Are Aluminium Windows Eco-Friendly?

Aluminium windows have many, many benefits, which we discuss quite frequently here in our blog posts. As a homeowner or business owner, you’re probably quite keen on benefits like durability, long-term value, and aesthetics, three huge benefits of aluminium windows, but they are also quite eco-friendly, and that matters not only for the environment but also for your long-term potential savings.

For corporations and companies with CSR goals for sustainability, the eco-friendly benefits of aluminium windows can also help these companies meet strategic goals.

We’ve already given away the short answer: Aluminium windows are indeed eco-friendly, but by how much and with what measurable benefits?

Virgin vs Recycled Aluminium

Aluminium is a recyclable metal alloy, which is already great for sustainability. Virgin aluminium does require smelting with considerable energy usage, however. Conversely, recycled aluminium emits only around 5% of the total pollution and requires far less energy than virgin aluminium.

Melb Wide Aluminium sources all extruded aluminium products from Capral Aluminium and LocAl Aluminium, a low-carbon and locally made aluminium supplier.

Infinitely Recyclable

As mentioned, aluminium is recyclable, and infinitely so. Aluminium (the metal, not the element on the periodic table) is an alloy, usually consisting of other metals like magnesium or zinc. Aluminium window frames and other aluminium products can be infinitely recycled without losing quality, so practically any end product you see (like windows) is just a resource over the long term.

This recyclability can also be relevant when selecting products such as aluminium sliding doors Melbourne, which use aluminium frames that can be recycled at the end of their service life.

Boost Energy Efficiency

In your home or business, energy efficiency is quite important and can save you an awful lot of money. Energy bills have surged in recent years, so any efforts to increase energy efficiency should be welcomed. It just so happens that windows, specifically the glazing, are amongst the most important in a structure in this regard.

Aluminium windows with double glazing significantly increase thermal retention and reduce the need for excessive heating or cooling. Your energy bills are consequently going to be noticeably smaller, and over the long term, the savings can essentially pay off the full cost of the windows themselves. Similarly, an aluminium glass sliding door with suitable glazing can help create larger openings while supporting the overall energy efficiency of the property.

Easy to Maintain and Built to Last

Aluminium window frames are often thinner and smaller than what you see on other materials, for example uPVC and timber. Well, because aluminium is so strong, it can support greater spans of glass and doesn’t need to be as thick, so the end result is that there’s a lot less need to clean and maintain. Still, a little cleaning is good, of course!

With timber, you often need to treat the wood. With uPVC, you may worry about warped vinyl (especially in scorching hot summers). Aluminium is built to withstand pretty extreme temperatures without needing treatments or warping.

Of course, because they’re so strong and durable, you can expect aluminium windows to last you for decades. In all likelihood, the glass may need to be repaired or replaced several times before the frames show any signs of ageing.

For properties where security is also a consideration, aluminium security doors Melbourne can provide an aluminium-based option for securing entry points while maintaining the material’s durability.

Shop Locally for Aluminium Windows

A great way to stay eco-friendly is to shop for local products, and that applies to aluminium windows just as much as it does to fruits and vegetables and sundry other everyday goods.

Cutting down on logistics by sourcing locally cuts down on emissions, delays due to shipping, and other issues. Moreover, you’re supporting local businesses in Melbourne – from supplier to end product – when you shop for aluminium windows with a trusted company like Melb Wide Aluminium.

If your property requires doors and windows with specific dimensions or design requirements, custom-made sliding doors can be considered alongside other aluminium products. A coordinated range of aluminum doors and windows can also help maintain a consistent appearance across different areas of the property.