When it comes to our kit-of-parts for a residential project, one of the most important components is the aluminum window package. We use aluminum windows for a bunch of reasons: they&#;re extremely functional, maintenance free, and complement the attenuated clean lines of modern design. They&#;re more expensive than vinyl (thumbs-down), but much more cost-effective than wood or steel windows. Certain aluminum window packages also meet the new, stringent energy code here in Washington State. For all of these reasons, we&#;ve been using Marlin&#;s series AT-17 fixed, casement and awning windows for several years now. As far as finishes go, we like the clear anodized aluminum; the bronze anodized aluminum is also a nice look under the right circumstances. These profiles and finishes also do a nice job of matching the other aluminum components we specify like garage doors, sliding doors and accordion doors. While these decisions and specifications produce a successful window package, there are number of additional considerations that lead to a successful end result. Here are our top 10:
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1. The window panes are more energy efficient than the aluminum frames; therefore the more vertical and horizontal breaks a window has, the less energy efficient it is. We believe that the potential energy loss through the frame is more than offset by the durability, low maintenance and clean aesthetic.
2. Use a combination of double and triple pane windows to meet the energy code (at least in Washington State, where the code is rigorous). We tend to use triple pane windows at the operable windows where the thermal bridge of the aluminum frame is greatest (refer to Item #1). Keep in mind that triple pane windows have a subtle difference in tint and double pane windows tend to be clearer, so use triple panes judiciously.
3. Use a kerf wood liner, installed prior to sheetrock, to minimize the appearance of trim as well as creating a straight, durable and crisp finish to look through the windows rather than at the window frame and related trim.
4. Leave a heavy 1/16&#; gap between the interior wood liner and the aluminum frame, as even thermally broken aluminum frames experience differential expansion due to humidity and temperature. We&#;ve found that an intentional line/gap is a maintenance free detail as opposed to caulk that may eventually crack or discolor.
5. Double-check exterior alignments as applicable. Door heads, lines of other features, siding breaks, etc., as well as the lines that will be created once offsets for flashing and siding offsets are factored in at finish. Equally (probably more) important, check interior alignments and mullion breaks. For example, ensure that all cabinet and other finish materials are hitting any specific window lines they are intended to align with. Also, double check all mullions to ensure that they are not in a line of sight (standing at the sink, seated on the sofa, etc.).
6. Use awning windows where possible (hinge at the top, opening at the bottom). Here in the Northwest, we have the potential for frequent rains, and awnings can be left partially open regardless of the exterior conditions.
7. Use roto-style hardware for operable windows where screens are desired. We like push out windows and all, but once you place screens on the interior side of the window, the little doggie door detail to access the window is terrible. Much better to simply have the roto handle.
8. Align the bottom of the windows at the top of the interior base for an intentionally modern aesthetic. This is a great way to provide floor to ceiling windows and maintain continuity of the interior detailing
9. If the windows get too big, the glazing will have to be installed in the window frames on site. With Marlin, anything over 40 sf for triple pane and 50 sf for double pane has to be assembled in the field. This is due to weight and manageability. Site glazing is typically an additional charge, but for larger expanses of glass to embrace light and/or view, the upcharge is totally worth it.
10. Create a relationship with your window manufacturers and local distributor. We&#;ve also gotten into a groove of pre-ordering and then site verifying for reasonably fast window package turnaround; and, we&#;ve also provided feedback regarding quality control and maintenance issues. Ideally, this type of relationship makes the projects better and everyone&#;s lives smoother. We feel loyal to a product line that has served our clients well, and we strive to have our vendors see the value of providing better service. Rising tides raise all boats (yet again).
If you&#;re considering choosing aluminium windows for your home, then you are not alone &#; more and more people are now aware of the numerous benefits of contemporary aluminium windows. In our complete guide, we cover everything you need to know about this style of window &#; from the compelling reasons to choose aluminium windows, to the various glazing options and frame styles available and even comparing them to the alternatives out there. Whatever you want to know about choosing aluminium windows for your home, you&#;ll find it here&#;
Aluminium windows are a hugely popular choice these days &#; and it isn&#;t hard to see why. Contemporary aluminium windows are the perfect finishing touch for modern homes and extensions, as well as being a great way to add contrast and interest to more traditional styles of home, where their sleek lines adds instant kerb appeal.
The benefits don&#;t end with aesthetics either. Aluminium windows are virtually maintenance free and have greater longevity than many other types of window, which makes them a great long-term investment. Unlike timber windows, aluminium windows come powder-coated in a colour of your choice, making them a hassle-free option that won&#;t require priming, sanding or repainting. In addition, aluminium windows are thermally efficient, have slim sightlines that won&#;t get in the way of your views or block light, are 100% recyclable and are resilient to warping, corroding or twisting over time.
Considering aluminium bi-folds or sliding doors? Aluminium windows are the perfect way to complement them, offering a sleek, cohesive look. They can also be specified in a colour to match and their slim sightlines won&#;t detract from or look out of place alongside expanses of opening glazing such as these.
Finally, aluminium is a lightweight and versatile option, weighing 67% less than steel.
If you are wondering whether to choose aluminium windows or uPVC windows, there are numerous advantages aluminium windows have over plastic.
While it is true that basic, off-the-shelf uPVC windows tend to be cheaper to buy than aluminium windows, you should bear in mind that this lower cost will not necessarily give you the best value for money. Your choice of windows has an enormous impact on the appearance of your home and it is always worth paying for the best your budget will allow. Not only will this mean the appearance of your house will be enhanced, but it will also have an effect on how it stands the test of time.
Beyond the value add, there are numerous other reasons why aluminium windows may be a better option for you than uPVC windows&#;
The Benefits of Choosing Aluminium Windows over uPVC Windows
On another note, if you are wondering how aluminium windows compare to timber windows, there are several advantages worth taking into consideration. Unlike timber windows, aluminium windows require no priming, painting or subsequent maintenance. In addition, contemporary aluminium windows have the edge when it comes to modern house design, where timber windows can look out of place.
Whilst it is true that aluminium windows cost more than some types of windows at the lower end of the market, such as uPVC, most people agree that they are more than worth the extra initial outlay in terms of their longevity, appearance and the value that they can add to a property.
The actual cost of aluminium windows varies hugely depending on the individual project specifications. Factors that influence this can be the location of the house, who is supplying and installing the windows, the glass chosen and any extras that are included. But to give you a rough idea of aluminium windows costs, they tend to be more expensive than softwood or uPVC, which start at around £5,000 for the average house, but come in at less than composite windows, which start from approximately £10,000 for an average house.
Don&#;t forget to factor in the cost of glass and fitting aluminium windows, which will be an additional charge on top of the windows themselves. Ensure your new windows are properly fitted by using our Find an Installer tool. Your installer will also be the one sourcing the glass and guaranteeing the install, so it&#;s important to find someone you trust. Read our article here about choosing a tradesperson.
You may well see the term &#;flush&#; used a lot when you are researching aluminium window frames. This refers to the way the opening part of the window (the casement) and the frame &#; when they are flush, the casement sits inside the frame seamlessly together, with no overlapping or protruding sections and this is key to achieving a slick final look.
Here at Origin, we offer two systems: the Premium OW-80 and the Slimline OW-70. Both window styles are totally bespoke and come with a whole host of configuration options, colour choices and handles, and both have a guarantee of up to 20-year guarantee too.
The OW-80 has an external flush casement and an industry-first internal flush casement, for a truly elegant finish. The OW-70 has an external flush casement.
If you are aiming for the ultimate in energy efficiency or are trying to create your dream forever home, then it is definitely worth thinking about installing premium aluminium windows.
Unlike their predecessors, which were often criticised for having poor energy efficiency, modern aluminium windows use thermal break technology. This means that they are constructed with a barrier between the inside and outside of the frames. The aluminium frame is separated into an inner and outer section, between which is sandwiched a less conductive material that prevents heat from being transferred &#; in simple terms, they keep the internal temperature inside and the outside out. While all aluminium windows tend to have a thermal break, not all are created equal.
The Premium OW-80 Aluminium Window is the only window available that can be upgraded to make us of space-age technology, Aerogel. Aerogel will allow your windows to proivde a thermal performance that's out of this world, achieving A energy rating and a u-Value as low as 0.8. Aerogel was originally designed to keep astronauts warm, insulating spacesuits and space shuttles, but now, it can also insulate your home.
Made of super-insulating silica, Aerogel has the lowest thermal conductivity of any known solid material. When specified, Origin use it within the thermal break of the OW-80 window to improve insulation by up to 67%. This considerably limits the heat transfer from the inside of the window to the outside, and ensures that your home remains warm in winter and cool in summer, maintaining a comfortable living temperature all year round.
Composed of up to 99.89% air by volume, the super-insulating silica Aerogel can be used in Origin's innovative aluminium windows, in its casement, fixed, bay and gable configurations.
This revolutionary hydrophobic insulator is not affected by moisture or age, and provides major energy savings for the life of a home. It is the perfect option for anyone looking for a window that offers out of this world insulation and thermal performance.
If Aerogel has been designed to keep astronauts warm, just think what it could do for your home.
Unlike many other aluminium window systems, the OW-80 has an internal and external flush casement which sits precisely in line with the frames, giving a streamlined, elegant and contemporary finish.
On top being available in large, complex configurations and sizes, it's also Secured by Design accredited, offering complete peace of mind that you and your family will be protected.
A term you might often see when choosing aluminium window frames is &#;slimline frames&#; or &#;thin sightlines&#; and this is one of the main draws of this type of window. The slimmer the frames, the better in terms of drawing in natural light, achieving a minimalist finish and the views you will be rewarded with of your outdoor spaces.
One of the main benefits of aluminium window frames is the slim sightlines they offer and when it comes to the OW-70 system, you will be hard pressed to find slimmer. With sightlines of just 65mm, this is one of the slimmest windows available, allowing maximum levels of natural light to flood your home and bringing unobstructed views of outside.
The OW-70 offers a beautifully elegant, modern appearance thanks to its slim sightlines, flush external finish and choice of square or chamfered beading. The windows are also available as either fixed, casement or bay configurations.
Want more information on Ultra-slim edge Casement Aluminum Windows? Feel free to contact us.
Quite simply, powder coated means that the aluminium used in the construction of the windows, for the frames and casements, is sprayed with a polyester powder in order to leave it with a uniform, neat finish. Powder coated aluminium windows are considered superior to those that have been painted. They are weather resistant and low-maintenance &#; a simple wipe down is all that is required from time to time. It is worth noting that more routine maintenance will be required in certain areas, such as coastal properties, but this is the case with most external fittings.
While dark colours are currently on trend for windows, there are hundreds of other aluminium colours to choose from. In order to tailor the aluminium colours of your windows to your exact requirements, you can also choose to have a dual colour option, meaning the exterior and interior frames of your windows can be different. Perhaps a warmer more subtle wood grain finish internally with a bolder contemporary finish externally, for example.
All Origin Windows can be specified in over 150 RAL colours and you can also choose from a gloss, matt or satin finish. The OW-80 is also able to be specified in a woodgrain finish such as Natural Oak and Golden Oak.
When choosing aluminium windows, you will be faced with the decision of whether to opt for double glazed aluminium windows or triple glazed. This can be a tricky decision to make so we are here to explain the pros and cons of both options.
Double glazed aluminium windows, as the name suggests, consist of two panes of glass, while triple glazed aluminium windows are made up of three. Between the panes of glass is a gap containing air or inert gas, such as argon, which is heavier than air and therefore insulates better in terms of noise and heat.
When it comes to calculating the performance of windows, the U-Value measurement is used &#; the lower the U-Value, the better the energy performance. Depending on the glass used, the U-Value of the OW-80 aluminium window with double glazing can be as low as 1.3W/m²K and 1.2W/m²K with Aerogel, which is far better than that of single glazed windows that have a U-Value of around 5.0W/m²K (something to consider if you are renovating a period property). It is worth noting that Building Regulations () now require any new windows to have a U-Value of no more than 1.6, while replacement windows should not exceed 1.4.
The energy efficiency of windows can also be improved by factors such as thermal bridging or thermal breaks and airtight frames &#; something that is easy to achieve with aluminium windows.
If you are hoping for a little solar gain from the sun in your home, perhaps in a south facing room, then double glazed aluminium windows are a better choice than triple as they let more heat and light in. However, while double glazing does offer good insulation, you will still be able to feel a slight difference in temperature when you stand next to the window, unlike with triple glazing.
It is worth noting that different types of glass are available with both double and triple glazed windows and, depending on your choice of standard, laminated, reflective, annealed or tinted glass, this will impact on the amount of natural light they let into your home.
Triple glazed aluminium windows can cost between 10%-20% more than double glazed windows and many people ask whether they are worth the extra cost. In truth, it depends on your circumstances and the type of house you are living in. If, for example, your house is fairly poorly insulated elsewhere, then there is little point in the extra outlay for triple glazed windows. If, on the other hand, you live in a well-insulated home, or are building a house and aiming to achieve Passivhaus standards, they could be well worth it &#; and in the case of a Passivhaus, a requirement.
Origin Premium OW-80 Aluminium Windows, using triple glazing and Aerogel technology, can achieve a U-Value of 0.8W/m²K and will offer a level of quality, comfort and energy efficiency that is hard to achieve with double glazing alone. Triple glazed windows have a third pane of glass between the inner and outer panes, creating two air locks that can increase the energy efficiency of a window by up to approximately 50% when compared to standard double glazing. Simply put, this means they&#;re better at retaining heat in your home.
Origin Premium Windows and Origin Slimline Windows can accommodate both double and triple glazing units. Your chosen installer will talk you through the options and help you make the right choice for your home.
When it comes to selecting new windows for your home, one of the top priorities is ensuring they offer you maximum security. Fairly recent changes to Part Q of the Building Regulations and the Secured By Design standards mean that there are now reliable ways of ensuring the windows you choose will offer high security levels.
The answer to the question, &#;are aluminium windows secure?&#; is yes, providing you choose a model that complies with PAS 24:, the recognised standard for doors and windows manufactured in the UK. There are several features to look out for, including:
All Origin Windows feature all of the above security features, along with a few extras too, such as impenetrable crimped frames and multi-point locking systems. Both OW-70 and OW-80 systems are also Police preferred Secured by Design accredited, demonstrating that we&#;ve gone above and beyond in security requirements. They are also available with a choice of hardwearing lockable handle options in a range of colours and finishes.
Although replacement windows rarely require a planning application, there are certain cases where it may be a necessity, and if in any doubt, it is always worth checking with your local planning department. Planning permission for new aluminium windows may be required in the following circumstances:
In most cases, however, replacement aluminium windows will fall under Permitted Development.
Looking for some inspirational aluminium window designs? Here, we give you some great ideas to get you started, from classic casement aluminium windows to steel-inspired styles. Whatever type of design you&#;re after, our one-stop ideas shop should help out&#;
Aluminium casement windows offer a classic, timeless look that suits both contemporary and traditional style homes. They can be side or top hung depending on your individual requirements. With Origin, you get a flush finish and slim sightlines for a super-sleek look.
If you want to open up your interiors to outdoor space, flood your home with light and a sense of space and enjoy great views of the garden, then aluminium bi-folding doors are the way to go. Origin Bi-folding Windows use the same system as our renowned Bi-folding Doors, and we can offer some of the slimmest sightlines on the market too.
Aluminium bay windows are a fantastic way to add character and another dimension to your home and look great when combined with flush casements elsewhere. They allow you to view outside from several different angles and mean the room benefits from natural light throughout the day.
An interesting alternative to French doors, aluminium French windows manage to combine both contemporary and timeless appeal. Origin French Windows have a moving mullion, which means there is no visual barrier between inside and out.
For a truly stunning feature and a striking home full of natural light, opt for aluminium gable windows. They are a brilliant option for contemporary homes and also barn conversions with double height internal spaces.
There are lots of reasons why you might opt for aluminium fixed frame windows. Perhaps you want to draw light into a gloomy corner of the home, or have you considered using them alongside French doors or bi-fold doors? They also work well above or beneath casement windows to draw in extra light and add architectural interest.
There has been a surge of interest lately in industrial-style windows, reminiscent of steel effect windows, glazing bars and Georgian bars. Origin aluminium windows and doors can be specified with Georgian bars to give this effect, and are a cheaper alternative to steel whilst also weighing 67% less &#; plus they are more thermally efficient. Placed as either horizontal, vertical or as grids, you can customise your look as you wish.
If you have been left feeling inspired and ready to get started on your aluminium windows project, head over to our find an installer tool to track down an Origin installer near you.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Aluminum Glass Swing Door.