Sustainable Properties of Aluminium Windows & Doors
These days including aluminium windows and doors in your home is a popular way to let in light, the view and warmth from the sun. When considering the sustainable properties of this building material we have to take the two parts into consideration; the glass and the aluminium frame.
Glass is sustainable
Glass is considered environmentally friendly because even though it does not break down in landfill, it is 100% recyclable. That is not to say all glass waste is recycled, but it can be and probably will be one day when councils realise they need to provide bins for the different coloured glass to make recycling more viable.
Apart from that, glass lasts a long time and the sand it is made from is plentiful. It is an inert substance that is ideal for storing medications and food. So really, the advantages of glass outweigh the few disadvantages. So what about the aluminium frame?
Using aluminium saves timber
In the case of windows and doors, the aluminium frame replaces timber. This saves on timber usage, so it can be said to save the environment in that regard. It provides a strong and durable frame that is lightweight and low maintenance. It doesn’t rust or require painting over its lifetime, one of the requirements for environmentally friendly products. But what about when it is being made?
Aluminium and many other similar products take quite a lot of energy to produce. However, once that has happened the energy savings inherent in its use more than make up for what was used in making the product.
Aluminium in cars saves fuel
Pure aluminium is a soft product, but when it is alloyed with other metals, especially magnesium, it is very much harder and stronger. It is stronger than steel and far lighter, offering a product with many uses. It can replace many steel components in a car without any loss of strength, making the car lighter and so more fuel efficient. This is a great way to save the environment.
It is recyclable
Aluminium is malleable so that it can be shaped, rolled or curved into many great products such as the frames for windows and doors, car parts and many other things. It is also 100% recyclable, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to use environmentally friendly products. It can be separated from any buildings that have to be pulled down and recycled for use in any number of other applications.
It is also corrosion resistant making it ideal for use in many applications by the coast or in marine products. Since it does not need additional maintenance such as painting to keep it from going rusty, it is certainly an environmentally friendly product. So if you have windows or doors with aluminium frames you can be happy to know your choice reflects well on the environment.