in the fitting groove.

Photo: the fittings in an aluminum window have a specific fastening. The fitting groove, in most aluminum profile systems, is also not similar to the groove in a plastic and wooden profile - the fittings are not overlapped into it, but are inserted from the corner of the sash.

Photo: the groove for fittings in an aluminum profile is different from a plastic one. This is the reason for the second fundamental difference - the fitting mechanism for aluminum consists of individual elements that are connected to each other by an aluminum or polyamide rod.

Photo: fittings for an aluminum window

Accessories for aluminum profiles

Accessories for aluminum windows are widely used in the window industry. Its popularity is due to the fact that aluminum structures are stronger, more durable and of higher quality. Components for aluminum windows are a very important component of the design. The service life of the window directly depends on them.

The main components of fittings for aluminum profiles:

— handles for aluminum windows; - rotary hinges; — corner switches; — scissors for tilt and turn sashes; - constipation; — decorative overlays; - latches.

Types of fittings for aluminum windows

Sliding cold aluminum windows are most often used on balconies and terraces. They are equipped with the simplest fittings - a latch handle and rollers. Rollers are designed to move the sash. The latch handle acts as a sash lock. There is no locking of the sash in the usual way in sliding cold aluminum windows.

Photo: set of fittings for sliding cold aluminum Swivel and tilt/turn fittings. This is the most common type of fittings in Russia.

There are two types:

• Traditional - the same as for plastic windows. The exception is hinges; they must be of a special fastening method. Traditional fittings are cheaper than special ones, but are not suitable for all models of aluminum profiles.

Photo: hinges in an aluminum profile are attached to the embedded part

• Special – fittings that are designed specifically for aluminum profiles. In this case, the set consists of locking and movement-transmitting elements that are connected to each other using a flat rod, and the handle has a specific fastening. Many manufacturers offer special “aluminum fittings”; they can be installed in all profile aluminum systems. All that remains is to choose the most suitable opening method. The disadvantage of this type of fittings is the higher cost.

Photo: windows can be made from aluminum with the usual turning or tilt/turn opening

Fanlight opening

Common types of opening aluminum structures:

• Bottom-hung - hinges are installed on the underside of the sash, which is hinged. Transoms are convenient for high-positioned windows. When ventilating, the air flow goes upward, eliminating drafts. The downside is the inconvenience of manual opening if the sash is located quite high.

Photo: bottom-hung transoms This type of transom can be equipped with a Roto E-TEC drive remote opening mechanism, which will solve the opening issue.

• Top-hung - the hinges are located on the top of the sash, it is raised and fixed in this position. Top-hung transoms are often used in facade glazing, and the sashes open outward. This is an ergonomic and convenient type of opening. The advantages of top-hung transoms include a handle located at an accessible and convenient height for opening, and saving space near the window when ventilating. There is no need to remove objects from the windowsill.

Photo: top-hung transoms

Rotating windows around an axis

• Central rotation - rotates around a vertical axis.

Such sashes do not swing open completely, but rotate 180°, which is convenient for washing windows, but is still unusual for Russians. The sash is fixed at different angles of rotation, which prevents the possibility of falling out.

The sashes rotating around their axis have increased burglary resistance in the basic configuration. The mechanism is easy to operate even on large and high doors.

Photo: sash rotating around a vertical axis

• Mid-hung – the sash can be rotated around a horizontal axis. Mid-hung sashes can be of different shapes – rectangular or round. The weight of the doors reaches 200 kg, and the door area is up to 5 sq.m. Sometimes this opening method is the only one possible for opening round windows. It is suitable for comfortable ventilation - cold air is directed to the ceiling and has time to warm up before it reaches the floor.

Photo: mid-hung sash, rotating around a horizontal axis

Warm aluminum sliding windows

Folding sliding structures are especially popular in glazing balconies, loggias, terraces and restaurants. They do not take up much space for opening the sash and allow you to open the widest possible opening. The disadvantages of sliding structures include their high price.

Photo: folding aluminum accordion windows - the opening can be opened completely

Photo: sliding warm aluminum windows and doors

Parallel-hinged aluminum windows

A rare type of opening in Russia, it is used mainly in facade glazing. The parallel-retractable sash extends into the outer part of the building for ventilation by approximately 20 cm. Suitable for large sash sizes (2000x3000mm). Can be equipped with a remote opening mechanism.

Photo: parallel-retractable aluminum windows fit perfectly into a solid glass facade. The advantage is that when opened, the sash does not occupy the internal space, the disadvantage is that with this type of opening, precipitation and snow can get inside.

Fittings for aluminum windows - what to look for when choosing

What to consider when choosing fittings for an aluminum window:

• Material of manufacture - to avoid corrosion of aluminum, fittings should be made of aluminum, stainless steel and composite materials.
• The weight of the sash and the load-carrying capacity of the hinges – what weight of the sash can the hinges support. Incorrectly selected hinges will lead to constant warping and jamming, and can cause the sash to tear off and fall out. Manufacturers offer hinges with a load capacity from 80 to 300 kg.
• The method of fastening the hinges is using clamping terminals or fastening through an embedded part. Clamp terminals are a more preferable option, since in this case holes are not drilled in the profile and there is less chance of freezing. And adjusting such hinges is easier.
• The presence of additional functions makes the window operation process more comfortable:
• Opening limiter - fixes the opening of the sash to the desired degree, protects the sash from impacts against the slope or facade profile.

Photo: Roto sash opening limiter*

• Microventilator is an additional element for fixing the sash when opened 5-20mm for ventilation.
• Mushroom-shaped pins – installation of mushroom-shaped locking elements increases the window’s burglary resistance to class 3.

Photo: security locking pin SH-Schließer RC ½ from Roto Alu fittings*

• Hardware manufacturer - you should choose a reliable company with a long history and good reputation. Its products will be more expensive exactly by the amount that the company invests in the development and equipment of production. This money is invested in ensuring impeccable quality and long term trouble-free operation

The widest range to meet all the needs of modern architecture

Roto AL300 - fittings for sashes in the “light” weight category up to 80 kg with an optimal combination of price and quality. All the most commonly used opening types are available: rotary, tilt/turn, transom. The maximum height of the sashes is 2400 mm.

Roto AL - fittings for sashes in the “heavy” weight category, weighing up to 130/160/200/300 kg. By changing and strengthening the design of the hinges, the manufacturer has achieved the ability to produce sashes of impressive sizes. Maximum sash height 2700/3000 mm. The most popular option for panoramic glazing of country real estate.

The Roto AL series has a built-in mechanism against slamming in case of strong gusts of wind. The sashes tilt to a maximum distance of 190 mm for faster ventilation (standard opening distance for sashes is 120-170 mm).

Roto AL Designo is an elegant fitting with hidden hinges for sashes weighing up to 180 kg. Of the visible fittings on this window there will be only a handle. Roto offers special, stylish handles without rosettes – a discreet solution for fashionable aluminum windows.

Photo: Roto AL Designo hidden hinges are not visible on a closed window *Roto Patio Alversa PS AirCom - fittings for sliding windows and doors with automatic tilting and closing of the sash. Simply turn the handle and the sash, weighing up to 160 kg, can be easily, without additional effort, tilted for ventilation or pulled into the opening.

All types of Roto AL fittings are produced in a burglar-resistant configuration and are compatible with the Roto E-Tec hidden automatic opening drive.

✔ Method of attaching hinges - quick and safe installation

Roto AL hinges are secured using pre-installed clamp terminals. This speeds up the assembly process and eliminates errors. For sashes weighing more than 130 kg, additional hinge fixing elements are provided for greater reliability and safety.

✔ Load capacity of hinges – the ability to choose what you need and not overpay

For long-term safe operation of the sashes, the manufacturer offers 4 hinge options for sashes of different weights - from 80 to 300 kg. This differentiation allows you to choose the right loop for a specific task and not overpay for excessive reliability.

✔ Material of manufacture – corrosion of the profile and fittings is excluded

All parts of the mechanism are made of aluminum alloy and composite materials, moving elements are made of stainless steel. Visible parts of the fittings are painted or anodized at the factory, which guarantees excellent resistance to mechanical damage and aggressive environments.

Accessories for window and door aluminum structures

Window and door structures use a large number of components:

• corner connectors for crimping
• corner latches for screwdriver assembly
• leveling corners
• connecting crackers (impost)
• other components

Currently, both imported and domestic components are presented on the market.

Corner connectors and latches can be extruded from aluminum alloy or die cast.

Accessories for aluminum windows – reliability is a priority

Aluminum windows are widely used in glazing balconies in urban new buildings and panoramic windows of private cottages. Aluminum structures do not require additional reinforcement, like plastic, and they do not need to be maintained, like wood.

The question of choosing fittings arises both during the initial glazing of a house and when replacing aluminum structures from the developer. Choosing high-quality fittings is the key to durable and flawless window operation.

Accessories for facade aluminum structures

In façade structures, components are used for:

• drainage of condensate from racks
• moisture flow at the junction of the rack joint
• sealing the rack joint
• connection of the crossbar with the rack with a load of less than 1.5 kN

The system also includes brackets for attaching racks to load-bearing walls, aluminum brackets for T-connections of crossbars to racks.

Our company maintains a warehouse stock of all necessary components for the manufacture of windows, doors and facade structures.

See prices for components for aluminum structures .

Mounting elements (facade structures)

In order to save your time, we also supply brackets for fastening aluminum structures. The brackets can be manufactured in full accordance with the catalogs AGS 150, AGS 500 - A012, K012, K290 - aluminum body, stainless steel fasteners.

Also, according to your design documentation or according to our standard drawings, we can produce steel brackets with various coating options (zinc coating, powder coating, primer coating).

Standard brackets

Various options for available brackets

After approval of the drawings, depending on the quantity and coverage you need, the production time will be approximately 5 to 15 working days. Powder coating is carried out in accordance with GOST 22233-2001 or Qualicoat, the coating thickness can be from 60 to 120 microns. Zinc coating is carried out in accordance with GOST 9.307-89, the coating thickness can be from 40 to 200 microns.

The manufacturing quality of the mounting brackets is necessarily confirmed by quality certificates, which are provided at the time of shipment.

The passport indicates, among other things:

• grade of steel used;
• brand of electrodes used;

The quality passport is accompanied by certified copies of passports and certificates for all materials used, as well as copies of welders’ certification certificates and test reports of control samples.