New Windows, New Horizons
Materials, types, performance… windows need to be considered in many ways, and when the time comes to choose them, these aspects must all be assessed carefully. This article indicates the most important questions to ask yourself when deciding to buy new windows and doors, offering answers that can lead to the most appropriate choice for your needs.
Why it is important to assess the choice of windows and doors
Replacing windows and doors is never a trivial choice: you need to understand why and when, but above all how. That is, which windows and doors are best suited to your needs in terms of insulation, practicality, efficiency, aesthetics and features of your home. The same elements must naturally be analysed not only when replacing existing windows, but also when choosing new ones in a newly built or modern renovated house.
This choice is important because windows play a fundamental role in many aspects of the home, as the point of connection between the internal and external environment that allows the passage of light and air. Windows mainly have an insulating function: they act as a barrier to air from the outside, insulating the house from the winter cold or summer heat. This maintains an ideal micro-climate and saves on heating and cooling costs.
Windows also have the equally fundamental function of protection: frame and glass protect the house from the action of atmospheric agents, but also from that of any intruders. Finally, correct installation allows the window to protect the house from any draughts or water infiltration that could alter the internal humidity level.
Finally, the window also has a very high aesthetic value: it is present in every room and certainly does not go unnoticed, so it must fit in well with whatever architectural style you have chosen to furnish your home. This is where both the material in which the window is made comes into play – aluminium, PVC and wood all offer different aesthetics – and the customisation of window and door frames and finishes that the material itself allows. The objective here is to choose a window that harmonises with the rest of the house.
Buying new windows and doors: questions to ask and useful answers
Since they are such important elements for the good functionality of the house, windows must be chosen with care. Windows and doors made of aluminium, in particular, have features that not only guarantee winning performance in every aspect, but also adapt perfectly to whatever requirements one may have.
To choose the right window and door, one must first ask oneself the right questions. This will help you understand which windows and doors best suit the features of your home, your lifestyle and the goals (e.g., economic or environmental) you have. Here we list the 10 most important questions to ask yourself, and the best solutions according to each situation.
- What kind of environment is my house in?
To assess one’s own situation, it is inevitable to start from the context, i.e., the type of environment in which one’s home is located (city, sea, mountains, countryside…).
Each context has specific features that require the presence of certain types of windows rather than others, as these features can affect the performance and durability of windows.
City houses: in urban contexts, windows must protect the house mainly from noise (traffic, public transport, construction sites…) and pollution, caused mainly by smog and fine dust. What is needed is a window and door that is made of a material, such as aluminium, that provides good soundproofing and also adequate security against burglary. Since windows and doors are easily soiled in the city, aluminium is ideal because it does not retain dust and soil and can be cleaned very easily and conveniently. Finally, the design of aluminium fits in with the modern, minimalist and industrial styles that are typical of urban areas.
Houses by the sea: houses located near the sea suffer from special climatic conditions, such as strong wind, humidity, intense solar radiation and constant exposure to salt. For these reasons, durable windows and doors that do not corrode from salt are needed.
Aluminium is ideal: extremely weather-resistant, it is a material that by its very nature does not corrode and does not lose its properties if exposed to the sun for too long. Its appearance does not change over time because the painting and oxidation processes ensure that colours and finishing remain unchanged over time. Finally, impeccable installation guarantees the right ‘sealing’ against wind and humidity.
Mountain houses: mountain houses are usually subject to extreme temperatures, which can drop even below zero in winter, as well as to severe weather conditions such as wind, rain and snow. The temperature ranges typical of mountain areas can cause windows and doors to warp if low-quality materials are chosen.
Thermal break aluminium windows guarantee the most effective thermal insulation, keeping internal environments well protected from the external cold and eliminating the possibility of heat dispersion and thermal bridges. Aluminium is also an extremely resistant material, able to protect the house from even the most violent weather conditions. For a rustic home with typical Alpine allure, you can treat aluminium with a wood-effect finishing, or choose Aluminium-wood windows and doors (wood on the internal side for warmth and comfort, aluminium on the external side for strength and practicality).
Houses in the countryside: houses in the countryside can be subject to weather conditions such as wind, rain and variable temperatures. They can unfortunately be targeted by burglars, and ultimately need a rustic, natural style that integrates with the surrounding landscape. Aluminium-wood enables windows and doors to withstand the weather very well and also to resist break-ins, as it is a material that is difficult to deform and more difficult to break than wood and PVC. Finally, aluminium can undergo different colours and finishes, such as wood effect or natural colours, to help the country house aesthetically integrate into its context. - How are the windows in my case oriented?
Often overlooked, window and door orientation is actually an important factor in choosing windows and doors for living comfort, efficient energy use and durability. Indeed, elements such as exposure to sunlight, wind and weather vary according to window orientation, affecting thermal performance and natural lighting levels in various ways.
South-facing windows: this exposure provides plenty of natural light during the day. This is good in the winter months, when the sun is lower on the horizon, but can cause overheating in the summer months. In this case, windows and doors with low-emissivity or solar-controlled glass are recommended to reduce the amount of heat entering the house (without compromising brightness). Curtains or special shading systems, such as sunblades, can also be integrated to better manage the entry of light.
North-facing windows: in this case, the window receives little direct sunlight: north-facing rooms are usually the coldest, so it is crucial to consider thermic insulation well to avoid heat loss. Therefore, highly efficient energy use windows and doors are needed, such as thermal break aluminium ones, preferably combined with double glazing (or triple glazing, in the most extreme cases). Aluminium windows and doors are characterised by thin but resistant profiles, which can support large glass surfaces, thus maximising the entry of natural light into the home. Finally, aluminium is very resistant to condensation and humidity, which can be a problem in windows with this orientation.
East or west-facing windows: east-facing windows enjoy good solar radiation and excellent outdoor lighting during the morning hours, while becoming cooler and shaded in the afternoon; vice versa is the case for west-facing windows. In these cases, aluminium windows and doors with insulating profiles can be installed to help maintain a constant temperature during all hours of the day; roller shutters and sunblades compatible with aluminium windows and doors, and perhaps integrated into the home automation system, help modulate the entry of light and heat at different times of the day. - How much time do I spend at home, and in which rooms most?
Those who spend a lot of time at home certainly appreciate windows and doors with high thermal insulation and soundproofing capacities, which benefit living comfort. Especially those who work at home will need windows, such as thermal break aluminium windows, that maintain the desired temperature in the home in all seasons, and provide an excellent barrier to noise from outside.
If you spend a lot of time cooking, you need windows that allow an adequate exchange of air; METRA Building casement windows, for example, can open either tilted or bottom-hung to ensure adequate and constant ventilation of the room3 without heat loss. Rooms such as the kitchen, but also the bathroom and laundry room are subject to sudden changes in heat and high levels of humidity; windows and doors must therefore be able to withstand these elements well, without deforming or accumulating condensation that may lead to the proliferation of mould.
For rooms such as the bathroom and groove, another fundamental element to consider is privacy. In this regard, satinized or processed glass can be installed to guarantee privacy without diminishing the entry of natural light into the home. Similarly, the most suitable shading systems can be installed, such as shutters and blinds whose opening and closing can be managed during the different hours of the day. This will also be useful for those who study and work, so as to manage the entry of light so that it does not interfere with the visibility of displays.
Aluminium is the ideal material for making windows and doors for any room in the house, thanks to its many properties. Efficient energy use, soundproofing, low maintenance, versatility in design that allows windows to blend in perfectly with the rest of the house: these are the main features of aluminium. - Do I live in a very noisy place?
Noise from outside can impair quality of life, affecting sleep, concentration and well-being. It is therefore essential to opt for windows and doors that minimise noise pollution and the passage of sound. This is even more important if you live in areas that are particularly prone to this problem: busy roads, dense urban areas, train stations, airports, etc.
In these cases, the ideal solution is to opt for thermal break aluminium windows and doors. This ‘cut’, i.e., the insertion of noble gases with high insulating power into the frame of the window and door, also helps to insulate the house from external noise, protecting it and making it a true oasis of peace. The window and door frame should then be combined with sound-insulating or sound-absorbing glass, offering excellent acoustic performance for maximum comfort. Finally, METRA Building aluminium windows and doors are fitted with gaskets made of high-performance materials, which provide additional soundproofing. - Do I live in an unsafe place?
When choosing windows and doors for your home, security is often a major concern. It is always important, but even more so when you live in areas with a higher risk of break-ins. In such cases, windows and doors that offer effective protection should be chosen against any break-in attempts, helping to make your home a safe place.
Aluminium windows and doors are one of the most reliable solutions, as it is a material that is very resistant to mechanical force. Compared to wood or PVC, aluminium is much more difficult to break and force. This intrinsic feature of aluminium is enhanced by any treatments for the colour and finishing of windows and doors, such as anodising or powder painting. They not only protect aluminium against corrosion, but can also make windows and doors more resistant to burglary or damage. In addition, treatments of this type improve the durability of the window and door, making it more reliable over time.
In less secure contexts, the aluminium frame can be combined with a type of burglar-proof glass, such as laminated glass or laminated glass; these glass surfaces resist strong blows without breaking, providing additional protection. Finally, closing systems and security locks designed specifically for each requirement are required. METRA Building aluminium windows and doors, for example, can be equipped with multipoint closing systems, which distribute the force over several points of the window, thus increasing its resistance to burglary. Finally, anti-theft systems can be combined with home automation to protect it at all times and even remotely. - What style is my house?
Not only functionality, but also aesthetics: windows must also be chosen carefully because they must fit in with the design and architectural style of the house. An intelligently chosen window is capable of enhancing space, reflecting the character of the house and fitting in perfectly with its overall aesthetics.
Aluminium windows and doors offer the greatest versatility in terms of aesthetics, meeting any style requirement.
Modern, minimalist homes: clean lines, essential surfaces and large, bright spaces are what characterise minimalist houses. Aluminium windows and doors complement this sense of harmony and refinement with their discrete design and thinner profiles than other materials. Aluminium can also be treated to obtain a range of colours that fit well with the minimal style5 (white, beige, anthracite grey, black…), as well as very modern finishes (extra-gloss, opaque, satin…).
Traditional classic houses: although aluminium is generally considered a modern material, its versatility allows for solutions that also fit more traditional houses. For example, one can choose finishes that simulate the wood effect to perfection. Even better, you can opt for an aluminium-wood line, such as the one proposed by METRA Building: the wood on the internal part of the frame gives warmth and a sense of cosiness to the house, while the aluminium on the external part insulates and protects it. Alternatively, warm tones can be chosen to colour the aluminium: bronze, beige and brown integrate well with classic environments and more rustic materials such as wood and stone.
Industrial and loft houses: aluminium is the perfect material for windows and doors in an industrial style house. This style is characterised by a mix of raw and refined elements: exposed bricks and pipes, combinations of wood and metal, open spaces full of personality. Aluminium fits perfectly into the typical industrial philosophy as a robust yet light and flexible material. It can be chosen in shades such as black or anthracite grey, but also red or other vivid colours that create a strong contrast. Among the finishes, brushed, satin and opaque are suitable. Finally, large, factory-style windows are very valuable in an industrial case. Aluminium is again perfect for this purpose, as it can support large glass surfaces without compromising safety, insulation and efficiency.
Thanks to its extraordinary versatility, aluminium windows and doors can be installed in houses with a rustic, Nordic, Scandinavian, eclectic style – in short, any style of house, without fear of compromising its aesthetic harmony. - Do I want to make a long-term economic investment?
The prices of windows and doors and their installation can vary significantly depending on the number of windows to be installed, the material, type of glass, finishing and technical features. It is very important to have a clear idea of the budget you have at your disposal, so that you can orient yourself towards the solutions best suited to your needs.
A fundamental consideration at budget level is the concept of long-term investment. If one has few demands and the goal is to achieve immediate savings, one may opt for less performing or less beautiful, but cheaper windows and doors. If, on the other hand, you want windows and doors that perform well and can maintain their qualities for years to come, then price takes a back seat to quality. From this point of view, the initial investment for aluminium windows and doors may seem higher than for other materials, but it is absorbed over time thanks to high performance, almost zero maintenance costs, durability and efficient energy use.
Aluminium windows and doors are the best long-term investment for the following reasons:- aluminium is in itself a very resistant material to corrosion, weathering and burglary. Lightweight and versatile, it allows windows and doors to be made that last almost twice as long as those made of PVC or wood (25-30 years). By installing high-quality aluminium windows and doors, the problem can be set aside for no less than 50 years;
- in addition to lasting longer on its own, aluminium also requires almost no regular maintenance. In fact, wooden windows and doors, for example, can last up to 30 years, but only with frequent maintenance, at times costly in terms of money and energy. Thanks to its mechanical resistance, on the other hand, aluminium requires no maintenance at all: one only has to check the condition of the gaskets from time to time;
- the thermal break of the latest generation of aluminium windows and doors guarantees thermic insulation that is second to none. By avoiding heat loss in winter and fresh air in summer, the use of heating and cooling systems can be reduced. This will contribute to greater energy savings in the long term, allowing those who purchase aluminium windows and doors to reduce their bills.
- How important is efficient energy use for me?
Energy efficiency is one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing new windows and doors, because windows are among the main heat loss points in a home. Their ability to maintain a steady internal temperature, reduce energy consumption and improve living comfort has a direct impact on well-being, energy expenditure and the ecological footprint of one’s home.
To make an assessment of the importance of efficient energy use, one can start with the typical climate of the area in which one lives. Harsh winters and low temperatures, for example, require windows and doors with excellent thermic insulation properties, assisted by high-performance sealing systems (such as gaskets) and impeccable installation. Thermal break aluminium windows and doors minimise the loss of heat generated by heating systems, maintaining a pleasant internal temperature and reducing consumption. In warm areas, with direct exposure to the sun, thermic insulation is equally important; in addition to preventing the loss of heat in winter, windows and doors must also be able to minimise the dispersion of fresh air generated by cooling and air conditioning systems. Aluminium windows and doors can be combined with coated glass to help reduce the impact of solar energy, avoiding the undesired ‘greenhouse effect’ inside rooms.
To understand whether a window and door is really energy efficient, it is important to know and understand its technical features. The best retailers in Italy, such as those at METRA Building, will be able to advise on this based on personal needs. Among the most significant parameters to consider is the thermal transmittance coefficient6 which, precisely, dimensions the ability of a window and door to retain heat inside the house. The lower the U-value (value of thermal transmittance), the better the thermal insulation of the window and door. - Looking for sustainable solutions for my home?
Efficient energy use is not only about saving money, but also about environmental impact. Those who want their homes to have a smaller carbon footprint should opt for windows and doors that improve the efficient energy use of the home in general. Indeed, energy-efficient windows and doors help reduce the need for heating and cooling systems, limiting CO2 emissions – these systems are among the main causes of civil pollution – and thus contributing to a healthier environment. In addition, reducing heat loss through well-designed windows limits the need to use non-renewable resources, thus contributing to a more environmentally friendly home on a global level.
Another fundamental pitch towards eco-sustainability is the choice of materials that are as environmentally friendly as possible, in terms of production and life cycle. In the field of materials used for windows and doors, aluminium is ideal from this point of view. It is in fact a material that can be totally recycled an infinite number of times, without the danger of it losing its properties in the recycling process. This naturally reduces the environmental impact of aluminium windows and doors, compared to materials that are not as recyclable.
Sustainability not only concerns the production process – which can be very energy intensive, as in the case of PVC windows and doors – but also the durability of the product and the need to replace it more or less frequently. Longer-lasting windows and doors, such as those made of aluminium, reduce waste and the need for replacement, thus decreasing their impact on the environment. - Do I want a home where practicality and functionality are the order of the day?
Window and door maintenance is an aspect that is often overlooked at the time of purchase, but which plays an important role in the long run to ensure their durability and effective performance over time. Each type of window and door requires different maintenance, but what is certain is that aluminium requires very little intervention. From this point of view, if you are looking for windows and doors that require little care, aluminium is unbeatable: it does not deform, it does not corrode, it is highly resistant to atmospheric agents and does not require any action or special treatment to maintain its features.
Living in a home where practicality and functionality are prioritised also means making daily cleaning easier. Aluminium once again presents itself as the best and most practical material: it does not attract dust and has a usually smooth and minimal profile, in which it is very difficult for soil and debris to accumulate. Simply wipe it with a soft cloth dampened with water, and at most a small amount of neutral cleaning agent, and it will immediately be restored to its former glory.
Buy the best windows and doors with METRA Building
Answering all the questions seen in this article helps a lot to get a clearer and more informed idea of windows and doors that can meet all your needs. If you are looking for a solution that performs and is effective from multiple points of view, aluminium is the winning choice.
In fact, aluminium windows and doors have countless advantages and are distinguished by their versatility, resistance and ability to adapt to different contexts: from seaside homes to mountain houses, from minimal to industrial styles, from strong solar radiation to exposure to rain and snow, from the noisiest contexts to those most at risk in terms of security.