Aluminum Windows

These are the least energy efficient. The aluminum exposed to the heat outside transfers the heat straight to the inside. The frames get very hot in much the same way a steel window would. This was the first way aluminum windows were installed here in Phoenix starting in the 1960’s and these are still made today for installation into some multi-family, apartment buildings, and commercial buildings.

They are the least expensive of all aluminum windows, but even with the best dual pane glass, they do not meet modern energy codes for single family homes and should not be used there. That being said, some are still being installed. We will not use these. If your project lends itself to this type of window, a couple of companies that currently manufacture these types of windows are Avanti Windows and SI Windows

These are a step up in quality and efficiency from the non-thermally broken ones, but even with the very best double pane glass, they still do not meet the current Energy Star 7.0 criteria for single family residential homes.

These windows have a basic plastic or rubber barrier that separate the outside from the inside of the main frame, which slows down the transfer of heat through the frame. This type of window was introduced in the 1990’s. They are primarily used today for installation into some multi-family, apartment buildings, and commercial buildings because they are very cost efficient.

Some companies still sell and install these in single family residential homes regardless of the Energy Star requirements. If your project lends itself to this type of window, Milgard’s aluminum window is an example of this type of window still being made.

To put it simple, two separate windows are manufactured, one for the inside and one for the outside. Then, they are zipped together with a non-conductive “break” material, such as a polyamide or polyurethane. The non-conductive “break” material keeps the temperature from the outside material from penetrating to the inner material.

It is not just the main frame that is improved; all the parts are made in pairs and then broken. That includes all four sides of the main frame, and all four sides of each sash frame. When you pair this frame concept with a very good glass package, you can achieve the Energy Star 7.0 requirements for the Southern zone. The Phoenix market is in the Southern Zone for Energy Star. They are strong and can be made in large sizes for modern architecture.

These are considerably more expensive to make. You have to build two to make one. We carry multiple lines of these modern aluminum windows for our clients, so we can offer whatever they can conceive.