7 reasons why aluminium is the only choice
for windows and doors
Aluminium is one of those massively useful materials used in modern life whose value gets forgotten in the noise. We don’t normally associate huge architectural windows or smooth-styled front doors that sweep open with the strength of a vault- instead, “aluminium” conjures up images of flimsy, everyday things: food foil, soft drink cans, or the scrunched up, pulled back top on a can of soup.
Aluminium does all these things so well that we forget it’s the solution to problems in almost every industry: including motor vehicle, mobile, aircrafts and more and why we, along with designers, architects and engineers the world over, turn to aluminium.
1. Aluminium ad infinitum – Zero loss of quality or integrity
Aluminium has the extraordinary ability to live out a life in one form, then be reduced back to a malleable state and reform for a new purpose with zero loss of quality or integrity.
This makes it one of the most sustainable materials in the world with 75% off all … aluminium ever made is still in use today and, if its recycled properly, will continue in some form ad infinitum.
The mining and formation of materials are normally the most exhaustive processes, but recycled aluminium material foregoes these stages, reducing the energy that would have been required to form new aluminium by 95% saving 80 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions every year.
2. Light, strong, malleable and durable
Aluminium’s malleability is key to its impressive strength. It is also very light weight, but particularly ductile – this means it can maintain its strength and durability, or even enhance it, during the increasing tension applied to it when changing its form. This ductility is why its strength to weight ratio so easily outperforms the closest contender.
By responding so well to bending and twisting, Aluminium can excel in the most demanding design, engineering, and architectural applications.
3. Built for a long life
Aluminium comes with features straight out of the gate – during formation, pure aluminium develops an outer-oxide layer which acts as a natural protective coating against corrosion, rust, rot, UV-radiation and more – it’s effectively weather-proof. Consumers can also opt for additional anodising and pre-anodisation (putting the aluminium through a further oxidisation process), lacquering or powder coating (encouraging a powdered colour finish to bond into a smooth finish) to bulk up its natural resilience and add colour of choice.
4. Low maintenance
Aluminium needs little to no maintenance. A bucket, some water and a metal-friendly soap is all you need to keep things looking spick and span. Contrast this with the wood asking for an annual repaint or metal that’s extra heavy aluminium is an easy choice.
5. Extreme features
Aluminium contributes to some extraordinary safety and security features. It’s non-flammable, has a melting temperature of over 600 degrees and when incorporated into windows and doors, can withstand beyond 30 minutes of sustained fire. Meanwhile, it offers extra safety as it is equally tough thanks to aluminium’s hardiness when set.
6. Design without compromise
Aluminium can handle a staggering number of customisable variables without compromising any of its functional feature set. Its basic shape can twist and bend to perform throughout the full spectrum of architectural concepts. Its strength to weight ratio also means it can recede into the background, forming slim profiling that can do its job without the detracting bulk of other materials and a full rainbow of colours can be chosen from – all without losing any of its eco-friendly or quality of life characteristics.
7 .Thermal, economical and the future
Aluminium has a very low heat emissivity, making it an inherently great insulator. Combine this nascent quality with a thermally broken, glazed window or door and you get some of the most effective thermal façade solutions available.
Creating a more consistent, comfortable environment, reducing the need for air conditioning or heating and facilitating the dream of purely passive, carbon neutral buildings. It’s also one of the most abundant metals on earth, making it particularly affordable – the necessary transition to a truly sustainable society.
