Windows made of "warm" aluminum: a new trend in suburban architecture

Aluminum windows are generally considered cold and unsuitable for residential use. Nevertheless, the latest innovative solutions in the production of aluminum euro-windows are ready to surprise even the most demanding user with aesthetic properties and heat-saving parameters.

Projects of modern houses, often erected on the model of classic mansions, are distinguished by amazing architectural solutions, but in technical terms they must meet modern requirements for functionality and energy efficiency. Aluminum profile systems allow the creation of window structures with various opening methods and in a wide range of sizes, shapes and models that guarantee high performance related to thermal insulation, sound insulation or protection against theft and burglary.

Aluminum and plastic profiles for windows

When choosing all options for filling window and balcony openings, the question arises which profile for glazing is more suitable for you, plastic or aluminum. And in order to answer this rather difficult question, it is worth learning about each of the profiles in more detail.

Reinforced-plastic windows consist of 3 or 5 chamber profiles with thick outer glasses of at least 2.2 - 3 mm and reinforcement inside with metal at least 1.4 mm. Such structures can significantly increase the noise and heat insulation and quality of products, however, they have significant weight, which requires strengthening of the supporting structures when glazing balconies. The environmental safety of PVC profile products has long been proven in practice. In metal-plastic structures, various types of double-glazed windows are installed, from single-chamber to three-chamber. This allows for a coefficient of resistance to heat transfer in excess of 1.26 and provides a high class of noise absorption up to 30 dB.

Aluminum products are divided into 2 groups: warm and cold aluminum. As a rule, one glass is installed in products made of cold aluminum, or a single-chamber package with an air chamber of no more than 10 mm. The products are distinguished by their lightness, during installation they do not require additional work with a supporting base. They can be manufactured in large enough sizes. They protect from wind, moisture and dust, slightly reduce street noise and slightly protect against low temperatures.

There are also frames made of warm aluminum profiles. The structures of these frames are multi-layered. The surface of aluminum windows is non-toxic, the profile does not burn, the ingress of chemically active substances on the surface of the aluminum frame does not cause any harm to it. The service life of such structures is approximately 80 years.

Advantages and disadvantages

Aluminum window systems have their own advantages over plastic and wood structures.

• The main advantage of the structures is durability and strength. Windows can be easily operated for 60–80 years, after which the metal can be handed over.
• Aluminum profile windows are completely safe from the environmental side - they do not contain substances that are harmful to health. In addition, the design is completely fireproof.
• Immunity to the influence of external factors is another plus of the structures. Products are not afraid of either corrosion or oxidation, high and low temperatures do not affect stability in any way.
• They are unpretentious in maintenance and can be easily repaired.
• The material has the ability to easily take the desired shape, which gives a lot of room for imagination and the installation of non-standard windows.

With all the advantages, these systems have several disadvantages:

• Quite high cost in comparison with similar models of other materials.
• Thermal conductivity, which can cause condensation. This problem can be successfully solved by purchasing an aluminum window profile with a special thermal bridge.
• The aluminum system does not allow air to pass through well, therefore, a ventilation system must be provided separately.

Are you looking for aluminum windows? Read the Overview of brands of aluminum profiles and systems in Russia. Do you want exclusive windows? Read what types of aluminum profiles are by configuration: we have the link https://oknanagoda.com/steklo/konstrukcii-alyum-profil/profile-configuration.html.

Aluminum structures from the well-known window company OKNASTREET

Window constructions

In order to decide on the choice of plastic or aluminum windows for glazing loggias, balconies, you need to figure out what size your room is and what type of opening will provide you with maximum comfort.

So, designs by type of opening are:

Sliding

Frames that move along guides parallel to each other are called sliding frames. Their main purpose is to save the working space of your premises. Therefore, if your loggia and balcony are small, then sliding ones are ideal for you. However, this system has a slight drawback, the lower guide is poorly protected from moisture ingress and in the aluminum profile it can freeze in winter, which damages the rollers when opening the sash in winter, and they quickly fail. In sliding plastic systems, water does not freeze.

Swing-out mechanisms

This is the most popular opening system today. The sash can not only be turned to the side, but also folded back to ventilate the room at various adjustable distances. So this system will help you and save both the working space of your balcony when ventilating, and it is easy to clean when using the rotary opening.

Swivel design

The easiest and most familiar opening option. The door is hinged on the right or left and opens to the side by turning. However, if the room is small, then the sash takes up enough space on the balcony and it is not recommended to make the second one more than 900 - 1000 mm in order to avoid further sagging and failure of the hinges. In some cases, the sash can be opened outward, but this will make it difficult to clean the windows, especially if it is not the first floor.

Fanlight systems

The doors in such structures are folded back into the room for ventilation. Most often, this type of opening is used in garages, basements or attics where ventilation is needed. However, this system is not very easy to clean. Since in order to fully wash the sash from the outside, you need to remove the scissors from the side and then install them back.

Deaf systems

Simply put, it is a non-opening window structure. Its main drawback is the inconvenience in washing, and the inability to ventilate the room.

However, it is worth considering one thing that products from PVC profiles or aluminum structures are made by combining opening sashes and blind spans. To reduce the cost of construction, so the more openings, the more expensive it is. This adds the sash itself, the reinforcement in it, and a set of fittings, which quite significantly affects the cost of the final product. Combinations are provided in such a way that the room could be well ventilated and conveniently cleaned.

Sliding window photo

The photo shows a sample of a double-leaf sliding window. Window color - brown (RAL 8017).

Box (frame)

The box includes:

1. Top, bottom, side profiles - only 4 pieces;
2. Self-adhesive gasket - for corner sealing;
3. Self-tapping screws for a Phillips screwdriver;
4. Mating parts of the locks - installed in the side posts;
5. Assembly instructions.

Unlike plastic windows, where the base profile is attached by default, aluminum windows are shipped without it. But you can order aluminum sliding glazing with a support profile, for this contact OknaMag managers.

Sliding doors

The doors are equipped with rollers, a handle-lock, plastic decorative overlays are installed at the joints. The rollers are located in the lower sash profile; The lock mechanism is embedded in the rack. To open the window, you need to: move the lock latch to the bottom, then move the sash to the side.

Assembly, adjustment.

After the sliding glazing box is assembled and fixed in the opening, the sashes are installed. To install the sash, it is enough to perform several actions:

1. At a slight angle to the window opening, insert the upper groove of the sash into the frame rail;
2. Lower the sash onto the appropriate guide.

In some cases, plastic elements located on the sides of the sash can interfere with its installation. This can be avoided by moving the plugs to the lower position in advance.
Roller fittings for the sliding system Provedal, provides for sash adjustment. By turning the adjusting screw, the position of the wheel changes, which leads to the raising or lowering of the sash.

To fit the locking mechanism of aluminum windows, it is necessary to set the counterpart of the lock, it should be slightly lower than the pull-out tongue of the handle.

• You can find out the price and order aluminum sliding windows for gazebos, balconies, terraces on this page.

Where is the best place to use plastic and aluminum windows

To determine which windows are better than plastic or aluminum for glazing, consider the main characteristics of these products.

Cold aluminum frames, very lightweight products with a single glass filling of 3-6 mm, which is important when the product will be installed not on a concrete base, but on a parapet. They do not require reinforcement of the bearing supports. This design is very durable, perfectly protects you from moisture, wind and dust, saves the working space of the room. They are not subject to corrosion, decay, have a small coefficient of thermal expansion, and do not burn. Sliding aluminum systems are quite inexpensive. This is a great option for glazing loggias, balconies, gazebos and cold verandas.

Warm aluminum systems are a 3-layer construction. The inside is filled with a polyamide thermal insert, and outside with aluminum profiles. These are very light, but at the same time quite rigid structures that allow the installation of one- or two-chamber double-glazed windows. Their advantage is that they allow the installation of large-area double-glazed windows over 2 m2. However, in terms of thermal insulation and sound insulation qualities, they are significantly inferior to products from PVC profile... Therefore, it is most often recommended to use them for the installation of huge stained-glass windows.

PVC profile windows reliably protect the room from cold and noise, as they have a high coefficient of heat transfer resistance and sound insulation of at least class IV. Perfect for glazing window and door openings.

Features profile Provedal P400

• Frame profile width: 40 mm.
• Glass thickness: 5 or 6 mm.
• Opening options: swivel, swing-out, transom.
• Profile material: extruded from aluminum alloy 6063 (UNE 38.337), can be painted by electrostatic spraying or anodized by anodic oxidation.
• All structural units are made of steel. The seals are made from rubber elastomers.
• Possibility of manufacturing hinged and fixed leaves.Also, using aluminum systems Provedal P400, you can make profiles in the form of triangles, arches, semi-arches, etc.
• Sound insulation: 20-25 dB.
• Possibility of painting in any color according to the RAL system.
• Average service life: 50 years.

Any building structure must effectively perform basic functions, including protection from external influences. Many people pay attention to the beautiful appearance of the mirrored facades of office and shopping centers, but exactly the same aluminum glazing is used for loggias and balconies. Many people know how inconvenient many structures of old houses of a typical layout with balconies are, where snow and rain easily fall, winds and drafts reign. Therefore, the sooner the desire comes to make high-quality glazing, the more comfortable the outer part of the apartment or the open veranda in the house will be.

What is important to know about aluminum profile glazing?

The glass facades of modern skyscrapers are impressive with their finishes, but few people know that the so-called stained glass glazing of buildings does not belong to expensive types of finishes. The glass sections are quick to install and the weather protection of buildings is quite effective, although this finish is classified as cold aluminum glazing. The thing is that wooden frames are classified as warm glazing, but a glazed balcony with an aluminum profile frame automatically raises the temperature by several degrees.

Architects have never supported the idea of ​​unauthorized glazing of multi-storey buildings on central streets, as this spoils the overall "picture". However, this motivation did not stop people from wanting to create a cozy microclimate at home. A couple of decades ago, only homemade wooden frames could be used, so the balconies were equipped in different ways, and no one cared about the appearance of the facade. Today, standard glazing with an aluminum profile for the whole house can be ordered from a specialized company at once, but this is still not as popular as in the West.

Wooden frames are possibly warmer, but they are much more demanding to maintain - they dry out, crack, require frequent painting. Today there is a choice - to put wooden or plastic windows on the loggias and balconies, to make aluminum glazing of the veranda, or to give preference to aluminum frames - to protect from the weather outside the city apartment. The modern aluminum profile is an evolutionary breakthrough for finishing:

• balconies and loggias;
• building facades;
• protection of office systems;
• erection of transparent partitions, etc.

The aluminum profile is not only windows, but also a stable supporting structure, therefore it is used in places where it will not be possible to make another type of aluminum glazing, photo.

Varieties of balcony glazing with an aluminum profile

1. External glazing.

In some designs of insulated balconies and loggias, it is noticeable that there is an independent frame for framing, and the glazing does not go beyond the balcony. But technologists offer a different approach, when all structural elements are taken out of the railing. Sometimes such glazing resembles a polyhedron or a hemisphere. When choosing such a balcony finish, take into account that the balcony cannot be extended to the point of lawlessness. Such a design can extend beyond the base by no more than half a meter. It is used only for cold glazing, not to increase the area of ​​the apartment.

Violation of the standards gives additional weight and can lead to the collapse of the balcony structure, especially if there is furniture and equipment there. When arranging external glazing, an additional steel frame is required. Such work can only be entrusted to specialists, and such glazing will cost almost twice as much. But in the additional space between the railing and the outer glass wall, you can equip:

• wide window sill for balcony flowers and indoor plants;
• a console for outdoor dining or tea drinking;
• a tabletop for working with a laptop, classes and studies.

2. Frameless glazing.

This variety looks quite impressive and is actively used in the construction of expensive hotels. Large glasses can replace entire walls or be erected in blocks, as shown in the photograph.

3. Cold and warm glazing.

This is the most common type of aluminum glazing for balconies and loggias, which is impossible without reliable framing like frames on the frame. Aluminum is a metal, a conductor of cold and heat in a glazed space, so the usual design is considered cold.

When using frames with double-glazed windows, the glazing of the balconies is called "warm", although the difference in temperature is of the order of several degrees. The balcony needs additional insulation - a "warm floor" system, insulation of external walls, removal of steam heating.

With proper finishing, the balcony or loggia is indeed much warmer, and the internal microclimate is much easier to maintain, especially when joining a living room or kitchen with a balcony. In favor of the "warm" option, you can also add that there will be higher sound insulation and guaranteed protection from external factors.

Glazing of balconies with an aluminum profile - reviews confirm the effectiveness of a warm finishing method. And the total cost will be lower than the glazing with plastic windows.

Choosing windows - swing or sliding

When drawing up a primary sketch for warm aluminum glazing, it is important to think over how the windows will open, and how many are planned:

• swing windows;
• sliding windows;
• deaf frames.

1. Hinged windows work with tilt-and-turn fittings, swing open completely or tilt at the top for regular ventilation.

2. Sliding - sliding to the side on rollers, they are compact and convenient where there is nowhere to turn the transom.

3. Fixed windows do not open, the fixed sash is not intended for ventilation or other use.

4. There are other schemes, for example, folding or vertical sliding attic.

Attention: Professionals recommend, for convenience, to combine all types of construction that are appropriate, and not which seem simpler or cheaper! Also discuss with the specialists the characteristic features of the profile, whether there are thermal inserts and accessories.

Optimal glazing is to use all options for warming and ennobling a loggia, balcony or veranda. Hinged windows are single-leaf and double-leaf - they are preferable in the center of the structure. When swinging, there is an alternation of swinging and blind flaps. There are also options for the use of single and double glazing in all types of windows.

The high-quality design of swing windows guarantees good tightness, hydro, thermal and noise insulation. It is better to install sliding windows where, due to space saving or design features, it is impossible to install double-leaf hinged windows. Also make sure in which direction it is preferable to open single-sash windows:

• to the right;
• to the left.

Attention: It is better not to use sliding windows in the cold season, as they sometimes freeze up. Moisture from rains, condensation and thaws accumulates in the guide rails, and during frost it seizes.

Advantages of glazing with an aluminum profile:

1. The aluminum profile is narrow, minimizing the delay of light in relation to wood and plastic frames.

2. The strength of the supporting structure, which has been confirmed by practice and numerous tests, glazing is three times stronger than PVC windows and 7 times stronger than wood.

3. Environmental friendliness in relation to other types of construction, does not require staining with toxic enamels and does not evaporate volatile substances when overheated in the sun, like plastic.

four.It has the longest service life, tolerates temperature extremes and negative climatic factors well.

5. Resistant to the appearance of corrosion and changes in the shape of the structure - it will last at least 60-80 years.

6. Versatility in the formation of the most complex structures, you can even use curved glass and broken facade structures with a loggia and balconies.

7. Relative lightness of glazing, therefore it can be used for dilapidated buildings, where it is not recommended to make the facade heavier.

8. Noticeable space savings in relation to more other, more bulky structures, while the entire balcony can be glazed only with blind and sliding aluminum frames with glass - without the use of closed planes.

9. Convenience and ease of use of a balcony profile made of aluminum - apart from washing windows, it does not imply other types of cleaning, there is no staining and restoration, like with wood; fittings are treated with machine oil once a year.

10. An excellent external appearance will give modernity even to the balconies of old houses, and the aesthetic design can be duplicated as glass partitions when zoning the interior.

11. Possibility of choosing cold and warm glazing options, which gives significant savings.

12. Low cost relative to analogs, since it does not imply the use of additional building materials, hell and the aluminum profile itself is cheaper than wooden frames and plastic counterparts.

Attention: If desired, you can also combine wood, plastic and metal - to create special designs!

Stained glass facade in a private house

With the modern development of construction technologies, not only profiled glazing of the facades of business centers, large shopping malls or public buildings has become possible. Spectacular aluminum stained-glass glazing is increasingly being offered by architects for private construction - country houses, summer cottages, cottages. They are effective in the rapid construction of frame-type houses, which, with a well-established foundation, can be completed for one season.

Do not worry about the fragility of the structure, since usually special thick glasses of special hardening are used for these purposes - they are 5 times stronger than usual ones. If you wish, you can even put:

• armored glass;
• bulletproof glass;
• transparent plastic that bends;
• special mirrored glasses (when everything is visible from the inside and nothing is outside);
• plexiglass or plexiglass (does not break, can be drilled and cut).

This is convenient for the formation of a special architectural concept.

The choice in favor of glazing with an aluminum profile

This type of glazing of loggias and balconies in Russia and the CIS countries was borrowed from Spain, and the facade glazing of buildings came from Britain. Aluminum was chosen as the main material, as it is the lightest and most non-corrosive metal. It can be used in all climatic zones, especially where plastic overheats and wood dries up. Aluminum is able to withstand significant temperature and pressure drops of several atmospheres. These frames are reliable during tornadoes, natural disasters or remote explosions.

When ordering the installation of such a structure in a specialized company, remember about the additional equipment:

• special fittings to prevent unauthorized opening of sections from the outside (important for the first floor or canopy of adjacent buildings);
• window sills (extended or regular);
• mosquito net for protection from insects;
• extrusions (profile) and ebb;
• a canopy to protect against precipitation from the roof and upper floors;
• cover strips for applying polyurethane foam;
• fittings for aluminum sliding glazing and hinged windows.

Is it possible to glaze a balcony with an aluminum profile with your own hands?

Due to the simplicity of the design, it is quite possible to glaze the balcony with an aluminum profile with your own hands. Let's make a reservation that this can be advised for ordinary cold glazing without complex architecture and expanding the balcony area. When buying consumables, it is important to take into account all the design features, make a preliminary sketch and think over a system of sliding and swing windows.

With self-glazing of the balcony, you can save on work if you have the tools and experience in working with wooden structures or plastic windows. When ordering a specialized aluminum profile, learn that there will be a gap on the sides for polyurethane foam, which must be closed by the strips. Also, subtract 2 to 3 cm under the windowsill.

Installation is done strictly according to the plumb line and level, in order to avoid inclination or curvature of the surface of the aluminum profiles. The assembly seam fixes the structure in 2 steps, adjustment is possible after the first layer of foam dries up. You should first familiarize yourself with the installation features in a visual master class where balconies are glazed with an aluminum profile - video.

Pros and cons of PVC windows

As it has already been mentioned several times above, PVC profile products have excellent noise and heat insulation, are durable, and are convenient in use. They do not burn, but in direct fire they begin to melt. However, they have a rather large weight, and a limitation in the size of the valves. Therefore, when installing on a balcony with a parapet, it is necessary to strengthen the supporting structures, which will entail additional expenditure of money. Yes, and in themselves, these products are not cheap, so sometimes this factor is decisive when choosing materials for glazing balconies and loggias.

PVC balcony glazing

So, the question arose before you - how to glaze the balcony: aluminum or plastic? Without going into details, I note that a plastic profile is much more massive than an aluminum profile of a similar size. Of course, plastic has its advantages. This is good thermal insulation and sound insulation, but you have to pay for it with the total mass of the structure. For old balcony slabs of Khrushchev and Stalin, this can turn out to be an unbearable load.

To install plastic, you need not only a strong outboard plate, but also a strong parapet, on which I recommend installing a single-chamber double-glazed unit with Multifunctional spray, which will not only keep warm in winter, but also protect from the heat in summer. At the same time, I see no reason to install windows with a profile thickness of more than 60 millimeters. You also need to make sure that your parapet is not damaged by corrosion. Otherwise, the parapet will need to be reinforced or remounted.

Read more about strengthening parapets here.

Aluminum and plastic windows, which is cheaper?

Based on the fact that in the production of PVC profile products, a huge number of expensive components are used, such as fittings, glass (double-glazed windows are installed using 2, 3 and even 4 glass), reinforcement inside the profile, the final product made of polyvinyl chloride is much more expensive than aluminum systems. Aluminum sliding systems do not need reinforcement, and, as a rule, 1 glass is installed in them. therefore aluminum construction will be significantly cheaper than PVC profile windows... In the company Windows Tsvetoslava you can also order cheap plastic windows in Moscow and the Moscow region.

-5% off competitor's price

Send a commercial offer to another company and we guarantee a 5% discount from the calculated cost!

• Cheap plastic windows
• Prices for aluminum windows

French windows. Complementing a luxurious interior

Discussion: 2 comments

1. Vova:
   01/10/2015 at 21:28

   Aluminum windows are certainly good. but it seems to me that for apartments, especially small-sized and low-cost, this is an expensive pleasure.Here I am completely confused in the variety of materials, shapes, design options. It is necessary to immediately set a possible price range (in dollars) in the descriptions in order to navigate and draw preliminary conclusions.

   Reply

2. Anna:

   02/27/2015 at 14:24

   Good day. I am very interested in the site. I would like to know the information is it possible for you to send material for placement?

   Reply

Types of window profiles

Modern industry offers the richest selection of windows made using innovative technologies and the most advanced environmentally friendly materials. The most popular are wood, plastic and aluminum.

Wooden windows are much more expensive than plastic and aluminum ones, they are less reliable, and their service life is shorter. Therefore, products made of plastic and aluminum profiles are more in demand among the population. If there is a question about installing new windows, first of all, you need to analyze which is better - aluminum or plastic windows, compare their strengths and weaknesses.

The choice will also depend on where the structure is supposed to be installed and what result the customer expects from its installation. A comparison should be made between aluminum and plastic windows. The required information is presented below.