Aluminum Windows have been in existence for quite awhile now due to aluminum's abundance and ease of use producing the underlying materials. Aluminum is found in rocks, clay soil, and vegetation rather than in a natural metallic form. In 1808, an English chemist, Humphry Davy, discovered that aluminum could be obtained from alumina (aluminum oxide) by an electrolytic reduction process. However, he failed to prove this theory in practice. In 1825, Hans Oersted put the theory to test but produced an aluminum alloy rather than pure aluminum. Fortunately, almost four decades after its discovery, Friedrich Woehler, a German chemist, managed to create small globules of molten aluminum after a series of experiments.
Henri-Etienne Deville, a French chemist, together with his colleagues, later transferred their knowledge of aluminum creation to industrial applications. The result was a metal product resembling silver in appearance, hence its use in creating ornaments and other luxury items. However, its reign in high-end applications did not last too long. In 1886, Paul Heroult, a French engineer, and Charles Hall (an American student) managed to develop a more cost-efficient method of independently creating pure aluminum. This move was a game-changer for the aluminum industry, as it made it possible to produce it in bulk. Three years later, Karl Bayer, an Austrian chemist, invented an affordable aluminum-oxide production method that is still being used to date.
By the start of the 20th century, people began to use aluminum in various applications. This change, in turn, begged for the growth of different industries, such as transportation (marine, rail, road, and aviation), houseware commodities (frying pans and saucepans), civil engineering, food and beverage industry (canned soda and beer), among others. As the 20th century drew to an end, aluminum’s popularity had grown and spread to the Eastern nations.
Today, aluminum production is still at its peak: it is produced in much higher quantities than all non-ferrous metals combined. However, unlike before, producers are focused on more environmentally and economically efficient production methods. The beauty of aluminum is unrivaled. Not only is it diverse in its end-applications, but it is also recyclable.
Average Life Span
Aluminum is steadily gaining popularity in the building and construction industry. Most developers and homeowners are switching from UPVC materials to aluminum; this shift is not without reason. Its numerous and outstanding properties, some of which we shall address below, have made aluminum a hot commodity, especially in the 21st century. In addition to the fact that it can be melted, cast, and formed into desired shapes, aluminum also has similar properties to prized metals such as steel, zinc, copper, brass, or lead.
♦ Electrical and Thermal Conductivity
Aluminum has high heat and thermal conductivity. It is an even better conductor than copper, making it an excellent choice to manufacture power transmission lines. It is also used as a heat sink material to drain heat away from electronic devices.
♦ Recyclability
In the modern world, the necessity for producing and manufacturing recyclable material has never been higher. This demand aims to minimize pollution and further degradation of our environment. That said, aluminum is 100% recyclable. Given that it can be melted and reworked into different applications, recycled aluminum is equally valuable as when in pure form. Very little energy is required to melt and repurpose aluminum, making it a cost-effective material.
♦ Light Weight
Aluminum is a lightweight metal with a density of 2.7 g/cm3. Despite its feather-weight trait, it is also an undeniably durable material, hence its heavy use in the automotive and construction industries. For instance, aircraft manufacturers prefer it to steel because it allows for more loading capacity while minimizing overall energy consumption. Aluminum’s low density also makes it a significantly cheaper material to use in the automobile industry in place of other metals.
♦ Ductility
In addition to its low density and melting point, aluminum is also ductile, meaning that it can be processed in numerous ways to create various products such as tubes, wires, sheets, foil, etc.
♦ Resistance to Corrosion
Aluminum creates a protective oxide coating to shield the metal from corrosion and further interaction with the environmental elements. This trait makes it a superb option where corroding agents such as water, acids, and salts are concerned. As a result, you can expect your aluminum products to last for several decades without replacement.
♦ Reflectivity
Aluminum is well-known for its shiny, reflective nature. It can reflect up to 95% of sunlight, making it perfect for coating roof sheets to reduce excess heat during hot summers.
♦ Odorless and Non-toxic
You can use aluminum foil to wrap and seal food, shielding it from external smells. The foil is also odorless and non-toxic, making it an excellent packaging material for sensitive products.
Other beneficial aluminum properties include sound and shock absorption, non-magnetism, and its high tensile strength even at low temperatures. With such amazing properties, it’s little wonder that even architects are recommending their clients to incorporate aluminum into their homes. However, the question on most curious minds is, “How long do aluminum windows last?” Aluminum has been ranked as the most durable framing material available in the construction industry today. The frame is predominantly maintenance-free. Save for the periodic cleaning entailed, you will spend minimal resources to keep your windows looking as lustrous as they did right after installation. This is unlike timber windows, which require frequent cleaning and paint touch-ups.
Similar to UPVC windows, you can expect your aluminum windows to last for several decades when well maintained. With a good powder coating that seals the metallic frame, your windows will be safe from harsh elements. If you live in a marine environment, don’t worry. As long as your aluminum windows have a marine-grade coating and solid warranty to protect them from the corrosive environment, you’re good to go. The diversity of aluminum frames is the ultimate definition of value for your money.
What to Look for in an Aluminium Window
Most modern UPVC fabricators have now incorporated aluminum systems into their production lines. Almost half of the installers who previously only dealt with either timber or UPVC frames are increasingly dealing with aluminum. Despite this new trend, whether you’re a developer or homeowner, you will still need to be careful when selecting your aluminum frames to avoid getting scammed. After all, why get on board if you won’t reap all the benefits? Here are the crucial elements to watch out for:
♦ Like all other products, ensure that you source your frames from a trusted supplier. The best choice would be to deal with a manufacturer you’ve previously done business with as they will be more transparent and will more likely foster a healthy working relationship. However, if you choose to deal with a “new” manufacturer, check their customer reviews on their website.
♦ As mentioned, a protective powder coating is essential in ensuring the longevity of aluminum windows. You should ensure that the manufacturer has finished the windows with a high-quality powder coating suitable for your environment. Fortunately, this means that you can get an extensive array of colors to work with.
♦ Most manufacturers will have various design options for their clients to pick from. Having numerous options will help you compare and contrast each design with your overall architectural style.
♦ The aluminum windows should be slim and sleek, in line with modern architecture instead of being thick and bulky. This feature will guarantee more extensive views and maximum access to natural light.
♦ A perfect window should have superb thermal performance with an A or A+ energy rating. This high-score rating will ensure that your home does not unnecessarily lose heat or gain heat in the winter and summer seasons.
♦ As with all windows, you should ensure that your aluminum windows are thoroughly tested for weather-tightness.
♦ Windows and doors are your home’s weakest point. Thus, your windows should have an enhanced intruder-proof security feature for protection. For an additional bonus, look for manufacturers who specialize in bullet-proof or blast-resistant features.
♦ Lastly, make sure that you test-run how the window operates to guarantee a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Other Benefits of Aluminium Windows
If you’re a UPVC fan, you’re probably wondering why you should switch to aluminum windows. For starters, aluminum has come a long way from where it began. Scientists and industrialists alike have extensively studied and tested its full limits. Today, aluminum windows are on par with their UPVC counterparts, if not slightly ahead. No matter your project style, size, or scale, aluminum windows San Diego has your back! They offer a perfect balance between beauty, durability, and affordability. As mentioned, aluminum windows come in a variety of styles. Here are some of the design options you can choose from to match your style preferences:
♦ Sliding Windows
A sliding window has a fixed and a sliding pane. The latter slides along a track inside the window frame, hence opening or closing the window. Such windows have very few components required for their operation, thus making them highly durable. Unlike other windows with springs or pulley systems, sliding windows use the small wheels on a sliding track. This feature makes sliding windows easy to operate, requiring minimal effort to open or close them. You can also incorporate a screen to prevent bugs from getting into your home. However, if you prefer an open-air system, sliding windows allow maximum daylight to wash into your home.
Sliding windows are low maintenance. Despite their relatively high initial cost, they are more cost-effective longer term thanks to minimal maintenance efforts. You only need to lubricate the slider occasionally and vacuum out dirt and debris from the window tracks.
Adopting aluminum replacement windows for your home renovations means that you will lead a stress-free life for years to come. You can also glaze your sliding windows to improve their energy efficiency and insulation properties, thus lowering your overall electricity bills.
♦ Bi-fold Windows
These windows consist of individual panels (ranging from two to four or more) that are hinged together. Most people love bi-fold windows because they can open up and stack up neatly to give uninterrupted views. This feature, in turn, provides a home with excellent ventilation and scenic views. The beauty with bi-fold windows is that they can also serve as servery windows for kitchens, especially if you want to create a small bar or a dining area.
When it comes to security, bi-fold windows use both mortice locks (on the window edges) and flush bolts (at the top or bottom of the window). The number of panes or sashes will determine how many locks you will need to install. You can also integrate a roll-out screen to keep away bugs. Incorporating double or triple glazed windows into your bi-fold design will give your home the widely desired insulation properties against heat and sound.
♦ Casement Windows
Also referred to as crank windows, casement windows are permanently mounted into a wall. They don’t slide up or down but instead move inward and outward using a mechanical crank. The mobile component of these windows is the sash, which houses the glass panes.
Sashes are typically hinged on one side, while a crank handle is located on the internal bottom part. Some windows also have latches to keep them secured when closed. These windows also come with stays, which are support systems that hold the sash in place when open.
Casement windows come in various sizes that are all easy to clean. They are an excellent choice for hard-to-reach areas since you can single-handedly open them.
♦ Tilt and Turn Windows
As the name suggests, these windows can be tilted from the top or bottom, providing ventilation. Tilt and turn windows are ideal for small spaces such as tight bathrooms and toilets. Their tilt characteristic helps you control how much air you let into the room. However, the most significant advantage with tilt and turn windows is that they are highly secure since even children cannot fit through the gap. This also means that the chance of thieves breaking into your house through your windows is impossible.
Final Thoughts
In summary, you can look forward to the perks such as longevity or durability, energy efficiency, variety of styles and colors, security, high strength, economic value, beauty, and finesse, among many other benefits of aluminum windows. At US Window & Door, we offer the best Milgard aluminum windows in San Diego. Contact us to learn how our solutions can bring your ideas to life.. Visit our website to learn how our solutions can bring your ideas to life.
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