When designing the architecture of a house, doors and windows are very important elements. They add style, interior quality, and security to the home. From the outside in, they provide thermal and acoustic comfort. In addition, depending on their orientation and material, they can improve a home's energy efficiency. In this article, you will learn how to choose a door or window for your house.
Types of doors and windows
There are different types of modern doors and windows, such as:
- Aluminum doors and aluminum windows;
- Wood-aluminum doors and wood-aluminum windows;
- Iron doors and windows;
Dimensions of windows and doors
The dimensions of modern windows and doors vary from project to project, although they are characterized by large, preferably elongated elements. Their maintenance depends on the environment, the material, and the location. The type of opening of doors and windows is just as important for your construction. You will find folding doors, double-folding doors, and sliding systems.
Aluminum doors and windows
Aluminum is a material that has gained the upper hand over other materials since 1960. What makes it strong is its versatility, durability, light weight, and largely maintenance-free nature. Aluminum windows and doors are among the most commonly used materials today. It can be said that the vast majority of buildings have windows made from aluminum profiles. As a rule, aluminum doors are designed for access to garages or as connecting doors to departments or gardens. Their composition is very similar to that of iron doors, except that the structural aluminum profiles are much lighter and more fragile. Aluminum windows are simple and quick to manufacture and install. Aluminum is usually available in basic colors, but nowadays almost all colors are available. In addition, many manufacturers have standard window lines, which reduces costs and time. They can be fixed, folding, projecting, or double-glazed, to name just a few examples.
Advantages of aluminum doors and aluminum windows
Aluminum doors and aluminum windows have many advantages, such as their cost, their simple and quick manufacture and installation, and they are maintenance-free: They are ideal for projects on the coast, as they withstand extreme climatic conditions. Perhaps their only disadvantage is their fragility compared to the strength of iron. They can be used both outdoors and indoors. However, if they are used outdoors, they should be made of solid wood and, due to wood's natural property of absorbing moisture, be maintained regularly.
Advantages of wood-aluminum doors and windows
The biggest advantage of wood-aluminum windows and doors is their aesthetics. Although they can be painted, the fact is that their beauty lies in the grain of the material itself, so it is advisable only to varnish and seal them and let the color of the wood stand out. Their disadvantages are the high cost and the maintenance required.
Iron doors and windows
Iron doors are usually used as garage doors. They are usually made with a basic structure of iron profiles covered with a sheet or panel, which can be smooth or perforated depending on the design. They can also be made with grilles to allow lighting and ventilation from outside. Iron windows are often made with iron angles to which the glass is attached. In the past, the panes were fixed with putty; today this is done with silicone, which leaves a much cleaner finish. They can be made for fixed windows or for windows with folding sashes. Wrought-iron windows and doors are very aesthetic. They have the advantage of lasting for many years if properly maintained. Disadvantages are their cost and the fact that, due to the material they are made from, they are usually heavy.
