Steel window frames, advantages and disadvantages
Steel window frames, advantages and disadvantages
Steel window frames are the most often used in residential, public and industrial buildings. Lets look at the advantages and disadvantages.
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Doors and windows represent the most exposed part of the edifices. For this reason, they must be resistant to atmospheric agents, including water and salt, and must guarantee a long-lasting life cycle so as to avoid repeated interventions on the structures. It is also important to contribute to the aesthetics of the building in which they are placed, emphasizing the harmony of the architecture.
In order for this set of characteristics to coexist, it is necessary to choose a material that has an unparalleled series of advantages combined with practically non-existent disadvantages. Flexible and resistant, stainless steel is shaped according to the technical and structural needs of the place where it is used and placed, without invasively affecting the expected style.
Thanks to its great experience in the production of door and window frames, Capoferri prefers steel, which has all the fundamental features for the realization of a window that is destined to live for a long time.
Lets sum up the requirements that make stainless steel so special and all the advantages it brings to steel window frames:
versatility;
self-repairing properties;
anti-corrosiveness;
resistance to high and low temperatures;
workability;
low magnetic permeability;
recyclability;
aesthetics.
Before going into the details of the many advantages of this material, we want to discover all the characteristics and why it is perfect for window frames.
Characteristics of steel window frames
Taking into consideration the advantages and disadvantages of steel, let us analyze all the characteristics of steel window frames.
The stainless-steel window frames owe their durability to the chromium layer which oxidizes in contact with air, and creates a thin protective surface layer. This protection is particularly useful in environments exposed to wear caused by time and weather.
In fact, this surface layer has properties that we could define as self-healing, which allow the product to automatically repair small surface damage that has occurred over time.
One of the most interesting characteristics of stainless steel window frames is its resistance to high and low temperatures. This makes them particularly suitable for manufacturing, as they are at the same time resistant and workable.
This allows the creation of very thin and extremely light profiles with high mechanical performance.
Their resistance also allows them to be polished and subsequently treated for aesthetic and protective purposes.
The combination of these characteristics makes it possible to create items, mechanisms and structures that, with minimal maintenance, offer maximum results.
Thus, the production of stainless steel window frames boasts a great aesthetic appeal, which makes the product unique and easily insertable into the general harmony of the context it belongs to.
Steel windows advantages
Due to its characteristics, steel windows offer many advantages in processing and production.
Lets analyze them to better understand why steel is the best material for windows and doors.
First of all, the oxide layer that chromium forms in contact with the air is an effective protection over time, which makes the window frames resistant to corrosion and the action of atmospheric agents. In fact, thanks to stainless steel self-repairing features, the damaged or cut parts repair themselves independently, maintaining their initial strength.
The positive repercussions in terms of savings are significant, because steel ensures very long life cycles, with almost no maintenance costs.
Added to this is the high workability and resistance to long-lasting cycles through high or low temperatures. From this come finely worked elements, flexible for the purpose of use, durable and with great performance also from a mechanical point of view.
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Among the main advantages of steel we certainly have to include lightness. It is a fundamental requirement when we talk about large structures such as those of doors and windows, which must be easily moved, effortlessly and without risk.
Last but not least is recyclability, an essential prerogative in this historical moment that sees the environment and its fragility at the center of the attention of us all.
Tailor made steel windows
Tailor made steel windows play a decisive role in the production of doors and windows, both in apartments, villas and public buildings with administrative, cultural or religious functions.
As we can see from the argumentation, steel is perfect for making tailor made stainless steel windows that are light and easy to handle. They are the result of custom-made processes with attention to uniqueness and detail.
Cutting, welding and forming are part of a much broader creative process that starts with the customers needs, combines them with the structural and environmental ones and transforms them into performing and resistant products, which are perfectly inserted in the context they belong to.
The high customization also attracts internationally renowned architects and great designers to Capoferri, such as Renzo Piano, Michele de Lucchi, David Chipperfield, Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, Antonio Citterio & Partners and many others for whom the production of personalized windows goes hand in hand with the demand for great engineering.
Thanks to this we can see prestigious masterpieces such as the stainless steel tailor made windows and the vestibule of the Agnelli Art Gallery at the Lingotto in Turin, the escalators of the Adjaye Associate in Beirut or parapets, bronze doors and partitions for the main entrance of the J.P. Morgan Library by RPBW in New York.
Steel Windows vs Aluminium Windows: Which is Better?
Choosing the best windows for a home is not an easy task as windows have a crucial role to play in the aesthetic appeal of the house or property. Windows, apart from the beautification of space, also improvise the energy efficiency of a home by managing the amount of natural light and ventilation entering a space.
Metal-framed windows first emerged in the s and quickly became the most popular in the art deco era. As old-fashioned windows, these sorts of windows are making a resurgence nowadays.
Windows are one of the most expensive elements of an architectural project, the prices of which depend on the option you go ahead with. With a wide variety of materials, colours, styles, and features to choose from, the selection of a suitable choice becomes challenging. Some of the efficient choices in metal-framed windows steel windows and aluminium windows with each having its own advantages and disadvantages.
Where steel framed windows have been ruling the market for the past 160 years, aluminium framed windows have also advanced as an alternative. Steel windows impart stunning aesthetics with an authentic feel to the whole space. On the other hand, aluminium windows give a modern look and can replicate steel framed windows.
The qualities of both types make it overwhelming to make the right decision. Here is a comparison between the two that will assist you in choosing what suits you the best.
Frame Design
Steel windows win over the aluminium windows when comparing the frame and sightlines. Since steel is thrice as strong as aluminium, it offers thin frame sightlines. Steel has the strength to hold large glass panes which offer wide panoramic views to the outside and welcome a good amount of natural light into the space.
In contrast to aluminium frames, steel frames would be advantageous for achieving the narrowest sightlines since less metal is required to keep the glass in position.
When compared to steel, the aluminium production process is more simple and streamlined since the crimped frames feature mechanical joints, permitting the frames to be simply fitted and fastened together.
Window Sizes
Aluminiums slim, lightweight, and adaptable nature allows it to be easily moulded into a variety of forms and sizes. Steels appeal stems from the fact that it is among the most powerful and long-lasting building materials available. Steel window frames are generally elegant and thin due to their remarkable strength.
Modern steel windows are frequently styled with precision, crispness, and creativity. Double-glazed or fully weather-stripped options are available.
Thermal Performance
Generally, steel framed windows dont come with a thermal break in their frames. In simpler terms, that means if the window frame is comparatively cooler on the exteriors, the cold will transfer to the interiors and it will form condensation. This might lead to damaged fabrics and furniture placed near the windows.
Aluminium framed windows, however, are manufactured with the latest thermal break technique. The installation of thermal breaks in aluminium windows offers a good amount of thermal insulation as compared to steel windows.
Colour and Finish Options
The selection of colours is an important part of the design process. You may choose whatever colour and finish you like for your aluminium windows; go crazy if you really want to! There is a wide range of colours available for the same.
With steel, though, this is less of a possibility with finishing options. Steel is available in a wide range of RAL colours but rust is a major concern for any builder or homeowner.
Maintenance
Steel frames demand a lot of upkeep since they need to be treated and examined on a regular basis. This is necessary to prevent the inevitable development of rust and corrosion, which steel is prone to if not properly protected.
Aluminium does not require any more maintenance when it has been powder coated and finished in the appropriate colour. It just demands regular cleaning with minimal effort and resources.
Cost
The major advantage of aluminium windows over steel windows is the cost factor. It is a cost-effective product in terms of its material and the manufacturing process.
As steel follows a complex manufacturing process in order to develop a solid steel framed window, high costs go into the development and in the end, the product is much more expensive than aluminum framed.
As steel is significantly costlier, the high cost would weigh into the cost of the entire project.
Aluminium and Steel Windows Comparison Table
Its difficult to determine which choice is ideal when replacing your windows and doors. Should the use of present steel models be continued or shall a move be made for a refreshing look with Aluminium? Here is a comparison between the two to be considered while deciding between the two.
FeatureSteel windowsAluminium windowsStrength 3 times stronger than aluminiumStronger than timberSecurityMeets all standardsMeets all standardsManufacturingFully-Welded Crimped and Mechanical JointsSight LinesNarrow Sight-linesNot as sleek as steelGlazingDouble or Triple glassDouble or Triple glassLife ExpectancyMore than 60 years without a paint finishAbout 30-40 years without a paint finishThermal PerformanceB and C energy ratingsA energy-rated product is availableColoursFull RAL colour choiceFull RAL choiceAnodizing colour optionsRecyclableYesYesRustYesDoes not rustResidential and Commercial UseYesYes
From the comparison, it can be inferred that steel offers a large glass size due to its strength that allows it to have sleek frames.
The right choice
With individual features, both aluminium windows and steel windows hold a good position in the market. The decision, however, should be made by the homeowner considering the architectural needs and budget as well. Both materials offer unique properties, each of which can enhance the aesthetics of the house.
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