10 questions about the importance of your frames

1. My frames are getting old. But is there any reason to invest in new ones?

Old frames deteriorate progressively over time. As a result, your frames do not offer the same levels of thermal insulation, watertightness, soundproofing and security as they did some years ago. Investing in new frames will not only significantly improve the living conditions in your home, but will also save you money, as you will significantly reduce both energy loss and utility bills. In addition, with energy-efficient aluminium frames you can ensure stable performance for at least 30 years!

2. Where to start? What type of frames are the right ones for me?

Whichever choice you make, each has its own unique characteristics. For example, if you live in an apartment with limited space, then the choice of sliding frames is probably the best to save space. The location of your home is also an important factor.  For example, if your home is near a noisy street, hinged or lift & sliding frames are the best choice due to their enhanced soundproofing.

3. A friend got a hinged system. Maybe I should get one of those?

Hinged frames are a particularly reliable choice, as they provide high levels of thermal insulation, watertightness and soundproofing. However, if you have large window openings in your home, then you may need to revisit your criteria, as in such a case - especially if we are talking about an opening of more than 2m - sliding or lift & slide frames are what you are looking for.

4. I hear a lot about thermal insulation. How do I know which frame is better in this area?

Nowadays, thermal insulation is the be-all and end-all for a frame, as it provides thermal comfort and minimizes heat losses. To understand whether the frame you have chosen has a good thermal insulation performance, you should ask for the thermal transmittance coefficient Uw. The lower the value of Uw, the higher the thermal insulation of the window (the glass together with the frame). Aluminium energy-efficient frames offer excellent levels of thermal insulation ( separately, for the aluminium profile the coefficient is Uf, and Ug for the glass) and at the same time they are not lacking in variety of design options. Finally, we should note that due to the stability of the mechanical properties of aluminium, the frames provide high levels of airtightness, which positively affects the overall thermal insulation they offer.

5. What do we mean by energy-efficient frames?

With the term energy-efficient frames we mean frames with a thermal break, which have an insulating material between the outer and inner part of the profile. This material is usually polyamide – in combination with additional components used, such as gaskets, energy bars (thermal breaks) etc. - and plays a key role in preventing heat loss. In addition to thermal insulation, energy-efficient frames offer excellent levels of sound insulation and watertightness, providing a holistic solution for any space.

6. So, besides energy, do I also save money?

Clearly! The main advantage of energy-efficient windows is that they reduce the energy consumed in your home on a daily basis. This results in lower bills. In a time of a widespread energy crisis and high energy costs, choosing energy-efficient frames will prove to be a smart move!

7. But what else should you consider besides thermal insulation?

As mentioned earlier, there are other factors to evaluate before making your final decision. Soundproofing is particularly important, as it keeps out unwanted noise To determine the sound insulation levels of the system you choose, ask for the relevant certifications that show the dB reduction it offers.

Apart from soundproofing, which is vital, especially in large urban centers, another factor to consider is the resistance to burglary. Resistance to invasion attempts is certified through rigorous testing, . This determines burglary resistance class (according to the RC scale) - the higher the number the higher the protection, e.g. RC2, RC3 etc..), which assesses the frame's performance under such conditions.

8. What about the environment? Will my frames be eco-friendly?

It will be eco-friendly if you make the right choice. ALUMIL energy-efficient systems are produced from at least 60% recycled aluminium. What does this mean? That much less energy is used to produce them and this results in a smaller environmental footprint. Besides, bear in mind that aluminium is a metal with infinite recyclability.  This property makes it particularly eco-friendly, as producing secondary aluminium—derived from recycling, scrap sorting and recasting—requires 95% less energy compared to primary aluminium.

9. Good. According to what I'm reading, changing my frames is probably a one way street. Where can I find a fabricator?

This is a very important issue. Many will tell you to search the internet or that good fabricators can only be found by word of mouth. Others will urge you to look in your neighborhood. But because we don't want to confuse you and waste your time, we "recommend" My Windows! Essentially, it is ALUMIL's innovative platform that helps you quickly and easily find a reliable fabricator based on your location. You simply fill in a few details about the frames you want to install, indicate your location and you get a choice of fabricators near you. You choose who to send a request to and within a short time they reply by sending you their quote. Perfect?

10. It turned out to be easier than I imagined. One last thing: Is it worth seeking funding from the "Exoikonomo" energy saving programs?

It is not just worth it, but practically... required! The annual "Exoikonomo" energy saving programs offer significant financial support (up to 70-75%) and enable integrated solutions and interventions. Frames play a key role in any energy upgrade initiative. After all, through their performance, window frames contribute decisively to the thermal comfort that one feels inside his/her home. In fact, depending on the energy efficiency of the window frames you choose, you can save up to 50% energy! 

Now you know everything you need to know!

➡️Waste no time! Pick up your phone, call ALUMIL and schedule an appointment for a visit to a showroom, where you will have the opportunity to see its advanced products, talk to specialized consultants and take the first step for your new frames!