Aluminium is considered the go-to choice for architectural construction and it’s regularly used to design window frames and doors in new properties and commercial buildings.
Let’s take a look at why it’s so popular.
As it’s such a durable material, aluminium has been used in architectural construction all over the world for many years. It first appeared in homes in the early 80s, as an alternative to uPVC.
The stability of this material makes it the perfect choice for architects and those working in the construction industry. In fact, it’s the second most used metal in construction after steel, and is used in a range of applications.
Aluminium hasn’t always been the go-to choice, however. It was more commonly used for decorative detailing and Art Deco architecture because of its aesthetic appeal.
In the mid-1900s, the Empire State Building was completed, utilising architectural aluminium for most of its interior structure and distinctive look.
Following this, the popularity of aluminium grew and, with the construction industry discovering more about its durability and stability over other materials, aluminium began being used for roofing, windows, doors, and more.
What are the main advantages of using aluminium in construction?
Advantages of using aluminium in architecture and construction
- Available in an extensive range of colours
- Can be finished using several techniques
- Has a long lifespan and is maintenance friendly
- The components of aluminium stop damage from UV rays and moisture, so the metal doesn’t rust or weather from harsh environments
- Environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible
- Fully recyclable
- Highly effective insulator
- Offers acoustic insulation
- Energy-efficient
- Soundproof glass reduces noise pollution in urban buildings
- Lightweight material that is easy to install
- Malleable material
- Commonly used for cladding, pressing, and flashing because it can be manufactured in large sizes and makes installations very time-efficient.
What you need to know about aluminium windows
Aluminium can be used in any building, residential, or commercial property, and is now firmly established as an alternative to uPVC.
It’s also incredibly easy to install, which is a big factor to consider within the construction industry, as it brings down production time and cost.
Its structural integrity gives it the ability to hold large glass panes and is perfect for bespoke architectural designs, due to its extreme flexibility.
Aluminium windows are customisable to your project specifications, in terms of size, are aesthetically pleasing, and are available in many different finishes and colours making them an exclusive addition to every project.
Aluminium windows are affordable and, when partnered with the right glass, are energy-efficient, making them popular with modern architects around the world.
Alongside being used in commercial and urban buildings, aluminium is also perfect for conservation projects. Its slim sightline design and subtlety make it easier to maintain the character and integrity of period properties.
Sustainable construction materials
Aluminium is strong and highly malleable, as well as being one of the most plentiful resources on the planet, making it highly sustainable, environmentally friendly, and almost endlessly recyclable.
The unique properties of this material make it useful in virtually every facet of the modern construction industry. It’s also very easy to handle and transport, ultimately reducing the cost of logistics.
With the growing demand for green building materials and energy efficiency, architects and builders favour aluminium as one of the most sustainable construction materials.
The insulation properties that aluminium windows offer meet the current low-energy requirements.
What are the different types of aluminium windows?
Casement windows
Produced at the highest quality standards, our casement windows are contemporary, yet traditional – and with low lead times, you can meet the deadline of your next project.
Available with a host of design options, the strong, slim frame has a depth of 38mm (fixed light) or 66mm with a standard vent, available in sizes up to a maximum of 1400mm x 1400mm, to provide uninterrupted views.
Ali VU casement windows can accept glazing up to 44mm thick with other thicknesses available upon request.
High-quality Ali VU casement windows are ideal for domestic and large-scale residential projects, perfectly complemented and fully compatible with other products within Senior’s extensive product range.
- Available in a range of RAL colours and finishes, our aluminium casement windows can be produced in a variety of different specifications
- High-performance polyamide thermal barrier giving U-Values as low as 0.95 W/m2K when calculated as a domestic CEN Standard
- Further thermal enhancement is possible using 2 different backer rods, to achieve required U-values
- Designed to achieve triple glazed
- A+ Window Energy Rating; double glazed A Window Energy Rating
- Double or triple glazing up to 28-36mm on the radius and stepped vent.
- Up to 28-44mm on fixed outer frame and flat-faced vents for maximum thermal and acoustic performance.
- Fully security tested to PAS 24:2012 Enhanced Security
- Weathertight and strong – tested to: BS6375 Part 1 Weather; BS6375 Part 2 Operation & Strength; BS6375 Part 3 Annex A.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- British Standards: BS 6375-1,BS 6375-2, Certifications: PAS 24
- Standards: ISO 14001, ISO 18001, ISO 9001
- Typical Building Sector: Commercial, Dom
- Finish(es): Anodised, Polyester Powder C
- Material: Aluminium
Flush windows
High in demand, aluminium flush windows are a popular choice for home renovations and even commercial projects
As they’re low maintenance and easy to install, it’s no wonder so many architects and housing developers are choosing to use aluminium flush windows within their projects.
At FrameX, we manufacture flush windows in our Rossendale factory, ensuring they are produced to the highest quality and match both current and future regulations. This means you can provide your clients with only the best products and maintain your own safety standards.
With a choice of hardware, colours, and additional features, such as contouring, multi-point locking, and trickle vents, flush windows provide a superior finish to any new development or renovation. Made bespoke for your next project, flush casement windows ensure they’re the perfect fit and style.
- High-performance polyamide thermal barrier giving U-Values as low as 0.95 W/m2K when calculated as a domestic CEN Standard window
- Further thermal enhancement is possible using 2 different backer rods, to achieve the required U-values
- Designed to achieve triple glazed A+ Window Energy Rating; double glazed A Window Energy Rating
- Double or triple glazing up to 28 – 36mm on the radius and stepped vent.
- Up to 28-44mm on the fixed outer frame and flat- faced vents for maximum thermal and acoustic performance
- Fully security tested to PAS 24:201
- Enhanced Security
- Weather Tight and strong – tested to BS6375 Part 1 Weather; BS6375 Part 2 Operation & Strength; BS6375 Part 3 Annex.
French windows
Our beautiful French casement windows provide unobstructed views and open to a full 90- degree angle. This offers wide and unrestricted space for your clients.
A French casement window has two sashes that extend outward from the centre of the window to create a wide opening.
With no central post in the window frame, French casement window panels crank open simultaneously for twice the ventilation, the wider feeling of space that is created is perfect for enhancing the freshness and airiness of a property.
Our French Casement Aluminium Window option is a super slimline aluminium window with a polyamide thermal break giving impressive thermal efficiency.
- Available with a host of design options, the strong super slim frame has a depth of just 38mm (fixed light) or 66mm with a standard vent and is available in sizes up to a maximum of 1400mm x 1400mm, to give the widest views and maximise daylight in every room.
- This product is ideal for both domestic and large-scale residential projects.
- High-performance polyamide thermal barrier giving U-Values as low as 0.95 W/m2K when calculated as a domestic CEN Standard window
- Further thermal enhancement is possible using 2 different backer rods, to achieve the required U-values
- Designed to achieve triple glazed A+ Window Energy Rating; double glazed A Window Energy Rating.
- Double or triple glazing up to 28 – 36mm on the radius and stepped vent.
- Up to 28-44mm on the fixed outer frame and flat-faced vents for maximum thermal and acoustic performance.
- Fully security tested to PAS 24:2012
- Enhanced Security.
- Weather Tight and strong – tested to BS6375 Part 1 Weather; BS6375 Part 2 Operation & Strength; BS6375 Part 3 Annex A
Tilt and Turn windows
Our aluminium tilt and turn windows offer enhanced security and a modern finish. They are strong, lightweight, and durable offering versatility and innovation for any project.
The variety of opening and closing configurations ensures each installation is as unique as the last, providing your clients with plenty of choices.
Our tilt and turn windows are manufactured to the highest possible safety standards, ensuring they offer the right levels of ventilation and airflow, without compromising on safety and security.
Tilt and turn aluminium windows are an ideal choice for apartment buildings and other commercial projects. They allow for seamless cleaning as well as excellent thermal efficiency due to polyamide thermal breaks (like all of our aluminium products).
- Weather Rating tested to BS 6375-1:2009 achieving 600Pa air permeability, 600Pa water tightness, and 2400 Pa wind resistance
- Able to receive glass and infill panels from 26 to 56mm thick depending on the configuration
- Thermally enhanced SPW600 windows achieve BFRC ratings.
How do you know if your windows are good quality?
Materials of low quality can develop breaks and cracks, which are dangerous for an architectural design, and as a result, they have a short life expectancy.
High-quality materials require low maintenance, allowing the building to always appear beautiful. Also, selecting quality construction supplies enables you to cut costs in the long run.
It’s essential to consider that sourcing for the most cost-friendly products is not always advisable. More affordable products could require regular maintenance resulting in more future costs compared to the more expensive products.
What you need to know about aluminium doors
Aluminium doors are suitable for residential or commercial buildings; in residential buildings, they add light and a modern feel and add a professional look to commercial buildings.
What are the different types of aluminium doors?
Bi-fold doors
Available in a range of different specifications and configurations, our bi-folding door range is second to none. With a range of sight lines and styles, you and your client can choose the ideal bi-folding doors for them.
Technical support and specification sheets come as standard with all of our bi-fold doors, ensuring that your team can install them with ease.
Our specialist manufacturers are highly experienced in producing bi-fold doors to any specifications, and our dedicated quality control team ensures that they’re ready on time, to the right configuration, and safely delivered.
Our Ali FOLD range of bi-folding doors perform as perfectly as they look, meaning your clients are getting exactly what they paid for.
Whether you’re an architect, builder, or housing developer, you have a specialist team producing the right bi-fold doors for your next project.
For maximum daylight, a heavy-duty version allows leaf sizes of 1300mm x 2400mm with a maximum leaf weight of 125Kg.
- Tested to PAS 24:2012 EnhancedSecurity, BS6375 Part 1 Weather,BS6375 Part 2 Operation & Strength,BS6375 Part 3 Annex A. Exact performance varies depending onthe configuration.
- Able to receive double or triple glazing up to 48mm for maximumthermal and acoustic performance
- U-Values as low as 1.19 W/m2K when calculated as a CEN Standard door
Sliding doors
For larger projects with great views, aluminium sliding doors make a perfect choice. If your clients are looking to make an impact, sliding doors will deliver.
Security and durability are two key markers we pride our sliding doors on.
Our sliding doors pass important security markers, so you can provide your clients with the reassurance they need to feel safe in their homes.
Aluminium entrance doors
Ideal for both commercial and residential properties, aluminium entrance doors can be manufactured in any configuration or to any specifications.
At FrameX, our specialist fabricators ensure they’re produced to the highest quality, as well as passing essential security standards.
With different panel options and exceptional lead times, make FrameX your supplier of choice when it comes to aluminium entrance doors.
What to consider when installing aluminium doors and windows
There are many manufacturers of aluminium windows and doors in the market, which can make it hard to decide which brand to trust.
So here are 6 factors to consider when choosing the right aluminium windows and doors that best suit your needs.
1. Maintenance and operability
How much maintenance is required for the type of doors and windows, and what is the cost? Are your clients aware of this and do they agree to the maintenance that your choice entails?
2. Illumination
How much illumination is required from windows? Where is illumination essential, can you integrate skylights, roof windows, and space frames to further address the issue? What type of doors and windows will provide the most light?
3.Room use
To ascertain the best choice of door and window, what is the room where they are to be installed used for? What type of door is best as an entrance? Does the room require maximised illumination or reduced sunlight rays? Is sound reduction necessary?
4.Efficiency and sustainability
Aluminium and steel frames are easily recyclable, nearly 75% of all aluminium ever produced is still in use today. With its lightweight strength and unmatched corrosion resistance and durability, aluminium is widely used to build renewable energy platforms like solar panels and wind turbines.
5. Renovation vs. replacement
Replacement windows and doors may provide a significantly better ROI: if more than 20% of a building’s windows require restoration, replacement may be the less expensive option, because the cost of new windows is often less than restoring them. In addition, the end product is usually superior.
6. Security and safety
Since windows and doors make inhabitants more vulnerable to outside elements, perimeter security and occupant safety are critical factors in choosing windows and doors.
Finally, all these key elements offer critical value to the overall design, functionality, and choice.
The FrameX way
Meeting customer requirements is non-negotiable and one of the most important elements of your job. The outcome should be high quality, stylish, and meet all relevant safety standards – which is exactly what you get with FrameX.
Made to measure in our Rossendale factory, you can specify the exact size, type, and configuration you require for your client’s next project.
We’re intent on ensuring lead times are kept low and realistic, so you can plan projects accordingly, without letting your clients down.
With high-tech machinery and skilled operatives, no project is too large or ambitious for FrameX.
We’re passionate about the products we produce and always looking for new ways to innovate.
Visit our website and let’s start a partnership for the future.
