What about thermal insulation in aluminium windows?
Choosing windows and doors is no easy task. There are many factors to consider: maintenance, cost price, aesthetics, etc. But what about the insulation value? We explain it clearly for you here.
Ug, Uf and Uw-value
The insulation value (U-value) indicates how much heat a specific material loses per square metre. That amount is expressed as the heat transfer coefficient W/m²K: the lower the insulation value, the better. With a low U-value, less heat is transmitted. This applies to the profile and the glass.
There are three things that affect the overall U-value (Uw-waarde) of the window:
- the u-value of the glass (Ug) - g stands for glass
- the u-value of the profile (Uf) - f stands for frame
- the thermally improved spacers of the glass
The u-value (“w” stands for window) indicates how much heat is lost through the entire window. This includes the glass (Ug), the profile (Uf) and the glass spacers.
The U-value in aluminium windows
The profile type you choose has a strong influence on the overall insulation value. In the past, aluminium windows did not insulate well, but this is a thing of the past. The new generation of aluminium windows have a thermal break, significantly increasing the insulation value. Aliplast's alu windows have a thermal break, a glass fibre-reinforced plastic, to increase the insulation value. Aluminium windows also use several “chambers”, which provide even better insulation. Today's aluminium windows have an excellent U-value of 1.5 to 0.8 W/m²K, depending on the type of glass you choose. Aliplast even has aluminium profiles suitable for passive houses.
Besides the right profile, choosing the right glass is a very important factor. Until the 1970s, houses mainly had single-glazing. Meanwhile, even double-glazing has already been surpassed. High-efficiency glass is now the standard: this type of glass insulates 2 to 3 times better than ordinary double-glazing, and 4 to 5 times better than single-glazing.
Other advantages of choosing aluminium windows
Aluminium windows are gaining more and more popularity. This should come as no surprise: not only do they meet thermal standards, there are many other important advantages. We list them:
- For every architectural style. Aluminium window profiles come in various types and colours. This makes them suitable for any architectural style, from classic to pastoral to modern.
- Very easy to maintain: there is no need to paint or varnish aluminium windows. Depending on the living environment and the environment, you clean your aluminium windows two to four times a year: for good colour retention, you should also treat your aluminium annually.
- Long lifespan: aluminium windows last for decades. They have a high resistance to rusting, cracking or warping and are particularly colourfast. Aliplast even offers a colour range with a 25-year paint guarantee, unique in the sector!
- An infinite colour range: aluminium windows are available in all sorts of colours. By finish, you can choose matt, gloss or textured lacquer. If desired, you can even choose a different colour inside and outside.
- Burglar-proof: the solidity of the material helps against burglary. Combined with burglary-resistant fittings, you have a very secure solution.
- Ecological: aluminium is fully recyclable. This process can be repeated over and over again. So you also do your bit for a good environment.
