Windows and doors are an essential element for every home. They come in a variety of types, colors, shapes, and sizes, catering to the preferences and needs of each individual home and customer. Today, thanks in part to the numerous incentives that have impacted the real estate market in recent years, a world of choices and types opens up when it comes to windows and doors: from classic wooden frames to more modern aluminum ones.
Definition of window frame
The term “window frame” is commonly used as a synonym for “frame,” but incorrectly. In fact, the frame is the part of the frame to which the opening parts of a window or door are attached, whether hinged or swinging. The frame is the architectural element that closes the openings in the walls and therefore includes windows, doors, and glass panels.
What are the functions of window frames?
Windows and doors have numerous functions, ranging from the obvious and functional to the aesthetic and decorative. They serve to:
Let light pass from outside and allow views outside;
Allow ventilation of the rooms inside the building;
Provide access to both inside and outside;
In public spaces, allow products to be displayed to the public (for example, shop windows).
From an artistic perspective, windows and doors are an architectural element that contributes to the aesthetics of a building and also to its furnishing. The numerous technological advances of the 19th century transformed a secondary element into an important and fundamental element for energy saving and the rationalization of living spaces. In the 20th century, their use increased exponentially, especially in office buildings, replacing traditional infill walls with large, continuous glass windows.
The typology of the fixtures
Windows and doors can be of various types: fixed, opening, or composed of a fixed and opening section. What distinguishes them is the different opening systems: casement, hopper, tilt-and-turn, sliding, sliding casement, or folding.
Hinged opening: the classic sashes with hinges on the vertical side that can open inward or outward. The advantage is that they require little maintenance and are easy to clean.
Tilt-and-turn opening: allows the window to open inward and features hinges positioned along the lower edge of the frame.
Hinged opening: consists of a pivot located at the center of the frame on which the door pivots, opening simultaneously on its vertical and horizontal axes.
Sliding opening: consists of a set of slides that allow one frame to slide over the other. This type of window is well suited to large windows.
A folding door, used when you want to save space, consists of a series of small panels that slide sideways and close on themselves like the pages of a book.
Frame materials
In addition to the type of opening and sash, window frames can also be chosen based on the material they are made from.
Wooden Frames
Wooden frames are the most common and oldest. Among their advantages are their environmental friendliness, being a natural material. They also offer good thermal insulation and are easy to repair. However, they have the disadvantage of being subject to constant exposure to the elements and are prone to warping and deterioration, thus requiring greater maintenance and attention than non-natural materials.
They are preferred over other types of frames for the following reasons:
A style suitable for all homes;
Versatility and ease of repair;
High insulation;
Made from natural materials.
Aluminum Frames
Aluminum frames have the advantage of being a window frame that requires little maintenance and attention. They are preferred over their rivals for large glazing applications not only for their ease of fabrication and light weight, but above all for their competitiveness on the market. They certainly don’t have the same appeal as wooden windows, especially for residential applications, and they lack comparable thermal insulation. To overcome this disadvantage, many companies have begun producing “thermal cut” aluminum frames, where the outer frame is separated from the inner frame by a plastic profile. This has allowed for greater insulation and eliminated the problem of condensation on the inside of the glass.
The reasons for choosing this type of window are the following:
Thermal insulation;
Safety;
Acoustic insulation;
Resistance;
Long life;
Lightweight and modern design.
PVC Windows
Widely used in Northern Europe, PVC windows are made with extruded profiles similar to aluminum ones, but offer greater thermal insulation and an even lower price. Compared to other window types, these are made of a less natural and more industrial material, making them less attractive than wood and aluminum.
The reasons for choosing PVC windows are as follows:
Affordable,
High insulation,
Elegance and modern style;
Low maintenance,
Long-lasting
Combined Windows
Towards the end of the 20th century, windows made from composite materials became increasingly popular: wood/aluminum, wood/PVC, PVC/aluminum. These combinations combine the advantages of each material in a single window. For example, the most common wood/aluminum combination combines the strength of the metal section, located on the outside, with the low thermal transmittance of wood. However, these windows are relatively expensive and less common than other types of windows.
Innovative window frames: bamboo
In the field of technology and environmental sustainability, a new material is entering the window and door market: bamboo. This wood species represents a departure from traditional wood, thanks to its high versatility. Among the key characteristics that make it a suitable material for this application are its high flexibility, yet its strength and durability, earning it the nickname “green steel.” Using this material gives spaces an exotic allure and aesthetic beauty, combined with excellent resistance to impact and humidity.
In short, choosing window and door frames can and should be based not only on aesthetics, but also on the functionality and practicality of the material. Relying on experts is always the right choice; they can help you not only with your choices but also with the design process and potential tax incentives.