What Are Thermally Broken Windows and Doors?
If you’re looking to upgrade your home with new windows and doors and are considering sleek, metal frames like aluminium, it’s important to ensure that they’re thermally broken. They can improve the overall energy efficiency of your property, keeping your home warm all year round whilst reducing your energy bills.
But what exactly are thermally broken windows and doors? And what are the benefits of having them? In this blog post, we’ll answer just that.
What is a thermal break?
In simple terms, a thermal break is an insulating barrier placed within the frame of a window or door. This barrier separates the frame into two sections – one facing the inside and the other facing the outside. By creating this “break,” it effectively prevents heat or cold from transferring between the inside and outside of your home, ensuring better temperature control and energy efficiency.
The best material for a thermal break is polyamide, a type of plastic often reinforced with glass fibres. Polyamide is incredibly effective at insulating due to its low thermal conductivity, meaning it stops heat from passing through the window or door frame. Additionally, it is highly durable, making it a long-lasting solution for energy-efficient windows and doors.
Why Do Aluminium Windows and Doors Need Thermal Breaks?
Aluminium windows and doors have a long history, particularly in commercial buildings where their robust nature and durability have made them a popular choice since the 1950s. Their slim frames can support larger panes of glass compared to uPVC, making them ideal for shop windows, offices and other commercial spaces.
However, aluminium has a significant drawback: it’s a highly conductive material. This means aluminium frames can easily transfer heat and cold, leading to higher energy loss, colder surfaces and more condensation. These issues made aluminium less suitable for residential homes – or at least that was the case.
Thanks to thermal break technology, aluminium frames are now a modern, sleek addition to residential homes. They combine the strength and aesthetic appeal of aluminium with enhanced energy efficiency and comfort, making them an excellent choice for contemporary living spaces.
What does this mean for your home?
Thermally broken aluminium windows and doors offer more than just exceptional thermal insulation. Here’s how they benefit your home beyond reducing your energy bills:
- Reduce Condensation – Thermal breaks minimise how much heat is lost from the inside and how much cold is allowed through the outside. This helps to reduce cold spots and condensation on the window or door surface, preventing issues like mould and mildew, which thrive in damp conditions.
- Lower Your Carbon Footprint – In our fight against climate change, every bit helps. Thermally broken windows and doors are more energy-efficient, which means you’ll use less energy to heat and cool your home. This reduction in energy use contributes to a lower carbon footprint, making your home more eco-friendly.
- Enhance Comfort – With better insulation, your home will maintain a more consistent and comfortable temperature. You’ll experience fewer draughts and fluctuations, making your living spaces more pleasant and cosy.
- Improve Noise Reduction – The insulating properties of thermal breaks also help in reducing outside noise. This is particularly beneficial if you live in a busy or noisy area, as it creates a quieter, more peaceful indoor environment.
- Increase Property Value – Modern, energy-efficient windows and doors can increase your home’s market value. Potential buyers often appreciate the lower running costs and improved comfort, making thermally broken aluminium frames a smart investment.
- Durability and Low Maintenance – Thermally broken aluminium windows and doors are not only efficient but also durable and low-maintenance. They resist weathering and don’t require frequent painting or upkeep, which means they’ll continue to look great and perform well for years.
Discover Majestic Designs’ Full Range of Thermally Broken Aluminium Windows and Doors
At Majestic Designs, our aluminium windows and doors feature a thermal break made from polyamide, a high-performance plastic that provides exceptional insulation. This technology is designed to enhance your home’s energy efficiency, helping you save on your energy bills while keeping your home cosy and comfortable all year round.
With over 20 years of experience, our team has honed the art of engineering top-quality aluminium windows and doors. When combined with our energy-efficient glass, our products achieve exceptional energy ratings, ensuring your home remains well-insulated and energy-efficient.
Our aluminium products are manufactured in our state-of-the-art factories in Cheddar, and each product is fitted by our team of professional, FENSA-accredited and MTC-registered lead installers, guaranteeing a seamless installation process.
Ready to explore our range of thermally broken aluminium windows and doors? Visit our showroom or contact us today to speak with a member of our team about your installation options.
FAQs
Are Thermally Broken Windows and Doors More Expensive than Traditional Ones?
Thermally broken windows and doors can typically come with a higher initial cost compared to traditional options. This is mainly due to the advanced materials and technology used, such as the polyamide thermal break and energy-efficient glass. However, this upfront investment can be offset by the significant long-term savings on your energy bills. Because thermally broken windows and doors are designed to enhance energy efficiency, they help reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home, leading to lower utility costs over time.
How Do Thermally Broken Windows and Doors Compare to Other Materials like UPVC or Wood?
Thermally broken aluminium windows and doors are known for their sleek, modern design and durability. The thermal break technology they use enhances energy efficiency by minimising heat transfer, making them a top choice for energy-conscious homeowners. On the other hand, uPVC is generally more affordable and has natural insulating properties that help reduce heat transfer. Wood windows and doors are celebrated for their timeless appeal and provide good thermal performance due to their dense structure, which means they don’t require additional thermal breaks to be effective. However, wood does need more frequent maintenance to protect against weathering and pests. Essentially, each material has its own benefits, so your choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
How Long do Thermally Broken Windows and Doors Typically Last?
With proper maintenance, thermally broken windows and doors can last up to 40 years. The durable materials used in their construction, such as polyamide, are specifically designed to endure various weather conditions and resist wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting performance. At Majestic Designs, we stand behind the quality of our products with a 10-year guarantee on all installations, giving you added peace of mind and assurance that your investment will serve you well over time.
How Do Thermal Breaks Affect the Overall Appearance of Aluminium Windows and Doors?
Thermal breaks are designed to be discreet and don’t significantly alter the overall appearance of aluminium windows and doors. They are seamlessly integrated into the frames, preserving the sleek, modern look of aluminium while enhancing its performance. This means you can enjoy both the stylish, contemporary design and the improved energy performance of your windows and doors.
