Metal-plastic windows or aluminum windows: what is better, pros and cons

Metal-plastic and aluminum windows provide comfort and coziness, reliability of heat preservation in the house. Outwardly they are very similar and it is difficult for a non-professional to understand what material the frame of the window is made of. But both materials have their advantages and disadvantages. The difference between them can be determined only with a detailed study. Consider the features of metal-plastic and aluminum window systems.

Metal-plastic windows

Metal-plastic windows have long been used in construction. This is an inexpensive option available to almost any family. They are assembled from a rigid reinforcing profile. This is a steel galvanized rectangular pipe and PVC profile, which provides reliable fastening of double-glazed windows, thermal protection and beautiful appearance. PVC windows can be painted in any color, laminated with films under wood. In PVC profile there are chambers that insulate the inner contour from the outer one. The most common number of chambers is from 3 to 5, but can be 6 and 7.

Advantages of PVC-systems:

• Low cost.
• Excellent noise insulation and heat insulation.
• Possibility of coloring and lamination.
• The surface can be sanded to remove scratches.
• A large number of manufacturers.
• Possibility of using an accessory.
• Ease of installation.

Disadvantages of metal-plastic windows:

• Large coefficient of thermal expansion.
• Sagging of the system with heavy insulating glass units in large prefabricated structures.
• Smaller size of double-glazed windows with the same external dimensions.
• Less environmental friendliness of plastic compared to aluminum.

Window frames made of aluminum

Aluminum systems are made of special alloys, from which elements of drilling platforms at sea, aircraft hulls are made. The material is very strong and resistant to atmospheric influences.

The frame design can be cold and warm:

• Warm designs contain an insulating layer of polyamide. The sealing of double-glazed windows is provided by gaskets of special rubber seals.
• Cold frames do not have any plastic inserts and do not provide thermal protection, but reduce noise.

The pros of windows from aluminum profile include:

• Profile strength.
• Do not require reinforcement and accordingly increase the profile. Glazing is more airy.
• Lighter than metal-plastic constructions.
• Can be made larger with weight savings.
• Resistant to corrosion and weathering.
• Aluminum frames allow you to make glass facades, skylights, volumetric glazing of the upper floors of windows in high-rise houses.
• They have a low coefficient of linear expansion, which also allows you to make large frame sizes.
• Aluminum windows do not burn.

The negative properties of the aluminum profile include:

• High thermal conductivity. Without plastic thermal insulating inserts it is impossible to provide heat in the room.
• More complex cycle of manufacturing windows from the profile.
• It is difficult to restore the coating.
• The cost of “warm” aluminum windows is higher than products made of metal plastic.
• Rather complex technology of installation of such structures. Any distortion during installation will greatly affect the operational properties.

In elite frames of windows sometimes you can see instead of plastic overlays of precious wood. But because of the high price of such windows have not found widespread use.

Results

If you need to install cheap standard windows, it is better to use metal plastic. Windows will turn out warm, practical.

In cases where it is required to make non-standard glazing with large areas of double-glazed windows, it is better to use aluminum profile. It is suitable for creating a winter garden, making a glass roof on the terrace, glazing veranda, creating glass facades of stores and offices.