One way to instantly identify the historical style of a home is by its windows.
Sash windows from the Georgian era remain a thing of beauty, while the bay windows, so loved by the Victorians, still delight the eye.
Today large-scale, light enhancing aluminium window frames are fast becoming the 21st century version of a modern classic.
The reason, according to windows expert Jim Toal of Fairco Windows and Doors, is because of our love affair with light.
“Aluminium’s strength means thinner frames and larger windows, so huge expanses of glass are now possible allowing you to flood your home with natural light,” JIm stated.
Our fondness for home and design TV shows is also playing a part with ‘Room To Improve’ regularly featuring large windows and walls of glass that blur the lines between indoors and outside.
Indeed, the Fairco expert maintains that most home projects today involving an architect, be it a new build, an extension or a renovation, are likely to include large-scale aluminium windows.
“The trend is very architect driven. They love vast amounts of glass. Aluminium helps accentuate the clean lines of modern design, so it’s now their product of choice for windows, doors and roofs. Astute architects know it combines high-performance good looks, with superb lifetime value for money,” Jim remarked.
Light yet very strong, aluminium framed windows, doors and roof lanterns, can be configured into a wide variety of styles and combinations.
And those who grew up the condensation-prone metal windows of yore, can rest assured that aluminium windows have been transformed by technology.
“Advances in insulation mean that today’s high-tech aluminium is equipped with thermal breaks to stop cold transfer. Twenty years ago, glass wasn’t insulated. Now you have double or triple panes of glass, all insulated with a thermal barrier built-in. This means the heat stays inside your home while the cold stays outside,” Jim commented.
The Fairco expert points out that with aluminium framed triple glazing, passive house certification with U values (thermal transmittance ) as low as .7 can be achieved. This compares to a U value of 2.8 for a badly-insulated house.
Another of aluminium’s attractions is that its slim sightlines won’t look out of place in a large amount of glazing and it is also very low maintenance.
Sleek and versatile, aluminium can come in all sorts of colours, shapes and sizes.
“Windows should be about light and air, not frames, with aluminium you maximise the amount of light in your home while adding an extra layer of cutting edge, contemporary style,” Jim concluded.
