Advice & Insights

Aluminium Performance: Your Most Common Questions Answered

Aluminium is a popular material choice for a variety of commercial installations, and we know why – it’s innovative, robust, and high-performance. Although aluminium is a popular choice, questions are still asked regarding the performance of the material.

Making informed choices about materials is crucial – if you put a foot wrong, you could endure costly mistakes and upset your clients.

To see if aluminium is suitable for your project demands, and to get your queries resolved, take a look at some of the frequently asked questions we’ve compiled below.

We’ll answer:

Do I Need to Cater For Longer Lead Times for Aluminium Bi-fold Doors?

Once you’ve received a quote, we offer a 3 week + lead time. Although the demand for aluminium has reached an all-time high, we’ll be sure to keep you updated at every stage of manufacture to ensure you can manage client expectations effectively.


However, it’s essential to take into account additional time for amends, customisations, and other contributing factors that could extend the lead time. If we think your lead time might take longer, we’ll inform you and set efficient timelines to meet your expectations.

We have an expert and innovative manufacturing process that delivers exceptional results. Our lead times allow us to help you meet project deadlines efficiently, stay within budget, and exceed expectations. We’re always honest, transparent, and friendly.

What Are the Benefits of Aluminium?

We’ve recently conducted a fair comparison of three popular materials – aluminium, timber, and uPVC. In our comparison post, we outlined the pros and cons of aluminium, whilst also presenting the best material choice for aluminium bi-fold doors. So, if you want to find out more, make sure you give it a read.

However, it’s important to note that the benefits of aluminium are enhanced when manufactured correctly and expertly. If you compromise on choosing an aluminium specialist, you won’t receive the best value for money and may even risk the performance of your product.

If expertly manufactured, you’ll experience the following benefits and more:

  • Optimal security guaranteed: aluminium offers incredible levels of strength, offering high levels of safety and security from burglaries.
  • Robust: aluminium is known for its robust qualities, allowing it to stand the test of time in all weather.
  • Long-term investment: Aluminium requires less maintenance and repairs, and it could potentially increase the value of a property. 
  • Environmentally friendly: aluminium is 100% recyclable and, depending on the recycling process, it can retain all of its original properties. 
  • Precision-engineered: aluminium achieves its strength from its chemical composition during manufacturing. Once manufactured, it can cater to complex layouts.
  • Thermally efficient: aluminium bi-fold doors are thermally efficient profiles. They resist the elements, are incredibly waterproof and won’t warp, decay or rot over time. 
  • Diverse customisations available: the possibilities are endless! Whether you want different colours, handles, thresholds and more – you can customise aluminium products.

How Secure Are Aluminium Doors?

Aluminium is robust and designed for long-term results. Its sturdy structure ensures that it can withstand all weather conditions whilst also remaining strong in the event of a burglary or break-in.

Out of all materials (timber and uPVC), aluminium is the most popular choice for optimal levels of security. Aluminium creates a resistant physical barrier between the inside and the outside world. 

Aluminium frames won’t crack (like some cheap uPVC windows), and they can’t be sliced or cut through, unlike wooden frames. Even the most forceful attack would struggle to get through aluminium, especially with the addition of vigorous locks and fastenings.

Again, this is all determined by the manufacturer and supplier you choose. Choosing a high-quality and reliable supplier will ensure you receive the best levels of protection for your aluminium products.

Is Aluminium Thermally Efficient?

Aluminium is the most thermally efficient profile out of all materials. However, this is only present in modern aluminium frames. 

Modern aluminium products resist the elements, provide waterproof protection, and continue to provide thermal efficiency for years to come without warping, decaying, and rotting.

All of the FrameX aluminium products have thermal break technology. This provides a barrier between the inside and outside frame and keeps the heat locked in whilst also stopping condensation from forming. U-Values as low as 1.19 W/m2K when calculated as a CEN Standard door

When looking at aluminium products, keep this in mind to ensure you’re investing wisely and receiving the most thermally efficient products.

Is Aluminium Sustainable?

If your clients are on the hunt for sustainable and recyclable materials – aluminium is a perfect choice. Aluminium is the third most raw material on planet earth, and it’s extracted from the ground without any environmental impact. 

Aluminium is 100% recyclable, and at FrameX, we recycle all of the manufacturing offcuts too. As well as aluminium, we’re also working hard to improve the other areas of our business so we can work towards being a more sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturer. We’re known for our industry-leading innovation, both for the exceptional products we create and our expert sustainability.

Can Aluminium Be Customised? – Colour, Size etc.

Of course! However, there are limitations depending on the supplier and manufacturer you choose. At FrameX, we aim to meet your unique requirements and help you achieve a bespoke solution every single time.

As an example, with our aluminium bi-fold doors – the possibilities are endless. They are available in a range of colours, finishes, configurations, sizes, and they can suit a range of threshold options. Our bi-fold threshold options are – standard 83mm inc cill and low 50mm inc cill both weather rated. 

The maximum width leaf sizes for aluminium bi-fold doors go up to 1300mm wide using our tried and tested heavy duty gearing which can carry up to 125kg. All of our aluminium bi-fold doors are adjustable too and have adjustable hinge packers system as standard. 

The team at FrameX can provide expert advice when it comes to deciding on the perfect customisations and configurations for your project and client needs. We know what works and what doesn’t and we want to ensure you’re receiving quality products, quality service and quality results.

How Long Will Aluminium Bi-fold Doors Last?

When manufactured to perfection by our FrameX team, our aluminium bi-fold doors have a life expectancy of 40+ years. All of our products will exceed current building regulations and meet future changes.

If your clients are looking for products that are investment pieces whilst also withstanding the test of time – aluminium is the choice. 

Have More Questions? Get in Touch!

Could you not find your answer here? Do you need some other questions answered? Don’t worry – get in touch with us, and one of our expert team will be delighted to help you. We’re here to help and look forward to connecting with you soon.

Get a Trade Quote

Need advice? Talk to our experts experts
on 01706 587836

Senior Architectural Systems offers a complete range of integrated windows, doors and curtainwall systems. This document is intended to provide assistance with a range of operational and maintenance areas. Click To Download  …
Read more
The aluminium industry is constantly improving how it operates, manufacturing products in order to improve environmental efficiency.  As a result of this, builders, housing developers, architects, and many more decision makers in the industry are turning to aluminum as their sustainable material of choice.  Choosing aluminium as a building material…
Read more

"*" indicates required fields

Which products are you looking to purchase*
Max. file size: 128 MB.
Newsletter