Swartland: Almighty Aluminium

Whether you are involved in a new build, or you are renovating your existing home – your choice of windows and doors is an important decision that will have a big impact on the overall final aesthetics and comfort of the building in question.

Says Cobus Lourens: “Aluminium windows and doors, such as the KENZO range from Swartland, are becoming an incredibly popular choice for homes and commercial buildings alike. They are best known for their exceptional durability, however, they also boast modern good looks.

Here is an overview on why aluminium windows and doors are becoming such a popular option:

Slim profiles: Aluminium windows and doors boast really slim sightlines. This means that more of the window or door can be made up of glass. Cobus explains: “Due to the inherent strength of aluminium as a material, you need less of it to securely hold the glass and hardware. For this reason, you can fit a lot less frame and include a higher proportion of glass, which in turn, affords you the best and most unhindered aspect or views to the outdoors.”

Extreme durability: Aluminium is an ultra-light weight, low density metal that is also sturdy and strong. Says Cobus: “The strength of aluminium frames means that they can be made slimmer than any other material, allowing for more space for glazing, and therefore more light to be let in, and better views to the outside.” He says that as a material, aluminium is seriously strong and not likely to corrode, warp, rot or fade.

Cost effective: Aluminium windows, such as those from Swartland’s KENZO range, offer high-end windows and doors at comparatively affordable prices, notes Cobus: “It’s a common misconception that home improvements have to be costly and unaffordable. Aluminium windows and doors are comparatively well priced in the market, and really easy to install – making them a cost-effective option for a new build or renovation.   Low maintenance: Aluminium requires exceptionally little maintenance and upkeep – they don’t need sanding, painting or sealing. They are UV- and water-resistant, and they do not contract and expand when exposed to varying temperatures. All you need to do to keep them in perfect condition is to wash them down with warm, soapy water every so often.

Glazing options: Since glazing forms such a big part of any aluminium window or door, the type of glazing you choose can have an enormous impact on the functionality of the window and door in question. Choose from various other glazing options, some of which include:

• Tinted glass: Tinted glass absorbs and re-radiates solar energy, thereby reducing sun glare, heat and providing climate control. It can absorb as much as 45% of incoming solar energy.
• Reflective glass: Offering a greater level of solar control when compared to tinted glass, reflective glass is made by adding a metallic coating during the manufacturing process to create a highly reflective appearance.
• Low E glass: Low Emissivity (E) glass has a microscopically thin coating of metal oxide on the glass surface that allows the sun’s heat and light to pass through the glass into the home, while at the same time, blocking heat from escaping the room. This seriously reduces heat loss and improves insulation.

An environmentally-friendly choice: Aside Aluminium windows and doors have an impressively low carbon footprint and also seal exceptionally well – offering excellent air-tightness for optimum house energy efficiency.

Visit Swartland for more info.