There are a few options for energy-efficient frame materials that you can choose for your new and replacement double-glazed windows, triple-glazed windows, or doors. While the panes of glass are the primary way that you can create thermally-efficient windows, the frame choice will play a significant role too.
How to Choose Energy-Efficient Windows
If you are fitting double or triple glazing you can use the energy ratings from the British Fenestration Rating Council as a guide to help make a choice, which will take into account the frame. Energy-rated windows from the BFRC are very reliable.
How Do Energy-Efficient Windows Work?
The goal of an energy-efficient window frame is the same as the glazing, aiming to reduce heat loss, limit solar gain, and thereby lower your energy bills by minimising the need to use heating inside. As leading suppliers and installers of new or replacement windows, we understand the benefits and drawbacks of all types of energy-efficient window frames.
If you are ready to get your windows, you can fill out our short form for a free, fast and accurate quote on double glazing or any other home improvements you want to have fitted across the south coast region of the UK.
UPVC Window Frames: An Insulating Plastic Polymer
Choosing uPVC is a fine option for energy-efficient window frames and is probably the most common. As a robust plastic polymer, uPVC is a material used for all kinds of fabrications and makes for durable window frames that do not easily break, chip, or warp in extreme conditions.
As a renowned insulator, uPVC is fantastic for window frames. It will never get too cold in the winter and will withstand soaring summer temperatures too. As long as you have glazing that can perform as well, you can expect energy savings of up to 30% with uPVC window frames.
Other benefits of uPVC are that it is cheap, recyclable, and easy to replace. The polymer will also resist chemicals from strong cleaning products and can have excellent impact resistance. UPVC is also totally non-conductive and non-flammable, so it is a very safe material for a window.
Aluminium Window Frames: A Stylish Metal
You can also opt for aluminium window frames, which provide a slightly different style to uPVC and are arguably a better class of product for their aesthetics. Aluminium is a low-cost and very long-lasting material that will stand the test of time and be a valuable investment in your home.
Despite the wonderful look, aluminium is not the best insulator, so it might seem like a rather strange material if you are looking for energy-efficient window frames. To make up for this, the designs of most aluminium windows have thermal breaks in the frame – often made of rubber.
Aluminium is highly customisable, with coatings available in many colours. Aluminium window frames are highly unlikely to break, are corrosion resistant and can be extremely lightweight, which makes them a great option for when you are installing multiple window frames at height.
Steel Window Frames: A Rugged Metal
Another metal you can choose for window frames is steel, which is a material that shares many of the properties of aluminium but is a much more heavy-duty option. Steel is a hard-wearing, long-lasting and strong material that is capable of holding incredibly large panes of glass.
Steel is a very high conductor, which means thermal transfer from inside can be an issue. Like aluminium, thermal breaks are often used in the frame of steel windows. There are a lot of ways to reduce heat transfer, but it is likely to become very hot or cold depending on the conditions.
Steel window frames also look amazing, which can make them the go-to choice for many of our customers looking for a rugged, industrial look. Steel is very heavy, so will require some types of buildings to use reinforcement methods during installation, and is also an expensive frame choice.
Timber Frame Windows: A Classic Material Choice
Timber is a traditional material that can be used for energy-efficient window frames, such as when you want to keep a certain look on a period property. Wood is a flexible material that is well-liked as it easily meets standards set by building regulations and is also cost-effective.
Timber is one of the most naturally energy-efficient window frame options, as it does not get too hot or cold to touch. The structure of wood is helpful as it contains tiny air gaps within it that will form a barrier against the outdoors. Wood is easy to repair and replace, too, so it is quite versatile.
There are a few drawbacks to using timber, which is that it can be prone to moisture ingress that will potentially lead to rotting. Rotting windows cannot be fixed and need to be fully replaced, which can be quite pricey. Other drawbacks include the fact that splintering and breaks can often occur.
Energy Efficient Window Frame Materials Explained
The energy-efficient window frames we offer include many uPVC and aluminium varieties, which is why we understand the benefits of each material. UPVC and timber have a natural insulating effect, which is great for energy efficiency, whereas steel and aluminium options use clever strategies in their design to avoid thermal bridging in the window.
The glass in a window is an important part of their energy efficiency but the frame choice will work in tandem with it to boost the energy efficiency of your home. We are a name you can trust for all sorts of home improvements across the south coast region of the UK, which we have built over 40 years of experience in the trade. Fill out our short form to get a free quote.
