Thermally Improved Aluminium Windows

It seems a lot of builders are selecting wooden windows for their houses (cheaper than aluminium double glazed), but this may have more to do with energy compliance and associated heat loss rather than aesthetics. The thought of painting / re-oiling timber windows every few years just doesn't sit well with me. I've seen raw aluminium windows in my grandmothers house last over 50 years with little to no maintenance, so logically I chose aluminium windows. Upon closer inspection it seems aluminium windows come in a variety of frame and glazing types that dramatically impact their performance. In their most basic form, single glazed aluminum windows rate very poorly for heat / cool loss due to aluminum being such a good conductor.

After reading a lot of information about windows on HomeOne forum, I quickly realised there was a lot that goes into a simple window.

Ed from EcoClassic is a window supplier with a lot of expertise in this area and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to window design. Just have a look at the window section on HomeOne for his very enlightening comments.

uPVC have the best energy performance, followed by Timber, then Aluminium

When looking at aluminium windows you have your basic variety, thermally improved and thermally broken. The basic variety may not be suitable for today's energy star requirements and you may be requested to change size or location when seeking 6 star energy compliance. Thermally broken windows tend to be too expensive for most consumers, so this leaves thermally improved double glazed as your best choice.

WERS rating link & explanation on youtube

EXAMPLE OF THERMALLY IMPROVED

6 Star Standard link

You can achieve the 6 Star Standard with a few simple adjustments to design and construction, and by including a combination of the many options to improve the building's energy-efficiency, such as:

• Orientation: passive solar design 
• Insulation
• Draught-proofing and sealing of the building's envelope
• Better window design (including size, location, quality thermal performance of frames and glazing) 
• Shading
• Building fabric (including selection of cladding materials, flooring)