Aluminium Window Frames
When double glazing first became a popular window choice in the 1960s, most frames were made of aluminum. Aluminum remained the most popular choice for framing double glazing windows through the mid-1980s, when it held over 60% of the market. Since the introduction of PVC window framing, the market share of aluminum framed windows has dropped steadily. As of 2003, less than 17% of windows sold were aluminum framed. There are many reasons for the drop in popularity - and still some good reasons for choosing aluminum over PVC or wood frames.
The early popularity of aluminum was based on price and convenience. Aluminum was far less expensive than wood, the only other choice for window framing in the early years of double glazing. In addition, aluminum is easily extruded in the shapes and lengths needed to frame windows of any shape or size. It's strong, durable and very close to maintenance free.
Aluminum frames do have one significant drawback, however. Aluminum is an excellent conductor of heat and cold. It's such a good conductor, in fact, that in colder temperatures, frost often forms on interior surfaces of the windows close to the aluminum joints. The end result is windows that are significantly less able to conserve heat and energy than those framed in other materials.
PVCu was introduced in the mid-80s as a choice for framing double glazing windows, and immediately began to climb in popularity. When compared with aluminum frames, PVCu was less expensive, and more energy conservative. It can't match the strength of aluminum, however, and there are security concerns with its use. In addition, the introduction of 'thermal breaks' reduces the heat conductivity (measured in U values) of aluminum framed windows significantly. By fitting a less conductive material between the panes of the window as a sort of 'bridge' between the glass, manufacturers can bring the U value of aluminum framed double glazed windows within conservation standards.
The main selling points for aluminum window frames, then, were:
1. Strength - aluminum framed windows are far less prone to warping. The aluminum withstands weather well, needs no painting and forms strong, rigid window frames that will fit for far longer than wood frames.
2. Cost - aluminum frames are far less expensive than wood frames. They are easier to manufacture, and the material is less expensive to begin with. On the other hand, the introduction of PVC has largely negated the advantage of cost. Far lower in price, and with more efficient heating, PVC has become the material of choice for framing double glazing windows.
3. Ease of maintenance - As opposed to wood, which is subject to warping and decay and needs repainting every 3-5 years, aluminum is virtually maintenance free. It never needs painting, doesn't rot or warp, and is rigid and strong enough to bear the load of window lintels with minimal reinforcement.
4. Security - Because of the tight fit possible with aluminum framed double glazed windows, they were - and still are - the choice where security is a paramount concern. It's very difficult to 'pop' an aluminum framed window from its frame if it's properly fitted.
For further details on double glazing please visit http://www.double-glazing-centre.co.uk
 Google News Updated : Sun, 20 Jul 2008 00:45:55 GMT Venture Funding Drops for Youngest Companies As Older Ones Suck Up ... - New York Times
New York Times - By Abha Bhattarai In an ominous sign for Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurial machine, venture capital firms are cutting back on their investments in companies at their earliest stage of development and being forced to provide extra funding for later-stage ... VC Deals In Charts (Q2 2008)?Exits? We Don't Need No Stinkin' Exits? Venture investments in state total $77.6 million so far in '08 Publ.Date : Sat, 19 Jul 2008 22:54:52 GMT Growth ahead for more diversified game industry - Reuters
Reuters - By Kiyoshi Takenaka - Analysis LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The video game industry looks set for at least another year or two of strong growth, driven by geographical expansion, a strong hardware lineup and growing pool of casual gamers, ... Nintendo Wii Tops for Console Sales in June Sony's press conference at E3 was a dazzling hi-tech showcase Publ.Date : Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:07:32 GMT US banks ask SEC to expand stock trade protection - Reuters
Reuters - By John Poirier WASHINGTON (Reuters) - An emergency move by US securities regulators this week aimed at curbing manipulative short-selling in some major financial firms should be expanded to all publicly traded banks, or it could erode confidence in ... SEC Short-Sale Rule Gets Negative Reviews SEC Spares Market Makers From `Naked-Short' Sales Ban (Update1) Publ.Date : Sat, 19 Jul 2008 17:02:49 GMT Panel Finds Misconduct By Fusion Researcher - Washington Post
Washington Post - INDIANAPOLIS -- A Purdue University panel has found two instances of misconduct by a researcher who says he produced nuclear fusion in tabletop experiments. Purdue physicist found guilty of misconduct Details of what Purdue's investigation found Publ.Date : Sat, 19 Jul 2008 05:47:31 GMT What's the best Oscar strategy for Heath Ledger in 'The Dark Knight'? - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times - That's a tricky Oscar question. On one hand you might think Heath Ledger should go supporting because, technically speaking, "The Dark Knight" is a film about Batman. Heath is where the heart is 'Dark Knight' sets box office record with $66.4M Publ.Date : Sat, 19 Jul 2008 23:18:18 GMT Aybar's triple caps Halos' rally over Sox - MLB.com
MLB.com - By Rhett Bollinger / MLB.com ANAHEIM -- Pinch-hitter Erick Aybar hit a three-run triple in the seventh inning, Vladimir Guerrero blasted a solo home run and left-hander Joe Saunders pitched 6 2/3 strong innings to lift the Angels to a 4-2 win over the ... Aybar's three-run triple sends streaking Halos over BoSox Aybar's bases-clearing triple sparks Angels Publ.Date : Sat, 19 Jul 2008 22:52:04 GMT McCain Co-Chairman, Under Fire, Steps Aside - New York Times
New York Times - Carolyn Kaster/AP At a town-hall-style meeting Friday on energy, John McCain found himself questioned instead on his wartime positions. McCain Takes on the 'Cable Monster' and an 'Extreme' Obama Gramm Out as McCain Co-Chair; Obama Reacts Publ.Date : Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:45:59 GMT Amazon RSS Feed Generator |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... MISTAKES.Don't worry about making mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. Why should... Read More For some people, a fireplace might as well be a... Read More Have you been considering selling your home in the near... Read More There are just a few important things to know and... Read More The cordless impact wrench is quickly gaining in popularity among... Read More A major US corporation recently launched a new line of... Read More If you are tired of replacing your mailbox every few... Read More Everyone loves a fireplace aglow with a roaring fire or... Read More When you begin decorating your home there are some important... Read More The word "master" is an antiquated term that suggests control,... Read More Is your home décor lacking that extra something that spells... Read More The installation of a new bathroom vanity and countertop can... Read More My husband and I just completed our first remodel. It... Read More The allure of carpet lays not only its soft and... Read More You may have noticed long icicles hanging from your gutters... Read More To make your home more energy efficient, you need to... Read More DurabilityBecause it's designed with a tough and durable wear layer,... Read More It is absolutely necessary to waterproof the foundation of your... Read More Many industrial concerns have workshops of their own. For the... Read More Baking soda is a common, inexpensive household item that can... Read More For many years copper has been the main raw material... Read More Roofs are an integral part of the house. The design... Read More Steel is a remarkable material that has been steadily increasing... Read More Purchasing an air purifier can be confusing, and you do... Read More A sauna has been used throughout history in every part... Read More
Adsense
websites
Mistakes?
Simple Way to Get More Heat from Your Fireplace
Get Your Home Ready To Sell
How to build an energy-efficient home
Cordless Impact Wrench - Not the Same Tool as Your Cordless Drill
5 Steps for Creating a Garage You Can Love ? and Use
Buyers Guide To Heavy-Built Mailboxes
10 Quick Ways to Change Your Fire-less Fireplace from a Black Hole to a Worthy Focal Point
Area Rug Buyers Guide
Do You Have a Master Bedroom? You Shouldnt! Tips for Remodeling Your Bedroom
Add Sizzle to Your Surroundings
Installing a Bathroom Vanity and Countertop
Top Ten Remodeling Tips
Shopping For Carpet
The Art of Ice Dam Removal
A Few Simple Facts About Gas And Electric Heating Systems
Laminate Flooring Advantages
Basic Methods of Foundation Waterproofing
Repairing Your Own Machine Components
Baking Soda for Cleaning
Mexican Artisans Promote the Use of Recycled Copper in the Fabrication of Their World Famous Copper
Discovering Fiberglass Roofing Panels for Your Roofing Needs
The Advantages of Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings
Understanding Air Purifiers
Make your Sauna a Focal Point
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Trading in Corporate Office for Home Office
Six years ago, I had not yet turned on a... Read More
10 Tips for Working With a Contractor
This is the year you're going all out. You're going... Read More
Architect or Building Designer ? Who Do You Choose?
Thinking of building a new home or complex? Will you... Read More
Gas Stoves - Pros and Cons
Gas stoves are those preferred by professionals. The heat distribution... Read More
How to Replace the Rollers on Your Patio Sliding Glass Glass Door
Hiring a professional to replace your rollers could cost you... Read More
Garage Doors
You may think choosing garage doors is straight forward, however... Read More
Thinking of Remodeling Your Kitchen?
If you like to cook, or even if you just... Read More
An Overview of Aluminium, Plastic and Timber Conservatories
Conservatories remain a popular accoutrement and attachment to homes throughout... Read More
Stair Railings Styles
The stair railing at home is more than a simple... Read More
A Lasting Scent
Look no further for long lasting perfumes. House of Rose... Read More
Imported Tools vs. Brand Name - Are They As Good?
So you are looking for hand or power tools on... Read More
Dehumidifiers Wring Out Your Home
Anyone that has a home office or bedroom in the... Read More
How to Choose a Freezer for Home
The average household freezer is a silent slave. It operates... Read More
Your Candles Are Killing You and Your Furniture - Substitute It!
Even though most of the houses are well lighted with... Read More
From Toss Out to Sensational Keeper - Lamp Re-Make
When the old lamp from my children's room was turning... Read More
Spring Into Action: Home Maintenance
Spring has sprung! Even more important than buds, birds, and... Read More
Hammocks Create a Stress Free Zone
Stress is all around us, from the office to the... Read More
Save Time & Money Doing Your Own Basic Electric Wiring
Hiring a professional electrician can be very expensive and is... Read More
Whats So Special About My Front Door?
"The doors we open and close each day decide the... Read More
How To Buy Double Glazing In The UK
Double glazing reduces heat loss through your windows. You can... Read More
Repairing Putty Window Glass
Have you ever thought about fixing a broken window in... Read More
Discovering Fiberglass Roofing Panels for Your Roofing Needs
Roofs are an integral part of the house. The design... Read More
Reduce Your Heating Bills This Winter - Overlooked Sources of Heat Loss in the Home
Imagine leaving a window open all winter long ? the... Read More
Interconnects for Your Audio/Video System - Choosing The Proper Cables
Research & Development I began designing audio and video interconnect... Read More
A Place For Everything And Everything In Its Place
Tax season is over...The spring holidays have passed... Hopefully by... Read More
Home Improvement |