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 show damage that increases 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 greatly reduce energy losses and your bills. In addition, with aluminium energy-efficient frames you can ensure stable performance for at least 3 decades!

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

Whichever choice you make, it has its own unique characteristics. For example, if you live in an apartment with limited square footage, then the choice of sliding frames is probably more appropriate, as you "save" a lot of space. The location of your home is also an important factor.  For example, if your home is located near a noisy street, hinged or lift & slide frames are the best choice due to the enhanced soundproofing they offer.

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 occasionally hear a lot of talk 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 loss. To understand whether the frame you have chosen has good levels in this area, 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 a 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?

By the term energy-efficient frames we mean the frames with thermal break, which have an insulating material between the outer and inner part of the profile. Usually, this material is polyamide - in combination with additional components used, such as gaskets, energy bars etc.. - and plays a key role in preventing heat loss from a space. In addition to thermal insulation, the 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 a reduction in bills. In a time of a generalized energy crisis, with high energy costs, the choice of energy-efficient frames will prove to be a winning move!

7. What else do I need to pay attention to besides thermal insulation?

As we mentioned above, apart from thermal insulation, there are other elements that you need to evaluate before making your final decision. The soundproofing of your windows is particularly important, as they keep out annoying noises. To know what levels of sound insulation the system you choose offers, ask for the relevant certifications that demonstrate the dB reduction levels it offers.

Apart from the soundproofing that is essential, especially in large urban centres, another measurable element you should take into account is the resistance to burglary. Through rigorous testing, resistance to invasion attempts is certified. This results in an anti-burglary class (class of the RC scale - the higher the number the higher the protection, e.g. RC2, RC3 etc..) on the basis of which the behaviour of the frame in such conditions and situations is evaluated.

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

It will be eco-friendly if you make the right choice. ALUMIL aluminium energy-efficient systems are produced from at least 60% recycled aluminium. What does this mean? That much less energy is used to build them and this results in a smaller environmental footprint. Besides, bear in mind that aluminium is a metal with perpetual recyclability.  This feature makes it particularly environmentally friendly, as the energy required for the production of second aluminium castings (which results from the process of recycling, scrap sorting and recasting) is 95% less than for primary aluminium castings!

9. Good. Based on 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 neighbourhood. But because we don't want to confuse you and waste infinite time searching, 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 the location of your premises and then you have 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 programmes?

Not just worth it, but practically... required! The annual "Exoikonomo" energy upgrade programmes 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, frames contribute decisively to the thermal comfort that one feels inside the home. In fact, depending on the energy-efficient frames you choose, you can save up to 50% energy! 

Now you know everything you need to know!

➡️Don’t waste 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!