The prices of aluminium frames are a determining factor in choosing frames. However, even if we choose high quality energy efficient frames, they may prove to be inadequate if their construction and installation are not done properly.

For this reason, the choice of the manufacturer (who will do the installation) is very important, not only the good quality of the aluminium profile (and the materials in general). Union Profile, as a certified manufacturer in aluminium frames EXALCO, having certifications from other major suppliers, gives you some guidance on actual costs.

Most buyers believe that the cost of frames is based on their area. In other words, the price per square metre is calculated to get the final cost. That is, if 1 m2 costs 100€, then 2 m2 will cost 200€. However, this is not the case.

The cost of aluminium frames varies in each case. Depending on the type (simple, thermally broken), the project (location), the difficulty of installation (new frames, dismantling of old ones), the type of frame (opening, sliding), the material of construction (aluminium frames, PVC frames), the number of frames.A number of other factors are taken into account: the mechanisms, the colour, the type of coverings (shutters, blinds), the retiles used. All these factors are taken into account in order to calculate the final price for the installation of the frames. 

Therefore, the cost of the aluminium frames we choose for our space is directly related to their performance and certifications. Put simply, there are choices to suit every budget! In any case, they are a particularly advantageous investment as, compared to other materials, they are characterised by their durability over time (sometimes for over 4 decades) and minimal maintenance requirements. The long period of time between purchase and eventual replacement makes them a really smart choice for any space.

In total, the replacement of the old window frames & doors in a building with thermal-break window systems results in

• Increasing thermal comfort indoors.
• Reducing the possibility of water vapour formation on the surface of aluminium profiles.
• The significant reduction in operating costs for heating and cooling due to energy savings, a reduction which, taking into account specific factors, can even reach a rate of 30-40%.
• Improving the thermal insulation behaviour of buildings, by preserving the desired solar gains for a longer period of time within the building.
• Protection of the environment through the reduced demand for energy use, thus avoiding the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere that contribute to the exacerbation of climate change. The choice of aluminium systems is also the most appropriate environmental solution for another reason, as it is a recyclable material.
• Energy upgrading of buildings, thus increasing their commercial value according to the new standards set by the KEN

When looking for aluminium frames for your home or business, the choice of manufacturer is critical. Although the major extrusion companies such as EXALCO, ALUMIL and EUROPA, GEALAN, VEKA produce the profiles, the manufacture of the frames is the responsibility of the certified partners and not of said companies. This is an important misunderstanding that needs to be made clear. Therefore, when you plan to replace your old frames with modern thermal-break function,always check if the manufacturer is certified as Union Profile that has all the certifications of construction. It is very important that the aluminium manufacturer assembles your frames correctly and follows all the instructions given in the technical catalogue provided by the system manufacturer. Finally, a very important factor for a perfect end result is the correct installation of the frames in your space, where the manufacturer should be very careful to avoid future problems.

The position of the frame is the key parameter that significantly influences your choice. The exposure to the sun and weather conditions, the wind pressure and the orientation of the frame are factors to be taken into account (e.g. in a north-facing window it is not advisable to use aluminium frames without thermal insulationbecause there will be large amounts of energy loss.

- The maximum thermal insulation cannot be achieved without the use of at least double glazing. The gap between them and the "filling" between them, their thickness and type (e.g. energy glazing) are factors that should not be ignored. Double glazed energy windows have the ability to reflect heat wherever it comes from in winter and summer. Only 74% of the sun's energy passes through your glazing. Argon offers better insulating performance on the glass. The most common choice is triple energy glazing which exhibits almost the same properties as double glazing in a more advanced version. They themselves have 2 empty air chambers that offer greater soundproofing but also 40% permeability of the sun's energy. 

Soundproofing: Η soundproofing plays a very important role in the choice of the frames of your house. In particular, if you live in a large urban environment, the noise pollution you receive is quite high. There are many ailments associated with extensive noise pollution and that is why nowadays, the installation of windows is not only about comfort but also about people's well-being.

- The final choice will help you prioritize your needs: thermal insulation, safety, space saving and soundproofing. Aluminum energy frames or otherwise thermally broken frames contribute both to saving money and reducing environmental pollution. The new lifestyle and high heating and cooling costs require frames with expertise and high aesthetics.

- The role of the manufacturer and the technician who will implement the window frame είναι πολύ σημαντικός. Σιγουρευτείτε ότι διαθέτει λύσεις που αρμόζουν στο χώρο σας, ότι διαθέτει πιστοποιητικά για τα κουφώματα (αναζητείστε τη σήμανση CE) και ότι δίνει έγγραφη εγγύηση για την ανθεκτικότητά τους.

Change your old frames and save energy and money. Create energy efficient spaces!
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Advantages of Aluminum

• The Aluminum window frames are very durable & safe, while their construction material is recyclable.
•  Long service life (total of 40 years), while requiring little - almost negligible - maintenance.
• They offer an aesthetically pleasing result. They are not affected by solar radiation or climatic changes.
• They are particularly preferred for large openings, due to their durable construction.
• Security. Aluminum is a solid material and has the characteristic that it does not burn.
• Design flexibility. They can be created in various designs and can be surface treated for special decorative requirements.

Disadvantages of aluminum

• Thermal insulation capacity. Aluminum is a good conductor of heat and transfers heat from outside the house to the inside and vice versa. In short, it is cold in winter and hot in summer. This applies to cold frames without thermal-break. In aluminum frames with thermal-break, an insulating material (polyamide) is placed between the inner and outer surface of the aluminum for better and more effective insulation.
• Cost. They are more expensive than synthetic frames, while aluminum frames with thermal-break the cost increases even more.

Advantages of PVC

• Cost. They are a non-expensive solution that does not lack quality.
• Thermal insulation capacity. Because plastic is a poor conductor of heat.
• Soundproofing. The plastic does not allow the transmission of sound.
• Watertightness. Resistance to rain and strong winds.
• Long service life with minimal maintenance costs.

Disadvantages of PVC

• Vulnerable to the sun and temperature fluctuations. Yellowing was more common in previous decades and is still observed in lower quality plastic frames imported from third-world countries.
• In the past there was a safety issue because the frames were made exclusively of PVC but modern synthetic frames have an internal aluminium profile that gives robustness to the material. In addition, a perimeter locking mechanism is usually installed. In some more modern ranges such as the VEKA Softline 82  there is internal reinforcement of steel sheet.

Opening width

The available openings to be covered can limit your search considerably. The two main typologies for domestic frames are directly determined by this criterion. Opening frames can be used for openings of up to 2m, even with the use of a double French door. On the other hand, sliding windows are suitable for covering large openings, as they can be applied to openings of more than 2m.

Available indoor space

Another decisive factor for your choice is the available space inside your home. In the case of small apartments, such as studios, openable systems may be obstructed by the interior design when they are opened. Such a situation can be easily resolved with sliding ones, as they do not tie up space on the inside of the house to open.

Thermal-break function

The energy efficiency of windows and doors is a feature that should concern you from the very first moment. The right system will help you save energy by keeping the right temperature in your home, while benefiting the environment and your wallet. Invest in an aluminum system with a thermal-break function, i.e. window frame that possesses thermal insulation. Finally, because of the materials used to seal the systems when they are closed, openable systems tend to have better energy efficiencies than sliding systems.

Security

Window frames are still the vulnerable point of your home for any would-be burglar. Clearly, aluminum systems are superior to other materials because of their robustness and mechanical strength. However, even within the category of aluminum systems, there are several differences in the levels of security offered. It is advisable to make sure that you choose frames that carry an RC2 attempted burglary resistance certification.

Glazing system

Choosing the right glass for the window frame is something that is often overlooked, but the system's glass plays a crucial role. After all, it also takes up most of the surface area of the frame. Choosing double, triple or dual energy glazing will increase the insulating properties of the frame, while choosing Laminated crystals, which do not shatter in case of an impact, will protect you from accidents and break-ins!

Surrounding area

In other words, the location of your home. The outdoor environment may require systems with certain specifications. For example, in the case of apartments within busy urban centres, choosing systems with good soundproofing will keep the noise out. On the other hand, coastal buildings, due to the corrosive environmental conditions, require durable systems such as anodized aluminum frames. Discuss this criterion before purchasing, so that you can take into account all the specifics of your area and better identify your needs.

Design

The need for window frames with impeccable functionality and durability does not diminish the value of the need for stylish looking window frames that highlight the interior and exterior design.

Undoubtedly, window frames shape the interior and exterior design of your home and it is certainly important that they are beautiful and match the aesthetics of your house. Aluminum frames offer countless possibilities for colouring and surface treatment. In fact, no other material can offer the palette of colours and textures that aluminum can offer. Check out the different paint options available for your home's aluminum windows and doors below.

Electrostatic painting
Electrostatic painting protects aluminum from environmental conditions that can threaten its integrity. In order to protect your frames from paint peeling, it is important to choose the appropriate paint category between super-strength and regular paints, depending on the location of your home and the use of the system.

Anodising
A well-known colouring technique for aluminum frames is the anodising. This is an electrochemical process in which the outer surface of aluminum acquires a durable crystalline structure and is then coloured.

Unlike electrostatic painting, the outer layer that is painted is part of the metal and there is no issue of adhesion of a paint on the aluminum surface.

By choosing one of the various shades available, the window frame acquires a stylish metallic colour and a much higher durability and anti-etching surface.
It also offers maximum protection against corrosion.
With the anodizing method you can choose from a wide range of metallic shades combined with texture type, ensuring lifetime preservation of the original shade, without the risk of colour fading.

Pre-anodising
The pre-anodization process is a combination of the above two painting methods, in which the aluminum is first subjected to a special anodization treatment and then powder coated.

It is one of the most effective surface treatment processes, which literally "seals" the surface of your windows, giving them very high anti-corrosion properties and maximum protection against thread corrosion. It is recommended for areas with harmful environmental conditions towards the window's material, such as coastal areas.

Unlike the relatively limited colours of anodising, through pre-anodising you can choose from the many different colours of electrostatic painting.

An important environmental issue is the management of old, dismantled window frames. Old frames are treated as 'waste' and as such there must be a specific policy for their collection and disposal. The classification of old frames according to their material (iron, wood or aluminium) and their possible recycling is an issue that should be addressed by solid waste management bodies.Aluminum has one of the highest recycling rates among metals and is an environmentally sustainable material. Recycling aluminum requires only five percent of the original energy used to create it! This inherent property of aluminum differentiates it from other materials thus enhancing its credentials.