We tend to think of doors and windows as mainly functional features. They control access and let in that all-important natural light. Depending on their placement, they can also frame our views and help optimise airflow.
But they can be so much more than mere entry points. They can be used to accentuate your home’s design, bringing together the overall look. They can also help you maintain a consistent home climate, increasing your comfort and energy efficiency.
Aluminium doors and windows, in particular, provide the perfect balance of style and performance. Here are just a few of the reasons why aluminium is the top choice for Australian homes.
Designed to last
Australia’s climate is infamously harsh.
Depending on where you live, intense UV exposure, high winds, sudden storms, fires, and coastal salt spray could be common. Temperatures can also fluctuate wildly, with many places regularly experiencing daily ranges of 20 to 30 degrees.
Your home needs to be able to weather all of these conditions, often in combination.
Most traditional building materials aren’t up to this task. When exposed to moisture or temperature fluctuations, timber rots, warps, and swells. When exposed to water and salt, steel rusts.
But aluminium is extremely durable. It’s strong, stable, non-combustible, and cannot rust. High-quality aluminium frames are also power-coated or anodised, providing further protection against fading and peeling.
Thinner frames, larger spans
Aluminium’s strength is impressive. Even more so when you consider its density, which is typically around one-third that of steel. This means less of it is required to support similar loads.
This is a real benefit when it comes to the manufacture of building materials. Weight is a major consideration for structural engineering, dictating how thick materials need to be and how much additional support they require. Aluminium’s higher strength-to-weight ratio means frames can be slimmer without impacting structural integrity, and hold significantly more weight without requiring additional bracing.
If you like a minimalist, modern aesthetic, this is a real win. Aluminium frames allow you to make the most of your view with floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive glass panels. They also allow you to maximise the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces with large sliding doors.
Energy efficient and sustainable
Aluminium is an excellent conductor of heat, which is why it’s so widely used in the manufacture of cookware. But, while thermal conductivity is a great quality in a frypan, it’s less ideal for door and window frames.
To address this, most modern frames include a thermal break. This means they have an extra layer of insulation between the internal and external frames. Usually made from reinforced plastic, this barrier helps stop heat escaping from or coming into your home.
This should mean it’s easier to keep your home at a consistent temperature. It should also mean you’ll need to spend less on heating and cooling. And you can bring your bills down even further by opting for double or triple glazing.
To add to aluminium’s green credentials, it’s arguably the most sustainable building material currently available. It’s infinitely recyclable, with over 75% of the aluminium ever produced still in use. Compared to making new aluminium, the recycling process also uses around 95% less energy and produces around 95% less greenhouse gas.
An investment in style and performance
Choosing aluminium frames should mean less maintenance and more peace of mind. No need for frequent repainting or sealing. No need for regular repair.
Aluminium frames can also be an aesthetic choice. Their sleek profiles and clean lines suit a range of styles, from coastal to contemporary, minimalist to industrial. They’re also available in a range of colours and finishes, and pair well with wood, concrete, and natural stone.
Their flexibility means there are options to suit every taste and application:
- Want to add contrast to your home’s façade or further define its structure? Consider matte black or dark charcoal frames.
- Prefer a more luxurious coastal vibe? Softer tones and a glossier finish might be a better fit.
- Looking to create a seamless transition between your internal and external living areas? Sliding and bi-fold doors could help create an easy flow.
- Have an impressive view that deserves to be celebrated? Large aluminium-framed windows could make an exquisite frame.
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However you choose to use aluminium doors and windows, it’s important to make this decision early in the design process. This allows you to properly integrate them into your design, ensuring you’re making the most of their many benefits.
