Aluminum Frame Quotes: What to Look Out For

The aluminum frame quotes you receive from aluminum frame manufacturers are the only document that accurately depicts the type of frames you are about to receive (quality – technical specifications) and has a binding character (can also be used in court) for both parties (buyer and frame manufacturer). In aluminum frame quotes, all the elements that determine the quality of the frames you are about to purchase are listed or omitted, which is why they should be analytical, not to confuse you, but to accurately describe the products you will receive. Also, they constitute a commitment from the frame manufacturer to you, while a vague offer can hide surprises. Quotes now function as order forms, as they must reflect all parameters of the order and may differ from frames you saw in showrooms.

Below, we will examine what you should look out for in frame quotes, what elements should be included, what the potential pitfalls are, and what each entry or number mentioned signifies.

General Information

All frame quotes should include the following:

• The delivery time, which varies depending on the color and type.
• The warranties, which are different for each component of a frame (good operation, frame painting, screens, glazing, mechanisms, electric shutters, etc.), as well as after-sales service.
• The payment method (usually 35% down payment, 45% upon product arrival, 20% upon completion). Here, it should be noted that you should be very careful with down payments exceeding 40% as well as with full payment for the frames before completion!
• The possibility of inspecting the frames before final payment by the manufacturing company, e.g., Europa, Alumil.
• The quote – price is final only after the manufacturer takes the construction measurements.

Frame Shape – Type – Dimensions

A frame quote begins with the frame’s shape, type, and dimensions. Here, you should pay attention to the following:

• Is the frame type (e.g., casement, sliding, roller shutters, external shutters, etc.) correctly designed and stated? Is my frame a double-leaf casement, does it have a roller shutter, does it have a screen? If anything differs, there will be a different charge.
• The dimensions and quantities should be correctly stated, otherwise additional charges may arise.
• The drawing should correctly depict the frame’s direction (how it opens – slides). Here, we should note that aluminum frames are viewed and designed from inside the house.
• Entrance doors and kitchen doors should be designed exactly as desired regarding panels (panel – tongue and groove – glass), divisions, any designs, etc.

Aluminum Series – Aluminum Profile and Codes (Numbers)

The aluminum series – aluminum profile should state:

• the agreed series (e.g., Europa Ess – 34, Alumil S-650), different for casement and different for sliding.
• The exact color of the frames – code (e.g., RAL 9002, RSD 6005). Attention is needed here because each color has a different charge (read more about colored frame charges) and a different delivery time.
• The codes (numbers) of the profiles to be used are a serious matter that determines several elements of the frame (appearance and functionality) and most consumers are unaware of. To understand aluminum profile codes, you would either need to read technical specification manuals for each series or speak with the frame manufacturer and possibly visit a frame showroom to understand exactly what you are buying. But what are these codes?

Each aluminum series (e.g., Europa casement EOS – 60) does not have just one frame, sash, or shutter louver, but dozens (see photo), with different designs (straight, angled, curved), for different uses (windows, balcony doors, kitchen doors), and different functions (low frames, repair-covering frames, etc.). The frame that the manufacturer will use for your frames is indicated in the frame quotes with two letters and a five-digit code (e.g., TH 57101). The same applies to frame sashes, shutter louvers, and all aluminum profiles. If these details are not mentioned (profile codes), the manufacturer can use whatever they wish, and if you don’t want to end up with sliding guides protruding from the finished floor, it’s good to be informed before you buy!

• The frame quote should include the technical specifications of each aluminum frame series (casement – sliding), i.e., the frame’s performance regarding thermal insulation, sound insulation, air permeability, water tightness, based on certified laboratories.
• The paint shop where the frames were painted (e.g., Europa, Alumil, external paint shops) and their warranties.

Frame Glazing (Glass)

As we saw in our article types and prices of energy-efficient glazing, there are dozens of energy-efficient glazing types for frames, which is why the following information should be included in frame quotes:

• The supplier of the energy-efficient glazing (e.g., Guardian, Saint-Gobain) and especially its type (soft coating – 4 seasons, hard coating, etc.).
• Their cross-section (e.g., 5mm / 16mm gap / 6mm).

• Their technical characteristics (sound insulation in dB, thermal insulation, optical transmittance, etc.).

• Their construction method – quality characteristics (silica gel to prevent moisture, double sealing for proper performance in cold and heat, etc.)
• Their warranty in case of moisture or damage.
• The presence or absence of Argon gas between the double glazing units.

When installing frames, always ask for the glazing certificates (a frame manufacturer’s obligation by law to ensure what glazing you have purchased, and also to be able to find the same ones in case of breakage).

Aluminum Frame Installation

In aluminum frame quotes, the installation section should include:

• In case of old frame replacement, their removal or what exactly happens with the old frames.
• The use of subframes for new constructions.
• The use of a crane and the additional charge.
• The use of a recycling bin.
• The case of repairs – restoration work on the masonry and the connection of electric shutters.
• The inspection of the frames before final payment by the manufacturing company, e.g., Europa, Alumil.
• Whether the manufacturer and the crews are certified manufacturers.

Special Aluminum Profiles

Special aluminum profiles are often not listed in frame quotes (their presence or absence), even though they constitute a very important part of a frame’s function, sealing, and appearance:

• The presence of covers for the height difference of sliding guides (guide covers) to prevent tripping.
• The capping of sliding guides to prevent water ingress.
• The presence of plastic spacers in thermally broken frames to prevent thermal bridging.
• The presence of perimeter sealing corners in recessed sliding frames.
• The possibility of upgrading energy-efficient frames to advanced.
• The presence of Inox guides in sliding frames.
• For all frames, joint covering wings – architraves or their additional charge.
• The use of sealant at the profile cutting points.

Aluminum Frame Mechanisms

The frame mechanisms should be listed separately for each type (casement, sliding, etc.), because different mechanisms are used for each type. Let’s see what information should be mentioned.

For casement aluminum frames:

• The supplier (e.g., Roto, GU) and exactly the type (e.g., Roto Nt), and this is because mechanism companies (e.g., Roto, GU, Giesse) offer dozens of mechanisms.
• The frame handles
• The type of mechanisms (perimeter locking).
• The closing method of the second leaf (single-use operator, bolts)
• Their warranty (mechanism warranty and good operation warranty)

For sliding aluminum frames:

• The supplier (e.g., Roto, Power Lock).
• The frame handles
• The locking points for both glass and shutters.
• Additional protections (e.g., not to be damaged by incorrect use).
• The rollers of the sliding frames and their origin (single, double, etc.).
• Their warranty.

Roller Shutters

Regarding aluminum roller shutters, we should note that frame manufacturers very rarely produce them themselves and usually procure them. Let’s see what information should be mentioned for roller shutters in window quotes:

• The supplier of the roller shutters (e.g., Europa, commercial)
• The type of box (thermally broken boxes, simple boxes).
• The type of slat – louver of the roller shutter (perforated, heavy-duty, polyurethane).
• The operating method of the roller shutter (strap, crank, motor) as well as the type of motor (e.g., obstacle detection).
• Its security (e.g., security pins).
• The presence or absence of wings on the roller shutter guides for covering repairs and additional security.
• Their warranty.

Shutters

In aluminum frame quotes and for shutters, the following should be stated:

• The supplier (e.g., Europa, Alumil).
• The type of shutter slat – louver (aluminum, plastic, tongue and groove, panel) as well as their code (lily, tulip, etc.)
• The presence or absence of divisions – crossbars (traditional shutters).
• The presence of a partial opening mechanism.
• The presence of locking on all leaves (multi-point locking).
• Any additional charge for large hinges and pivots.

Aluminum Frame Gaskets – Seals

The gaskets – seals of aluminum frames are an important part of a frame’s construction.

For casement aluminum frames, you should ask if foam gaskets are included or just simple ones. If it has central gasket corners and if the gaskets can be replaced after wear.

For aluminum entrance doors, you should always ask for a threshold with a gasket and not brushes. See all types for frame gaskets.

Frame Screens

For frame screens, which are among the most vulnerable components of a frame, the following should be mentioned in aluminum quotes:

For vertical movement screens:

• The supplier (e.g., Europa, Ideco).
• The presence of a brake to prevent accidents.

For horizontal movement plisse type screens:

• The supplier (e.g., Europa, Ideco).
• The type of mesh (plisse mesh, flat mesh).
• The type of horizontal movement screen (plisse type) as well as the way it moves (with caterpillar track, with cords).
• The warranty of the screens, which, as mentioned, are particularly vulnerable and require great care.

How to Save Money

• Replace frames during Low season and you will definitely save a lot of money. The smartest choice for replacing frames is during the autumn and winter months. From January to April, demand is lower, which means better prices, faster service, and greater attention to your project. Frame manufacturers and installation crews have more time to deal with every detail, thus ensuring a higher quality result. There is no reason to worry about weather conditions and cold. Replacement is done quickly and organized, with each old frame being replaced immediately. The house remains exposed and open for a minimal amount of time, usually no more than 2-3 hours. If the replacement lasts more than one day, the house does not remain open, so it is fully habitable without any problem.
• Do not choose many different types of frames because it increases the manufacturer’s waste and scraps. Frame manufacturers buy aluminum in the form of 6-meter bars. So, if you have 1 casement frame, 1 sliding frame with a screen, one without, and one recessed, you create a lot of waste and scraps, which you are charged for. Try to group the frames or ask manufacturers to help you.
• If you want colored frames (not white), choose colors from the free frame colors or from the aluminum color offers.
• Do not get prices per square meter because you might be cheating yourself. As mentioned, a one (1m²) square meter frame compared to another two (2m²) square meters does not require double the materials nor double the labor hours to manufacture.
• The type of replacement affects the price. Removing wooden frames is more difficult than replacing old sliding aluminum frames.
• Don’t fall into the trap of ”I’ll only do it once”. Carefully choose and evaluate your needs (e.g., don’t install heavy-duty electric roller shutters everywhere if you don’t need them, or very ”heavy” thermal breaks in Athens).

The above are the elements that should be included in a comprehensive aluminum frame quote, which binds both you and the frame manufacturers in a costly investment, such as the purchase of frames. Finally, it should be noted that it is the consumers’ responsibility to compare similar quotes, read them, and check the reliability of the frame manufacturer.