Guide to aluminum profiles for windows and doors
The choice of materials for the windows of a building cannot be left to chance. Over the years, significant advancements have been made through continuous innovation, leading to solutions characterized by high performance in terms of durability and reliability. The use of aluminum in this field confirms the metal’s great success in architecture and construction. There are many reasons for this success: let’s explore the advantages of aluminum profiles for windows and doors and examine the characteristics of the main types available today on the market.
What are aluminum windows profiles?
Windows and frames are terms often used interchangeably, though in reality, they are two different, yet complementary, elements. The frame is the structural component of a door or window fixed directly to the wall. The window, on the other hand, is the mobile part mounted on the frame via hinges or other systems. These components can be made from various materials, from traditional wood to plastics like PVC, and of course, aluminum. Each material has its characteristics, pros, and cons. The final choice is made based on current regulations, technical requirements, the characteristics of the door/window, and personal preferences.
In most cases, aluminum is the material of choice. It’s a metallic material that allows for the creation of thin profiles while offering strong guarantees in terms of performance, as well as design (it’s the most popular option for minimalistic styles and large openings). Aluminum profiles for windows can be described as structural elements characterized by a lightweight, high resistance, and a versatility, flexibility, and ease of maintenance hard to find in other materials. Several types are available on the market, and it’s important to know them and understand their specific applications.
Types of aluminum profiles for windows
For aluminum profiles for windows, we can distinguish the following types:
- C-shaped profiles offer the highest dimensional stability, resist corrosion and impacts, and their surfaces can undergo specific treatments.
- H-shaped profiles maintain the classic lightness of aluminum while providing strong mechanical performance, making them ideal for structural applications.
- Glazing bead profiles are created with a specific alloy that makes them easily weldable and are usually anodized.
- Channels, which can be single or double, are typically extruded with specific designs for advanced technical characteristics.
Regarding aluminum profiles for windows, the most important variable is the type of opening. The most classic is the swing opening, either inward or outward. Another common option (often combined with the swing opening) is the tilt-and-turn mechanism, perfect for air circulation without fully opening the window. In spaces with limited room, the Vasistas opening (or “was ist das”) is becoming popular, characterized by a hinge at the bottom, allowing the top of the window to open inward. The opposite version is the top-hung opening, where the bottom opens outward. Finally, there are pivoting openings, which rotate around a central axis, either vertically or horizontally. Further distinctions can be made based on the number of sashes, design, and other factors.
Advantages and disadvantages of aluminum profiles for windows
Choosing aluminum profiles for windows offers many benefits. Over the years, this metal has first emerged as an alternative to wood and then as the most popular option. The reasons for this success are largely due to aluminum’s intrinsic characteristics: it’s easy to work with, available in many alloys, and highly resistant despite being lightweight. Additionally, its versatility has been a blessing for architects, designers, and engineers. Here are some of the main advantages of aluminum profiles for windows:
- Aluminum is a long-lasting material.
- It offers high resistance.
- It’s lightweight.
- Aluminum is 100% recyclable.
- Aluminum frames are available in many formats.
- Custom structures can be created to fit any style, even for historic buildings.
- Aluminum window profiles offer an excellent cost-to-benefit ratio.
The drawbacks are few. In terms of cost, aluminum windows are cheaper than wooden ones but more expensive than PVC windows. Additionally, aluminum is not the best choice for thermal insulation, although significant advancements have been made to improve performance in this area.
Why choose aluminum windows and doors profiles?
We’ve just seen the strengths of aluminum for window and door profiles. Aluminum is a noble material, offering durability, weather resistance, and the ability to bring more light into spaces while adapting to any style. Aluminum is also malleable, making it possible to create custom-shaped and sized windows, available in a variety of colors.
Simply walking through our cities shows that most modern windows are made with aluminum profiles. Lightweight, robust, and resistant, they require less maintenance over time, translating into cost savings. Another key factor is sustainability: aluminum is fully recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Our aluminum windows profiles: online sales and installation
To fully benefit from the advantages of installing aluminum windows, it’s essential to turn to those who can provide high-quality profiles. Nowadays, the web has become a vital tool for consumers’ purchasing decisions, including in sectors that seemed disconnected from this trend until recently, such as construction. This industry is undoubtedly one where aluminum is most widely used, for example, to create facades, stairs, work tools, and, of course, windows and doors. Online sales of aluminum profiles for window frames have significantly increased in recent years, but as mentioned, it is crucial to find the right supplier to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Beyond the quality of the profiles, attention must also be paid to their installation. If not done correctly, even the best window and door structures cannot perform optimally in terms of thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, and security. For this reason, it’s important to rely only on qualified and experienced technicians who can provide consultancy and assistance at every stage (from product selection to post-installation) and who can demonstrate their skills and quality through the necessary certifications.
Casal Aluminium is the ideal reference point for those looking for such products and other aluminum solutions: custom profiles, square, round, or rectangular bars, extruded and drawn tubes, and more. Casal Aluminium’s aluminum profiles for windows are the perfect choice for those looking to install beautiful and elegant windows that remain flawless for decades. For more information, you can visit the official website of the company in Casale Cremasco and use the form on the Contact page to ask questions or request a quote online. The process is very simple, as you only need to enter your details, contact information, and message before clicking on Submit Request. Alternatively, you can contact Casal Aluminium’s team by emailing [email protected] or calling +39 0373458005.
