Alitherm Heritage

Because aluminium does not rust or rot, window frames provide great longevity and can last indefinitely. This also means that the aluminium windows have the longest lifespan of any window framing material, with typical replacement periods of 40 years – compared to a typical 35 year replacement period for steel, PVC and timber.

Modern aluminium windows are thermally-broken using polyamide, an excellent insulator which helps to insulate windows against heat loss. The thermal conductivity of polyamide is 160 times better than steel, which for a typical terraced house would provide a saving of around £95 each year in fuel costs. In addition to these energy savings, the polyamide also raises the internal temperature of a house, helping to reduce the risk of condensation.

Maintenance for aluminium systems is simple and straightforward, with a routine ‘wipe-clean’ all that is required to keep the products looking their best. With no requirement for re-painting or re-varnishing, aluminium windows and doors will never fade, deteriorate or rust, even in harsh environments, such as coastal locations, where steel windows can be particularly prone to rust, requiring regular maintenance and eventually, replacement. For example, the Sully Hospital overlooking the Bristol channel, the building’s original steel window frames became heavily corroded and covered in rust. These were then replaced with aluminium window frames with a marine grade polyester powder coating to provide long-life performance  with minimal maintenance.