windows and aluminium systems

Curious Geroge

Wondered if anyone has looked or installed an aluminium system. We've been looking at aluclad up to now but recently started to view aluminium. Choosing the windows seem to be a bit of a mine field.

braftery

Windows are probably the single biggest pruchase you will make on your project.

More so if you have any large glazed elements which are becoming more and more common in modern buildings.

Every window systems has pro's and con's, it is best to break down your requirements in a prioritised list.

Budget, Thermal Performance, Asthetic, Durability

List the above and any other considerations in your own order of priority.

The most obvious is budget, but it is not always obvious which window type will be most cost effective.

Examples: Good quality PVC profiles in Laminate finishes can be very close to the same price as softwood windows.

Hardwood windows are now often more expensive than softwood aluclad.

Thermally effecient Aluminium systems are usually price comparable with Aluclad.

The other factors that effect the price are;

type of glazing (2G, 3G, and differing coatings)
type of glazing spacer (aluminium, and the many differing types and performance of warm edge spacers)
finishes
Window Mechanism
Window Handles

Make sure you check not only the U-Value of the window systems you are looking at, but also their performance in Air tightness Classification and their compliance with the new EN 14351 standard for windows.

Finally, the design and function of your windows can have a massive impact on the over price of the package. Simple, single sash windows without mullions are the most thermally effecient and most cost effective design.

I hope that helps.