Aluminum frame hardware. When we talk about aluminum frame hardware, we refer to all those additional parts installed on the aluminum profile to ensure its proper function, security, and sealing. Let’s look at some of the basic aluminum frame hardware:
Recessed handle for sliding frames.
Recessed handle for sliding frames. The “recessed handle” is a type of external handle primarily installed on sliding frames.
Unlike the classic handle that protrudes significantly, the recessed handle has an ergonomic, flat design and is named as such because its shape allows fingers to fit inside, enabling easy and secure sliding of our balcony door or window.
Key Features and Use
Functionality: Primarily used on sliding frames to facilitate closing the door from the outside, without needing to grasp the door profile.
Design: It is “flush-mounted” or very thin, so as not to impede the movement of the sashes (especially in parallel sliding systems) and to avoid hitting shutters or screens.
Material: It is usually made of aluminum, high-strength plastic, or zamak, to withstand weather conditions (sun, rain).
Disadvantages:
- Difficulty in use, especially with large or heavy frames
- Accidents involving hands and fingers
Advantages:
- Economical solution
- Allows parallel sliding frames to open completely
- Do not impede the movement of sashes
Aluminum Frame Hinges
A frame hinge is a mechanical component used for the functional connection of the movable sash with the fixed frame of a door or window. Essentially, it forms the axis of rotation in opening frames, allowing the frame to open and close, while also supporting and bearing the weight of the sash.
Key Features:
To understand it better, a hinge performs two basic functions:
Support: It bears the entire weight of the sash (which can be quite substantial if it involves double glazing or heavy armored doors).
Movement: It allows the sash to rotate at a specific angle (usually 180°).
Types of Hinges based on their material and use.
Screw-on: Common in wooden frames, where one part is screwed into the wood.
Clip-on / Solid: Primarily used in aluminum or PVC frames and installed in special receptacles.
Concealed hinges: Not visible when the window is closed, offering flawless aesthetics.
Adjustable: Allow adjustment of the sash (up-down or left-right) to fit perfectly and not “catch” on the floor or frame.
- Weight, available according to the weight of the glass (heavy-duty hinges)
Aluminum Frame Espagnolette Bolt
It is the locking mechanism primarily found in doors and sliding aluminum frames. It is a system activated by a single movement of the handle and ensures multiple locking points along the sash.
When the handle is turned, the mechanism moves metal rods (tie rods) either up and down, or circumferentially in modern frames. These rods enter corresponding receptacles in the frame, ensuring that the sash “seals” against the frame.
Key Features:
Security: Locks at more than one point, making forced entry difficult.
Insulation: Presses the sash against the frame’s gaskets, improving sound insulation and thermal insulation. It uniformly applies the sash to the frame, reducing heat and air loss.
- Ease of use: With a single movement, the opening is fully secured
Materials: Usually made of aluminum, brass, or iron, depending on the frame’s aesthetics.
Types of espagnolette bolts according to their function:
Simple espagnolette bolt: Locks at 2 points (top–bottom).
Multi-point espagnolette bolt: Secures at multiple points for greater security. (See perimeter locking mechanisms and multi-point sliding locks.)
With key: Essentially, we are referring to a handle with a key. It features a built-in lock for added protection.
- Electronic espagnolette bolt: Modern option with access control capability. (See electric aluminum door locks.)
Rollers for Sliding Frames – Wheels
Rollers for sliding frames – wheels, are the rolling mechanisms installed at the bottom of the sash of a sliding frame. Essentially, these are wheels that help the frame slide smoothly and securely along the track.
The rollers – wheels slide on Inox stainless steel strips (Inox stainless steel sliding guides) at the bottom of the sliding frame guides. INOX stainless steel guides are designed to remove debris and small stones that damage the frame rollers, they do not scratch, offer smoother and easier sliding, as well as longer lifespan for the frame rollers.
In short, rollers:
- reduce friction
- allow easy and secure opening and closing of sliding frames
- support the weight of the frame
In some cases where the frame is particularly wide and heavy, we use double rollers to ensure its smooth and safe operation.
Which rollers should we use?
For all glazing (glass panels) of sliding frames (not lift-and-slide), Fenestral installs only the approved Europa rollers – wheels. Europa rollers – wheels are double (2x), and for large sliding frames, quadruple (4x) rollers are used depending on the weight of the sliding glass panels and always in relation to the specifications of EUROPA’s technical manuals.
Shutter Hinges and Wind Stays
Two types of hardware are used for shutters: Shutter Hinges and wind stays.
Shutter Hinges
Shutter hinges are the mechanism that connects the shutter frame to the opening leaf. They are available in various sizes and colors depending on whether we want the shutter leaves to open 180 degrees and stand parallel to the walls (to open fully) or to stand at 90 degrees.
Shutter Wind Stays
Shutter wind stays are the mechanism that prevents shutters from closing due to wind. There are three basic types of shutter wind stays but dozens of products:
- Wall-mounted wind stays that are screwed onto and outside the wall offer maximum wind resistance and durability but have the disadvantages of being visible and considered unsightly by some, as well as being somewhat difficult to use.
- Wind stays that are installed on the hinges, which are easy to use as they lock automatically and are not visible, but are susceptible to winds above 8 Beaufort.
- Hook wind stays which are easy to use and also have considerable durability.
Multi-point Shutter Locks and Partial Locking
Read more about shutter hardware at:
- as well as on partial opening of the sashes.
