/>
Lloyd Alter
READ MORE ABOUT:
Aluminum Window Basics
Why we like it
Aluminum is one of the most recycled and most easily recyclable materials around, and 95% of it is. When well-designed, it works well, is fireproof and lasts forever, which is why it is the standard for high-rise residential buildings.
What we worry about
Being metal, it is a good conductor of heat, so design is important, to ensure that there is a good thermal break. It is expensive. Without a break, we would not recommend them for anywhere; the Efficient Windows Collaborative notes that:
| The biggest disadvantage of aluminum as a window frame material is its high thermal conductance. It readily conducts heat, greatly raising the overall U-factor of a window unit. In cold climates, a simple aluminum frame can easily become cold enough to condense moisture or frost on the inside surfaces of window frames. Even more than the problem of heat loss, the condensation problem has spurred development of better insulating aluminum frames. |
Eco-factor of Aluminum Windows
Usually made from recycled material and extremely durable and non-combustible.
More on Green Windows
7 Great Ways to Insulate Your Windows
Planet Green Archives: Windows
Why Old Windows are Green Windows
Low Tech Tips: Get Working Shutters
Low-Tech Tips: Tune Your Windows
