Changing frames: What to look out for before you choose

The weather conditions

One of the most important factors to consider before buying window and door frames is the weather conditions at the location of your home. Areas with winds, rainfall or near the sea have high demands on the damage that can be caused. That's exactly why we will need a system that will stand the test of time and at the same time have high watertightness and wind load resistance. Also, if we are in a location with a very hot or cold climate, then the purchase of frames with high thermal insulation performance is a one-way street, in order to avoid thermal losses. As for the houses located in coastal areas, the choice of aluminium frames that have passed the special treatment of anodising or pre-anodising, are a safe and highly reliable choice, which shields the frame in the long term.

Light in space

Natural light in a space is crucial, as it can enhance the interior and also have a positive effect on the mood of the people living inside. If, for example, your room has large openings, choosing frames that allow light to enter the room unobstructed is ideal. In this case, aluminium systems are the most suitable, as they have the ability to support structures with a minimal design, while maintaining the robustness and stability required. In addition, if we want controlled shading, we should look for shading system options that match the frames we buy, so that the final result meets our needs.

Get inspired and get ideas for systems that enhance the natural lighting in the room.

Enhanced security

Windows and balcony doors in a space are also potential gateways to and from the space. We must therefore make it a priority to choose frames that will ensure our safety against possible burglary risks. In this case, we need to be informed about the certifications that the frame systems we will choose have and determine whether they have undergone the internationally prescribed burglar resistance tests.

Finally, it is worth noting that what we are interested in the field of security is not to find a completely inviolable system, as this does not exist. What makes the big difference, however, is the resistance that the system can pose to any would-be burglar, and the time it will take him to break into it. The higher the performance in these areas, the more any potential threatening actions will not find fertile ground to take place and this will enhance the feeling of security for residents.

The importance of glass

Glass panes which are placed in our frames, occupy the largest part of the system and therefore they are one of the main factors that affect its behaviour in a variety of areas (thermal insulation, sound insulation, anti-burglary protection).

Here too, our choices vary, depending on our needs and budget. We can choose between single, double or triple glazing, as well as high energy efficiency or impact resistant glass panes. Whatever the choice of the frame we end up with, the accompanying glass is crucial for its overall performance.

Aesthetics that magnetize

Apart from the technical characteristics, which will help us to choose frames, the aesthetics of the space is an equally important factor in the selection process. Here we have to decide whether we want classic or minimal lines, hinged or sliding windows, as well as in which context we want to move colour-wise. Aluminium or wooden frames provide possibilities of customization, in order to achieve the desired result, while the choice of plastic limits our options in this area.

On the issue of colour, if we want earthy shades, we can choose wood (here, of course, significant care and maintenance is required to keep the colour in its original state), synthetic wood, or sublimation, a method of surface treatment of the aluminium profile, which contributes to a realistic visual imitation of wooden surfaces. Finally, if we want a wide range of colours, the aluminium frames give us a wide range of colours, as aluminium as a material can be subjected to multiple painting treatments.

Evaluation of the investment budget

The financial aspect of the decision is highly important and will likely determine the outcome of our search. Since we usually buy new frames once or twice in our lifetime, it is advisable to base our decision on a long-term plan.

For more cost-effective solutions, we can choose either aluminium frames with a basic level of thermal insulation or plastic frames (of course, even among plastic frames, there are cost variations depending on their specific features).

For mid to high-price range solutions, with frames that combine high performance and elegant design, we can choose either wooden constructions or advanced aluminium thermal insulation frames.

If you are looking for minimal aesthetics, the most modern aluminium systems, which combine top quality with modern lines, are ideal for modern constructions with large openings, providing an impressive result while maintaining high standards in terms of thermal performance, sound reduction, watertightness and sturdiness.

Furthermore, it should be noted that investing in aluminium systems contributes to protecting the environment, as aluminium is a perpetually recyclable material. This capability makes it particularly environmentally friendly, as the energy required to produce secondary aluminium castings (resulting from the process of recycling, scrap sorting and recasting) is 95% less than for primary castings.

One step before the final decision

Choosing new frames is a complex process, for which we need to evaluate different factors in order to come up with a product that will meet our necessary specifications.

Knowing and understanding where to focus is our greatest ally in the period before the final purchase decision. The more informed we are about the different parameters, the more suitable the frame system we will come up with will be.

*In the "Aesthetics that Magnetize" section, photos from the Lap Pool House project, posted on alumil.com, were used.