Thermal Insulation
Aluminium is an extremely poor insulator. Figures from BRANZ show that approximately twice as much heat loss occurs when you install aluminium windows in your home compared with that of PVCu joinery using identical glass. PVCu windows are an excellent insulator, reducing your heating and cooling bills by preventing thermal loss through the frame and sash material. You can feel the superior insulation properties of PVCu windows and doors just by touching it. If you put your hand on a PVCu window frame it will have a warm feeling to it. This is not because PVCu is actually warm, but because PVCu is an excellent insulation material - it leaves the heat in the hand where it belongs. Conversely, aluminium is an excellent conductor of heat - it draws the heat from your hand (and your home) and dissipates it to the surroundings.
Weather Performance
Thermalframe PVCu joinery is heat welded together at the frame as opposed to the 'screw together' method of aluminium joinery. This point is often where leaks occur in many homes where aluminium joinery is installed. The superior weatherseal design also contributes immensely to the water-tightness (not to mention improving acoustic insulation) as they are co-extruded onto the frame and sash and also to each other in the corners providing a continuous weatherseal. They cannot be cut short, and will not shrink or turn brittle. Additionally, with approximately 90% of New Zealanders living within 40km of the coastline, corrosion and oxidation often takes places on aluminium joinery. Thermalframe PVCu is impervious to salt air, fungi, pollution, insects and oxidisation, and uses corrosion resistant hardware as standard.
Co-extruded weather seals which are welded onto the frame as well as to each other means no shrinking or falling out, and a far superior weather performance.
Condensation
Because aluminium is a highly conductive material, more than 1000 times more than PVC, condensation forms on the frames as well as the glass. Water can literally pour off the metal frames onto your window sills and your curtains leaving your living environment damp, mouldy and unhealthy.
Condensation on aluminium is a common nuisance for many - notice also the development of mould in the corner of the window.
With thermally efficient Thermalframe PVCu windows and doors, you will not have any condensation forming on the profile whatsoever, and with the combination of Thermalframe's optimum air gap double glazing, the problem of condensation in your home can become a problem of the past.
Maintenance
Thermalframe PVCu windows need little more than a wipe down with mild detergent and water to keep them looking as new as the day they were installed. Any surface scratching caused by accident or abuse can be sanded out and polished smooth - there is no metal to oxidise nor powder coating to lift. This is important in New Zealand's marine environment. Thermalframe PVCu windows incorporate stainless steel hardware where possible - an oil/grease on appropriate occasion is all that is required to ensure continued functionality.
Security
The security hardware systems built into Thermalframe windows and doors are infinitely superior to any systems currently incorporated in any other joinery suites in New Zealand. Enhanced locking systems are standard, awning and casement windows incorporate stainless steel multi-point locking, allowing windows to be left slightly ajar for ventilation whilst still being fully secure in the multi-point locked position.
Thermalframe shoot bolts engage top and bottom into the profile on casement and awning windows in the vented position as well as the air tight position.
Costing
We find it very difficult to accurately compare costings. Aluminium prices vary greatly depending on the supplier. Thermalframe PVCu joinery will certainly be priced higher than standard aluminium joinery, but is quite similarly priced to aluminium with 'thermal breaks'. The difference in performance however is not comparable. 'Thermally broken' aluminium is still far less energy efficient than PVCu windows. We believe that the windows and doors you choose have such a major impact on the performance and comfort of your home that we will not compromise on any aspect of product performance. Choosing the most energy efficient windows will save money and increase your investment in the long run.
Thermalframe. Windows without Compromise.
