TECHNICAL ADVICE
How Long Will Aluminium Windows or Doors Last?
A very common question from architects and specifiers is “How long do aluminium windows last?”
Normally, aluminium framing for doors and windows is considered the most durable and long-lasting frame material available in modern housing design.
Aluminium framing is largely maintenance-free.
Powder coating technology now used on aluminium windows and doors completely coats the metal framing in a polyester colour, protecting the metal frame from the external environment.
Life Expectancy of up to 45 years!
Aluminium windows and doors are expected to have a life expectancy of 45 years, compared with uPVC frames which have a life expectancy of only 25-35 years depending on the level of maintenance given to the windows or doors.
Although hardwood timber windows may last and maintain high thermal performance for a long time their main downside, as discussed in a previous post Aluminium Windows vs Timber, is maintenance.
Aluminium window frames require very little maintenance with intermittent cleaning and perhaps oiling of the window ironmongery required over time. When cleaning the windows no specialist cleaning substances, treatments or techniques are required making aluminium frames extremely easy to maintain over their lifetime.
Aluminium Windows and Doors in Marine Environments
Any aluminium windows or doors installed in a marine environment should also have a marine-grade coating applied to further protect the metal frames from the more corrosive environment that is associated with seaside locations.
As thermally broken aluminium profiles are resistant to expansion they are the perfect framing material for windows and doors in very damp environments or elevations of a building that will be under high exposure to sunlight as they won’t expand or deform over time.