New technologies in window and door frames are a result of the global trend towards energy saving and the need to integrate Smart technology (smart windows) into all new constructions. New technologies in window and door frames incorporate new opening methods and create frames that are more efficient, more practical, and more durable. Below, we will analyze all modern trends in frames (smart windows), glazing (electrochromic glass, LED glass), screens (tear-resistant mesh), and everything related to new technologies in modern frames.
New opening – movement methods
From China and Australia, new ways for frames and balcony doors to open (move) are emerging. Some of the new methods (New technologies in window and door frames) are:
- Frames that recess into the building floor
• Sliding and opening frame which allows us to open – utilize the entire surface of a balcony door.
• Balcony doors and windows that convert into balconies.
• Retractable frames – guillotine windows of very large dimensions.
• Folding windows that open inwards.
• Pivoting balcony doors (Pivot doors) of large dimensions.
Electric frames – Smart windows
Now all types of frames (tilt-and-turn, sliding) can be moved with electric mechanisms, controlled remotely via remote control or app. Electric frames – smart windows offer us unlimited possibilities such as:
• Voice command control
• Interconnection with “smart homes” (smart home systems – e.g., Google Home, Alexa, etc.)
• They allow us to ventilate rooms selectively (e.g., bathrooms) and remotely, as well as with rain sensors.
• Frame handles with password for controlled operation.
• Closing roller shutters and shading systems remotely (e.g., depending on temperature) for energy saving (how to reduce cold entering through frames) and security.
• Smart shading systems (roller shutters or blinds) with external and internal sensors, which automatically adjust according to sunlight intensity and open/close on their own to maintain the desired temperature.
• Ability to adjust timers.
• Bioclimatic frames.
• Ability to open doors (entrance doors) with fingerprint or cards (automatic electric locks).
• Electric roller shutter motors with obstacle detection – controlled torque
• Electric sliding VW-type frames and lift-and-slide aluminum frames.
Smart frames and smart glass
New technologies in frames are revolutionizing not only windows but also the glass – glazing of frames. The new technologies coming to smart frames with smart glass are:
• Electrochromic glass – Glazing (electrochromic glass) that changes shade and transparency depending on solar radiation (photosensitivity), temperature, or via an app, saving energy and offering privacy (smart glass).
• Glass with electric sandblasting (switchable glass – smart glass) with ions and current that change transparency (from transparent glass to sandblasted glass), converting any space into a private one (e.g., public restrooms in Japan) by choice.
• Transparent glazing with integrated LEDs that are installed in frames or shop facades and can become televisions or advertising display boards.
• Glazing with integrated photovoltaic systems that produce energy (building integrated PV – BIPV).
• Anti-condensation glazing technology featuring coatings that prevent the formation of moisture – condensation, especially in areas with large temperature differences.
• New technology energy-efficient glazing.
• Self-cleaning glazing. These are glasses that clean themselves when access is not possible.
See all available smart glass categories in Greece in our article smart glass – electric glass
New energy-efficient profiles – aluminum frames
The new energy-efficient profiles – aluminum frames are revolutionizing the field of frames, as they achieve thermal insulation (thermal transmittance coefficient) higher than that of masonry. The new energy-efficient aluminum profiles for thermal-break aluminum frames use special polyamides inside the profile, achieving Uf values from 0.68 W/m2K!
A characteristic example is the EOS – 90 series with the highest thermal insulation index worldwide, manufactured in Greece (Greek frames) by Europa aluminum frames.
Hurricane-resistant frames
From China again, new technologies in frames are emerging, with doors and windows that withstand hurricane conditions (high wind pressure – watertightness).
Frames – windows that convert into balconies
From Switzerland come windows and balcony doors that electrically convert (electric frames) into balconies.
New soundproof frames
New technologies in frames offer very high sound insulation indices. In the field of frames, two (2) frames are used to achieve this goal, while in the field of glazing for soundproof frames, multiple sound-absorbing membranes (sound-acoustic glazing) are used. See more in soundproof frames.
New technology screens
New technologies in doors and windows could not leave out mosquito screens. New screens offer:
• High-strength mesh that cannot be torn in any way.
• Screen mesh that does not come out of the guides even in hurricane conditions.
• Screens that can be detached and stored.
• Completely invisible – transparent screen mesh – screens.
Bioclimatic pergolas
Bioclimatic pergolas are electric retractable pergolas that allow spaces to be opened and closed by choice.
Minimal frame – less frame frames
The new aluminum profiles offer even slimmer profiles for the construction of minimal frame frames, now also in very large dimensions and in Greece. See minimal frame – less frame aluminum frames
Anti-burglary frames
The new anti-burglary frames offer even greater security as they combine new technology in anti-vandal glazing with integrated alarms in the frame mechanisms and shutters. See burglar-proof glass and their categories.
Projecting roller shutters (that open outwards)
An old solution we knew from old wooden frames has evolved, as new mechanisms for projecting roller shutters (roller shutters whose guides open outwards) are available from Italy, offering greater security, ease of use, and durability. Now our roller shutters, in addition to moving up and down, can also open outwards.
Super-durable and reflective frame coatings
In the field of coatings and frame colors, new super-durable colors with even greater resistance to years and impacts.
Smart Automatic – magnetic window cleaners
A new technology in windows is smart automatic – magnetic window cleaners. These new Smart devices can clean glass and frames that we cannot access. Their movement is controlled via an app, and, unlike old manual models – magnets, it is impossible for them to detach from the glazing. They clean double and triple glazing.
