When it comes to enhancing the energy efficiency of your home, the first thing that often comes to mind is double glazing. While double-glazed windows are indeed a significant step towards a more energy-efficient space, there’s another crucial element that’s often overlooked: the frame. Enter the game-changer in energy-efficient construction – thermally broken frames.
The Frame’s Impact on Energy Efficiency
The frame of a window or door is equally as important, if not more so, than the glass itself. You might think of double glazing as the gold standard for energy efficiency but pairing it with a standard aluminium frame only gets you halfway there.
Standard Aluminium Framing
As most of us know, metal, especially aluminium, is an excellent conductor of heat and cold. This means that without proper insulation, you can lose or gain a significant amount of heat through the frame of your window or door. This can lead to a range of issues, including condensation that can promote mould growth or degrade internal finishes.
The Solution: Thermally Broken Aluminium Framing
*The above measures based on just the aluminium frames, and it should be noted U-Values in Australia include the frame, glass and seals. Please refer to our information on Glass for the comparison table on U-Values
To truly boost the overall performance of your windows and doors, a thermal break is essential. A thermally broken frame features a reinforced polyamide strip, a non-metallic, composite structural material, positioned between the interior and exterior aluminium profiles. This strip creates an insulating barrier within the frame, preventing the transfer of heat and cold.
Key Benefits of thermally broken frames include:
- Improved Energy Efficiency: The polyamide strip drastically reduces heat and cold transfer compared to standard aluminium frames.
- Durability: these sections can be anodised or powder-coated to withstand the harshest climates, including UV damage and salt corrosion
Heat Loss and Heat Gain
Statistics reveal the staggering impact of windows on your home’s energy efficiency. As much as 49% of heat loss during winter and up to 87% of heat gain during summer can be attributed to windows. Choosing the right frame and glazing option is paramount to achieving greater comfort and energy efficiency.
The importance of U-Values
To make an informed decision, consider the U-value of your windows. The lower the U-value, the better the window’s overall efficiency at preventing heat transfer. Check out the video below to learn more about U-values and why they play a crucial role in optimising your energy efficiency.
In conclusion, when striving for a more energy-efficient home, don’t underestimate the significance of your window and door frames. By choosing thermally broken frames, you can maximize the benefits of double glazing and ensure a comfortable, energy-efficient living space year-round.
Make the right choice today and embrace the power of thermally broken frames – your home and the environment will thank you for it.
