Article
Find your new aluminium frames
The first step of our journey, leading to the installation of new aluminium frames, is crucial. It is important to have a clear understanding of our space's requirements, our aesthetic preferences, and the available options within our budget.
With such a varied range of products, it can be challenging to make a decision. To avoid any missteps, it’s wise to familiarize ourselves with the technical characteristics of the frames, what each type offers, and how much they cost. Understanding how the right frames can enhance our everyday life is key to making the best choice.
An analysis of the selection criteria
Frame Categories
Many factors may influence our final decision, and it is important to set our priorities. Aluminium frames are divided into two main categories, hinged and sliding. Hinged frames are known for their excellent watertightness, while the sliding ones are chosen both for large openings and in residences where space is limited. Also, in terms of design, sliding frames with profiles that have reduced visible aluminium width are more often chosen for minimalistic constructions. Based on this key distinction, we can examine which type best suits our needs.
Location
Part of our decision also has to do with the location of the house. If, for example, our residence is in a coastal area, then the choice of aluminium frames that have undergone enhanced seaside class powder coating or anodizing surface treatment, respectively, is the most suitable for this case, as this will provide the appropriate protection against corrosion.
Also, the harsher the weather conditions of our area, the higher the thermal insulation, watertightness and air permeability performance of the aluminium system we choose should be, so that we can enjoy our daily life without unpleasant surprises.
Energy performance of frames
The performance and overall efficiency of our windows should be the Alpha and Omega when we are choosing a product. Systems with a high thermal insulation performance contribute to a better feel in the interior of the house and at the same time play a very important role in reducing heating costs, as they minimize losses.
Similarly, our frames must be airtight and watertight, because a ‘drafty’ frame causes energy losses and reduces the quality of the living conditions, making it not only energy-intensive, but also cost-inefficient. In addition, with a high performance system, the energy footprint of the house is reduced, thus operating in an eco-friendly way, as required by modern sustainability and environmental protection standards.
Anti-burglary
Something that we should also not overlook is that our windows and balcony doors are also gateways to the interior of our home. We must thus take into account their anti-burglary features. The benchmark for these features is their RC. The higher this number, the more time and powerful tools a potential intruder will need to break into our frame. Therefore, we always need to collect all the information about the locks and the capabilities of the system we are going to buy, by looking for the corresponding certifications.
Aesthetics
In combination to all the above key factors, the style and aesthetics of the frame, plays an important role in our final decision. Here, the color of the frame is crucial. Aluminium is a material that favors surface treatments and thus offers a wide range of color solutions. Powder coating, which is common in aluminium frames, provides a huge range of options, both in terms of color and textures (glossy, matt or grained), and color stability and resistance to possible impacts or scratches.
As far as strength is concerned, the anodizing process further shields the frame (here the aluminium profile is immersed in the chemical liquid create a film that becomes part of the metal). The color options available with anodizing are fewer than those of powder coating, but they cover a wide range of stylish proposals. Finally, we must not forget the pre-anodizing option, a process that allows us to combine the advantages of anodizing with those of powder coating, thus offering enhanced protection against corrosion, as well as numerous color options.
As an alternative to the aforementioned solutions, sublimation, a wood imitation technique, allows us to choose between a multitude of shades and textures. This method has an excellent aesthetic effect and also gives durability to the aluminium profile, as durable powders are used in the process, which help maintain the gloss and shade of the frame.
Finally, beyond the shades, we can choose between more conventional or modern and more abstract lines of frames, always depending on the style of the space and our desired aesthetic result. After all, aluminium as a material has the advantage of unlimited formability, without compromising its durability.
Cost
Before making your purchase decision, the critical factor is of course your budget. Based on your financial limits, the frame options vary and meet different needs. If you got for a low budget solution, there are budget-friendly frame options that provide a satisfactory degree of thermal insulation, making them a reliable choice.
As your budget increases, you can opt for frames with superior thermal insulation, watertightness, and anti-burglary performance. With a larger budget, you also have the option of choosing minimal frames with large sliding balcony doors and thin profiles. Beyond their aesthetic appeal and high performance, minimal frames are favored for their ability to offer unobstructed views and allow plenty of natural light to flood your home, enhancing your living conditions.
Visit to a showroom and your final decision
This marks a pivotal moment in our journey so far. We have gathered our information, we have assessed our needs and we are one step before the final decision. Equipped with everything we have learned, it is the right time to plan our visit to a showroom, where we will have the opportunity to see in person the frames we are interested in, talk to experts in the industry and answer any questions we may have. Visiting a showroom also gives us the chance to physically interact with the frames and get a fuller picture of how they function and feel. After such a visit, making the final decision becomes much easier, and any lingering doubts are likely to be resolved.
The installation of new aluminium frames
The above-mentioned factors shape our final decision regarding the frames we want for our space. After successfully going through this whole process and arriving at the frame that meets our requirements, we reach the last, but perhaps the most important "turn" of this "journey": the installation of our frames.
The fabrication and installation of aluminium frames is a multifaceted and demanding process. That is why we must make all the necessary inquiries so that the technician or the fabrication team that will install the product we have purchased has the knowledge and the appropriate equipment to successfully and responsibly complete our investment.
The proper and smooth operation of a window frame, apart from its technical characteristics, depends on its correct installation, in a way that does not leave room for future malfunctions and ensures stability and durability in everyday use. The specifications and performance of our frames have as a basic prerequisite for their durability, their successful installation by the technician who will come to our premises. A high-performance aluminium system that is installed incorrectly or incompletely is bound to lose part of its performance levels and functionalities. So, we have to remember that this last part of the journey in the frame purchase procedure,, is the most crucial one for their functioning in the future.
Conclusion
If you've taken the first step and are ready to proceed with the purchase of new aluminium frames, it’s essential to approach this process with care. By carefully following each subsequent step, you’ll be led to the selection of frames that not only reflect your personal vision but also add value to your investment, ultimately improving your everyday life.
