Article
The search for new aluminium frames
The initial stage of our journey, with the installation of new aluminium frames as the final destination, is the most important one. This is because it is necessary to understand what the needs of our space are, what expresses us aesthetically and what choices we have based on our budget.
The products available vary and the wide range is likely to make our decision difficult. In order to avoid any "mishaps" when choosing, it is advisable to learn as much as we can about the technical characteristics of the frames, what they offer depending on their type and cost and of course how the right frames can improve our everyday life.
The evaluation of the selection criteria
Frame Categories
Many factors may influence our final decision and it is important to set some priorities. Aluminium frames are divided into two main categories, hinged and sliding. The former are renowned for their excellent watertightness, while the latter are chosen both for large openings and in homes where space must be saved. Also, in terms of design, sliding frames with reduced visible aluminium in their profiles are more often chosen for minimal constructions. Based on this key distinction, we can consider which type best suits our needs.
Location
Part of our decision is also related to the location of the house. If, for example, our residence is located in a coastal area, then the choice of aluminium frames that have undergone enhanced electrostatic painting - seaside class or anodising surface treatment, respectively, is the most suitable for this case, as this will provide the appropriate protection against corrosion.
Also, the more intense the weather conditions of the area in which we live, the higher the thermal insulation, watertightness and air permeability performance of the aluminium system we choose, so that we can enjoy our daily life without unpleasant surprises.
Energy performance of frames
The performance and overall performance of our windows should be the Alpha and Omega when we are choosing a product. The systems with high thermal insulation performance contribute to a better feeling in the interior of the house and at the same time play a very important role in reducing heating costs, as they minimize losses.
Similarly, the tightness of our frames against air or water load is equally important, as a frame that "gets stuck" causes energy losses in our space and reduces the quality of living in it, making it not only energy-intensive, but also cost-inefficient. In addition, with a high performance system, the energy footprint of the house is reduced, thus operating in an ecological way, as required by modern sustainability and environmental protection standards.
Anti-burglary
Something that we should also not overlook is that our windows and balcony doors are also gateways to the interior of our home. We must thus take into account their anti-burglary features. The benchmark for these features is their RC. The higher this number, the longer and more powerful tools a potential intruder will need to break into our frame. Therefore, we always need to collect all the information about the locks and the capabilities of the system we are going to buy, by looking for the corresponding certifications.
Aesthetics
In combination of all the above very important factors, the style and aesthetic orientation of the frame, influences and sometimes drives our final decision. In this area, the colour of the frame plays a key role. Aluminium is a material that favours surface treatment and thus offers a wide range of colour solutions. Electrostatic painting, which is common in aluminium frames, provides a huge range of options, both in terms of colour and textures (glossy, matt or grained), while it also provides colour stability and resistance to possible impacts or scratches.
As far as strength is concerned, the anodising process shields the frame even more (here the aluminium profile is immersed in the chemical liquid and thus a layer is created that is now part of the metal). The colour options available through anodising are fewer than those of electrostatic painting, but they cover a wide range of aesthetic proposals. Finally, we must not forget the option of pre-anodising, a process that allows us to combine the advantages of anodising with those of electrostatic painting, thus offering enhanced protection against corrosion, as well as numerous colour options.
As an alternative to the aforementioned solutions, sublimation, a wood imitation technique, allows us to choose between a multitude of shades and textures. This method has an excellent aesthetic effect and also gives durability to the aluminium profile, as durable powders are used to complete the process, which help to maintain the gloss and shade of the frame.
Finally, beyond the shades, we can choose between more conventional or modern and more abstract lines of frames, always depending on the style of the space and the aesthetic we wish to have. After all, aluminium as a material has the advantage of unlimited formability, without compromising its durability.
Cost
Before we reach the decision to buy, the deciding factor is of course the budget we have. Based on our financial capabilities, the frame options vary and cover different needs. If we want a low budget solution, we can go for economical frame options that provide a satisfactory degree of thermal insulation, making them a reliable choice.
From there, the more our budget increases, the more we can move to frames that have excellent thermal insulation, watertightness and anti-burglary performance. At the same time, if we have a larger budget, the choice of minimal frames, with large sliding balcony doors and thin profiles, is also available. Apart from their aesthetic value and high performance, minimal frames are preferred because they offer an unobstructed view and favour the entry of plenty of natural light, in order to improve the living conditions in our home.
Visit to a showroom and your final decision
This is a very critical moment in our "journey" so far. We have collected our information, we have assessed our needs and we are one step before the final decision. Given everything we have learned, it is the right time to plan our visit to a showroom, where we will have the opportunity to see in person the frames we are interested in, talk to experts in the industry and answer any questions we may have. Also, when we visit a showroom, we have the opportunity to touch and operate the frames, having a more complete picture. After such a visit, the final decision becomes easier and any doubts will find their appropriate answer.
The installation of new aluminium frames
The above mentioned factors shape our final decision regarding the frames we want for our space. After successfully going through this whole process and arriving at the frame that meets our requirements, we reach the last, but perhaps the most important "turn" of this "journey": the installation of our frames.
The fabrication and installation of aluminium frames is a multifaceted and demanding process. That is why we must make all the necessary inquiries so that the technician or the fabricator team that will install the product we have purchased has the knowledge and the appropriate equipment to successfully and responsibly complete our investment.
The proper and smooth operation of a window frame, apart from its technical characteristics, depends on its correct installation, in a way that does not create room for future malfunctions and ensures stability and durability in everyday use. The specifications and performance of our frames have as a basic prerequisite for their durability, the successful installation by the technician who will come to our premises. A high-performance aluminium system that is installed incorrectly or incompletely is bound to lose some of its performance and capabilities. So, we have to remember that this last part of the journey in the frame purchase procedure, is the most crucial one for their subsequent functioning.
Conclusion
If we have taken the first step and we are ready to go ahead with the purchase of new aluminium frames, it is necessary to treat this process with care, following one by one the next steps that will lead us to the selection of frames which will express our personal vision and at the same time give value to the investment we have made, improving our everyday life.
