The combination of aluminium and glass, results in the creation of aluminium frames which ensure excellent air tightness, heat insulation and soundproofing.
Aluminium is a light metal, waterproof, odourless with high corrosion resistance, strong reflective properties and totally recyclable.
Glass is a recyclable solid material which is amorphous, transparent, fragile, diathermal and insulating and necessary as a structural element.
Aluminium advantages
1. Wide choice of alloys
In its pure form, aluminium is a very soft metal. Thanks to the addition of alloy elements and appropriate production processes, the physical and mechanical properties can vary considerably, so as to meet the requirements for a large number of applications.
2. Design Flexibility
The process of extrusion offers countless possibilities for the creation of forms and profiles, allowing designers to integrate numerous functions in a profile. Painted panels, similarly to composite panel may be produced in flat or curved form, configured to a cartridge shape or in combinations with other materials-welding.
3. Long lifespan
Aluminium structural products are made of alloys resistant to weathering, corrosion and to the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. This ensures excellent performance for aluminium systems and other products, for very long periods.
4. Minimum maintenance
Beyond regular cleaning for aesthetic reasons, aluminium either with or without surface treatment, is maintenance-free, which is translated into a significant financial and environmental benefit throughout the life-span of the product.
5. Unlimited surface treatment possibilities
Aluminium may be anodized or coloured in any colour, for any visual effect and surface texture, in order to satisfy the needs of any designer and consumer. These processes also help in increasing the strength and corrosion protection of the material as helping to create an easy to clean surface.
6. High strength to weight ratio
This unique property enables designers to meet the performance requirements and to minimize the load which is added to the load-bearing structure of the building. Additionally, the cross-section of windows, doors and curtain walls may be considerably narrower, thanks to the inherent strength and resilience of the metal, allowing maximization of the glass surface and the optimum utilisation of natural light.
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7. High reflectivity
This property makes aluminium a very effective material for light management. Aluminium solar panels and photodiodes can reduce energy consumption for artificial lighting and heating in winter. For the reduction of air conditioning requirements in the summer aluminium sunshades may be used.
8. Heat conductivity
Aluminium is a good conductor of heat and this property makes it a perfect material for the manufacture of heat exchangers, which are used in low-energy ventilation systems or solar energy collectors. Although it might seem to be a disadvantage in energy frame and building facade applications, it is dealt with via the appropriate design of the profiles and use of low conductivity materials (polyamide-foam insulation, etc.)
9. Fire safety
Aluminium does not burn and therefore is classified as a non-flammable building material (European fire resistance class A1). Aluminium alloys, however, melt at 650°C, but do not emit noxious fumes. Industrial roofs and external walls are increasingly made of thin aluminium cladding panels, which melt in the event of a severe fire allowing the release of heat and smoke, resulting in a minimized risk of accidents.
10. No release of dangerous substances
Numerous studies have shown that structural aluminium products do not constitute a hazard to the building occupants or the environment. From both aspects, modern research has shown that the alloys used, their surface treatment and the materials used are all neutral.
11. Optimum security
If security requirements for aluminium doors and windows are high, specially designed and reinforced aluminium frames may be used. Although the glass in such applications may be heavy, the total weight of the structure remains manageable thanks to the aluminium frame's light weight. For this reason technical solutions are developed capable of extra protection.
12. A totally recyclable material
Aluminium is fully recyclable, and does not lose its properties during the recycling process. Over 1/3 of the aluminium consumed in Europe for the manufacture of various finished products comes from recast aluminium (recycling).
Used products and aluminium scrap are a very important source of raw material for the production of new similar or different aluminium products.
Glass use in building
The first glass panels appeared about 2,000 years ago and were used to cover large openings in buildings, providing protection from the elements for the inhabitants while allowing light to enter. This still remains the main use of glass panels.
For centuries, the use of glass in buildings was not widespread. It was not until the 20th century that the efficiency of the glazing was substantially improved. In the late 1940s the idea of the double glazing was developed, but its real growth in Western Europe came during the energy crisis of the 1970s.
Glass has now evolved into a multifaceted construction material for the building sector and it is a "favourite" material for architects, designers and developers. It is widely used in energy frames, and it satisfies a series of requirements, such as:
• Managing incoming natural light and incoming solar energy, thanks to its relevant solar control properties.
• Reduction of energy losses and contribution to environmental protection, thanks to its heat-insulating properties.
• Providing protection against annoying noise, mainly with high acoustic performance glazing.
• Providing security and protection against risks of injury, malicious acts, fire, etc., through the help of special glass.
• Improving interior design thanks to innovative products and technological applications.