Aluminum Replacement Windows

Aluminum Replacement Windows - Metal In Action

The technology and design of aluminum replacement windows first made their appearance in the fifties. And when dual paned glass became a popular choice for both new and replacement windows in the sixties, aluminum was often the material of choice.

Some predictions claimed that all windows would soon be aluminum. And an aluminum replacement window certainly has advantages of being light in weight yet very strong indeed.

The benefits of a window with such strength of frame construction mean that the frames and sashes can be very slim and unobtrusive indeed.

Substitute windows manufactured in aluminum metal are very easy to clean and have virtually no maintenance concerns. Now that replacement aluminum windows can come with either an anodized finish or baked enamel coating applied then these windows will resist long term corrosion as well, though this will be a problem if your aluminum window only has a mill finish. So look out for that.

The only upkeep really needed is to lubricate the hinges (if not a sliding window) and hardware like locks and handles now and then.

A `Thermal Break' Is Needed For Better Aluminum Performance

So you have affordability, strength without bulk, durability and also a superb wide choice of colors too. So what's the catch?

Well aluminum windows do tend to suffer from condensation problems, and this can be an annoying problem. Also, an aluminum window does not insulate at all well. Heat can leave your home and the cold can enter (or heat enter in hot climates)

To help with this; quality aluminum window frames will now come with what is called a thermal break contained within them. These are strips of plastic inside the actual frame (so you don't see them) that help to lower the aluminum window's U-value considerably, and keep that heat where you want it.

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Author Notes:

Anthony Lee contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.replacement-windows-n-shutters.com. Find everything you need to know about replacement windows, shutters, tinting, basement, fiberglass windows and more.