About double Glazing hardwood, aluminium

Aluminium Replacement Windows and Doors, Double Glazing, Thermal Break Aluminium

Aluminium - for strength and durability

When double glazed windows first became popular in the late 1960's aluminium was the material most often used. 

Its main advantage was its strength. Windows manufactured with aluminium are more resistant to warping, twisting or sticking when subjected to the elements. They are also virtually intruder proof. Additionally aluminium neither absorbs water, rots or rusts.

In the last decade aluminium windows have decreased in popularity mainly because it became a more expensive alternative than PVCu. Additionally the insulation qualities of aluminium are quite poor when compared to PVCu and it was often susceptible to condensation. This lack of insulation is partly remedied by installing a 'thermal break' in the aluminium frame. If you chose aluminium for your replacement windows we would only suggest you consider windows with a thermal break.

Aluminium is a good choice for commercial locations and any situation where strength is a major issue. 

Aluminium windows can be fitted as 'direct fix' - i.e. directly against the brickwork or alternatively (and more often) into a hardwood subframe.

Aluminium Systems suppliers include Monarch, Universal and Aliplast.

	Pros		Cons
	Very strong		More expensive than PVCu
	Slim frames		Poor insulation qualities unless you add a thermal break
	Available in many different colours		There are fewer suppliers - more difficult to source
	Virtually maintenance free		Generally - not allowed in listed buildings