Aluminium windows are windows that have aluminium frames or sashes instead of window frames made from other materials like uPVC or timber.

You should choose high-quality aluminium windows if you have a modern or contemporary home, as they fit that style best and have a modern appearance. You can still have aluminium windows on any other style house, though. The best part about these windows is that they just generally look great, and aluminium windows offer plenty of design flexibility because they can typically be made in any colour.

Whether you're looking to add new windows to a new house, new windows to an old house or if you're considering replacing your existing windows, the minimalistic appearance and slim sightlines created by slimline frames mean more glass and that they fit in with any style, era and taste.

Types of Aluminium Windows

Aluminium windows are available in a variety of different window styles to suit the needs of different rooms.

Different styles of aluminium windows can be classified by their opening options. The key features of each style are usually defined by how the window opens. These opening elements are used to describe the kind of window you'll be getting.

Casement Window

This is the most popular and most common type of window, and the style most people mean when they refer to standard casement windows. Casement windows are attached to the frame by one or more hinges on any side. Casement windows are also commonly known as side-hinged windows.

A flush casement aluminium window is a type of aluminium casement windows design with slimmer frames. This allows it to sit flush against the house without any overlap on the outside.

Inward Opening Window

This is a casement window that opens inward, making the window easier to clean on both sides. This window is also seen as a good way of escaping a room in a pinch. The side-hung window is attached to the window frame by hinges on either side.

tilt and turn windows are also inward opening and offer two options. In this tilt and turn style, you can ventilate from the top in the "tilt" function or use the "turn" option to open the entire window for more airflow and easier cleaning. These types of windows typically have a dual hinge system.

Tilt-before-turn windows are the same as turn and tilt windows, with the difference being the positions of the window handle.

Bottom-hung (tilt-only) windows have hinges on the bottom of the frame. They only open in a tilt position to create a vent into the room rather than opening all the way.

Outward Opening Window

This is another common type of window that is typically side-hung. This means that there are hinges on either end of the frame. These windows open outward as opposed to inward.

A top-hung window of this type has hinges on the top of the frame. This allows the window to open outward at a limited angle rather than opening up all the way.

Sliding Window

These windows typically slide horizontally, left or right and have no hinges attaching them to the frames. These windows rely on railings to allow them to slide back and forth.

Folding Window

Folding windows allow you to use the aperture in which the window is fitted. These windows can be folded in a specific way to increase the size of the opening through the use of a railing. These windows can be folded inward or outward.

Pivot Opening Window

The vertical pivot opening window also allows for more of the window to be open. This is different from typical window openings, and it allows for bigger size windows to be installed. The pivot mechanism is located on the top and bottom of the frame, close to the centre of the window. The windows open by pivoting both inward and outward.

A horizontal pivot opening window opens up vertically so that it's parallel to the ground. The pivot mechanism is located on either side of the window frame towards the centre of the window. These windows offer wide and uninterrupted views of your surroundings.

Fixed Window

Fixed windows don't open and close and have no hinges on the frame. These windows aren't built to allow any ventilation in a room. They are more for the light and the view than they are for airing out a room.

Advantages of Aluminium Windows

Aside from the look, why should you choose aluminium windows for your home or renovation? There are some advantages of aluminium windows that you won't get with uPVC windows or timber windows.

Durability of aluminium window frames

The durability and longevity of aluminium windows are some of the biggest benefits of installing these in your home. Aluminium windows have a lifespan of up to 40 years!

Aluminium windows are harder to bend. They also tend to be more resistant to the elements, so there's less chance of them warping, corroding or flexing in any way. Most aluminium windows are built to order rather than supplied only in standard stock sizes.

Low maintenance

Aluminium windows are virtually maintenance free, so they don't require a lot of upkeep to keep them looking good and working as they should. As long as you choose powder-coated aluminium windows, they should require no heavy maintenance and be weatherproof.

Aside from regular cleaning of the glass, you only really have to clean aluminium windows every 2- 4 months to remove any dirt from the window frames. This timeline might vary depending on the finish of the windows but not by much.

Unlike timber windows, aluminium windows also don't attract any pests or insects.

Affordable

The cost of aluminium windows can be higher upfront when you compare materials. Timber windows may cost less to buy and install, and uPVC windows are usually cheaper than both, but aluminium often makes better long-term value because ongoing maintenance is low and the material lasts much longer.

uPVC windows are cheaper than both timber and aluminium windows, but the material isn't as durable and degrades over time. This can lead to replacing the windows much sooner than you'd have to and maybe even several times over the lifespan of an aluminium window. Some window companies also offer composite windows for buyers who are comparing materials.

Thermal efficiency of double glazed aluminium windows

Modern aluminium window frames use thermal break technology to reduce heat transfer. Heat gain and heat loss are improved by thermal breaks in aluminium window frames, which boosts heat retention and lowers heat loss. These sit between the inner and outer sections of the frame, not between the panes of glass. This makes modern aluminium windows more thermally efficient and energy efficient overall. Double glazed windows are common, while high performance glazing or triple glazing can further improve thermal performance and energy efficiency. You can actually decrease your energy bills by choosing aluminium windows for your home.

On top of this, aluminium windows are eco-friendly as aluminium is a 100% recyclable, sustainable and non-toxic product. It only takes about 5% of the energy required to make aluminium to recycle it.

Customisable

You can get aluminium windows in a huge range of styles, sizes and colours without compromising on quality, with finishes including dual colour options. You can also customise the glass with different glazing options. So you can ensure that your new aluminium windows are designed specifically to fit your home.

Aluminium windows are very lightweight but still very strong, which is why they can use less aluminium to give you slimline aluminium windows. They don't look as bulky; they have a sleek look, create more glass area, and can suit contemporary buildings while allowing more natural light to enter the home.

You can add more security to your home by having lock systems installed on your aluminium windows, and you can also make them soundproof with certain modifications. Aluminium windows secure the home with multi-point locking systems.

Disadvantages of Aluminium Windows

There are many benefits to installing aluminium windows, more than there are disadvantages. That said, there are a few things that you might want to take into consideration before taking this step.

Cost

Aluminium windows cost a lot to be installed initially. They don't cost as much as timber frames would, but they do still cost quite a bit. Especially if you have them customised, such as having them done in a big size or a certain colour or with a certain kind of powder coating.

The number of windows that you want to install also factors into the cost on top of the cost of the actual installation. The kind of house and accessibility of the areas where the aluminium windows need to be installed can also play a factor in the cost.

The area that you live in can also play a part in how much money you'll have to pay. Installation costs vary from area to area, as do the shipping costs of the aluminium windows. It depends on where the factory is in relation to your home.

If you have to create windows as opposed to replacing existing windows, this can also incur new costs. Replacement windows can also create additional costs depending on the opening and the installation work needed. On top of the costs of the windows and the installation, you'll have to pay someone to create the new openings.

You might have to hire a structural engineer to tell you where you can and can't put the windows. If you have a historical home or an older home, you might even need planning permission and building regulations approval before you can replace or install any windows at all.

If you're looking to learn how to remove an aluminium window, take a look at our helpful tips.

FAQs

What are the different types of aluminium windows?

You get fixed pane, sliding, folding, casement, flush casement windows, sash windows and tilt and turn windows in aluminium. The best aluminium windows depend on the style and how the room needs to open, ventilate or look.

Are aluminium windows the strongest windows?

Although aluminium windows are incredibly durable, fibreglass windows are the toughest windows available. Steel windows remain a strong heritage option, but aluminium can deliver similar durability with a lighter frame.

What is the lifespan of an aluminium window?

Aluminium windows can last between 20 to 25 years with very little maintenance, though lifespan also depends on the overall specification and whether you choose double glazed aluminium windows or triple glazed aluminium windows.