Frequently Asked Questions / Answers – FAQ

The answer to this question is not absolute. The three main factors that determine the quality of aluminum frames (the best aluminum frames) are the series – aluminum profile, the selected accessories (mechanisms, gaskets, rollers, etc.) and the correct construction-installation (the time dedicated to construction and installation). Passion and cost play a significant role in the appearance of a frame. The company that produces the aluminum profiles (e.g., Europa, Alumil, Etem) and the series determine the safety, thermal insulation, and aesthetics. The accessories contribute to the three previous parameters (e.g., if good locks are not installed in the frames, safety is reduced; if the correct gaskets are not installed, thermal insulation weakens, etc.). To see the performance of the frames you intend to buy, it is advisable to look for their performance in relation to thermal insulation, sound insulation, air permeability, watertightness, etc. (the best aluminum frames). To understand better, see all the technical characteristics of frames

Aluminum frames are divided into two categories: simple aluminum frames (conventional aluminum, also known as cold), and energy-efficient aluminum frames (thermally broken frames). Their main difference is that energy-efficient aluminum frames offer higher thermal and sound insulation coefficients, due to the special thermal insulation materials they have within the aluminum profiles. Read more about the types of frames here.

There are many options when it comes to buying aluminum frames. However, to be sure that you have made the right choice, you should consider the technical characteristics offered by each frame, your needs for sound insulation, thermal insulation, the certifications of the aluminum frames, and the warranty offered by each manufacturer. In fact, after the installation of the frames, do not hesitate to request a technical inspection from the design company, to ensure that the frames have been perfectly constructed and installed. With these tips, you will ensure that you have chosen the best aluminum frames.

There are many options when it comes to buying aluminum frames. However, to be sure that you have made the right choice, you should consider the technical characteristics offered by each frame, your needs for sound insulation, thermal insulation, the certifications of the aluminum frames, and the warranty offered by each manufacturer. In fact, after the installation of the frames, do not hesitate to request a technical inspection from the design company, to ensure that the frames have been perfectly constructed and installed. With these tips, you will ensure that you have chosen the best aluminum frames.

Aluminum outperforms competing materials for the construction of windows and balcony doors. For this reason, it holds the largest share in the Greek market. The main advantages of aluminum frames include:

There are several ways to find cheap frames or have cheap frames manufactured. Many manufacturers have new cheap frames in their workshops that were not used due to incorrect measurements or cancellation of works. In such a case, however, the dimensions of the frames must match yours.

A second way to find cheap aluminum frames is in cases where some new frames remain in the workshops of frame manufacturers due to minor problems, such as scratches, incorrect cuts, etc.

A third way to manufacture more economical aluminum frames is to ask manufacturers to produce new aluminum frames using cheaper accessories (mechanisms, gaskets, glass). In such a case, however, you should be aware that the frames will be of unknown specifications and performance.

A fourth way to find more economical frames is to find used frames resulting from aluminum frame replacements. In some cases, these frames are in good condition, and manufacturers resell them at very low prices for aluminum. Finally, it is possible to buy exhibition aluminum frames, which are slightly used.

It is important to know that the majority of aluminum frame manufacturers in Greece buy raw materials at similar prices. Therefore, if you find large differences in the price of similar products, or in offers, these are due either to a change in accessories or to some other reason. See all the ways in which cheap frames can be manufactured.

Both the technical and aesthetic characteristics of frames are elements that you should take seriously into account before making a choice.

The most basic technical-quality characteristics of frames, which define their performance, are thermal transmittance – thermal insulation, sound insulation, watertightness, wind pressure resistance, and safety. Discover how the technical characteristics of aluminum frames are measured.

On the other hand, the aesthetic characteristics of frames are mainly related to the design aspect of the frames, such as the design (straight frames, curved, minimal, traditional), the color, etc.

Frames are the eyes of our home. If you are not bound by apartment building regulations, you can choose from a wide variety of colors. If, on the other hand, you don’t know what color to choose, you can combine the color of your preferred frames with that of the walls and see the result.

Frames made with aluminum profiles are by far the most durable products for windows and balcony doors compared to all competing materials (PVC, wood, iron frames). The exact lifespan of aluminum frames cannot be precisely determined, as the duration depends on many factors (alloy type, paint, location, etc.). However, an average lifespan for aluminum frames is 45 years. A decisive factor for their lifespan is the cleaning and maintenance of frames.

Is it ultimately worth changing aluminum frames and how much do I save by installing new energy-efficient frames? The difference in energy savings resulting from frame replacement can be spectacular. Let’s look at an example in detail:

Let’s assume we have a house with 4 aluminum frames with single glazing, dimensions 1.3×2.2 (11.44m2). The indoor temperature is 21°C, while the ambient temperatures for the 2 examined areas (Larissa, Athens) are taken from the Ministry of Environment.

The annual energy consumption for heating, with the existing frames, amounts to approximately 5085 kWh for Larissa and 3320 kWh for Athens. If the existing frames are replaced with double-leaf opening aluminum EOS 60, the annual energy consumption for heating becomes 1158 kWh for Larissa (-3927 kWh) and 756 kWh for aluminum frames in Athens (-2564 kWh).

Based on the above, it appears that in some cases, up to five times the efficiency is achieved compared to our old frames. This does not include the benefits of sound insulation, furniture protection, etc. Calculate your energy savings more accurately here by replacing your frames.

Aluminum frames are among the most efficient materials for frame construction worldwide. In the previous question about how much I save by installing new energy-efficient aluminum frames, in a house with 4 simple double-leaf balcony doors, we can have up to 4000 kWh energy savings, which means five times the efficiency compared to old frames.

The dilemma between aluminum or PVC frames is significant. However, aluminum frames have held the largest market share in the frame industry for years, mainly because:

• Are they considered ideal for the climatic conditions in Greece?
• Do they discolor?
• Are they ecological and healthy?
• Are they fire resistant?
• Are they more durable over time?
• Can all types of frames be manufactured (external – recessed)?
• Are they available in unlimited colors?
• Are they Greek products and the country’s 2nd most exported product?

Read more about the advantages and disadvantages of aluminum and PVC

The different types of aluminum frames relate to the opening method of each frame. The most basic of these include:

• Fixed aluminum frames
• Opening aluminum frames
• Sliding recessed aluminum frames
• Sliding parallel aluminum frames (double-leaf, triple-leaf)
• Lift-and-slide parallel frames
• Lift-and-slide recessed aluminum frames
• Folding frames (accordion)
• Pivoting frames
• Projected frames
• Retractable frames (guillotine)
• Doors (kitchen doors, entrance doors)

The disadvantages of aluminum-framed windows are mainly related to the fact that aluminum, as a metal, is a good conductor of heat. This results in easy heat transfer. This disadvantage has been eliminated for years with the use of thermally broken aluminum frames.

By thermal break in frames, we mean the interruption of heat transfer achieved by separating the profile into two parts, through the use of insulating materials, which isolate its inner from its outer surface. Essentially, in all thermally broken frames and inside the aluminum profiles, there are insulating materials, usually polyamide, to increase the thermal insulation of the frame and eliminate conductivity.

A major concern for many consumers regarding the replacement of their old frames is the method of replacement, as well as the type of work and repairs – touch-ups that may arise. First, we should clarify that all aluminum frame replacements are carried out on the same day, without leaving the house open. In many cases, the old frames are completely covered by the new ones, so there is no need for further repairs. Wall repairs depend on the type of frame to be replaced (e.g., old wooden frames, old aluminum, or used aluminum) and the type of shutter.

See what repairs arise for each type of frame replacement

The maintenance and cleaning of aluminum frames are a particularly important chapter for their lifespan. Maintenance should be carried out regularly, always based on the cleaning needs in your area.

See detailed instructions for each case of aluminum frame maintenance

The most well-known companies that produce aluminum profiles for frames in Greece are Europa, Alumil, Exalco, Etem, and Elvial. These companies are also among the largest in Europe. These specific companies do not manufacture frames (doors, windows, and balcony doors), but aluminum profiles in the form of six-meter bars. For the construction of frames, they certify, train, and inform exclusive certified aluminum frame manufacturers daily, who construct and install the final product (doors, windows, balcony doors) in your home. However, for the final product to reach your home, as designed by the large aluminum profile manufacturing companies (Europa, Alumil, etc.), the frame manufacturers must strictly adhere to the technical specifications of the companies.

So, regarding the question of which is the best aluminum frame company, concerning the companies that produce profiles (e.g., Europa, Alumil, etc.), you should look for the technical characteristics of the series you wish to buy and compare their performance in terms of thermal insulation, sound insulation, watertightness, etc. In our products and within each series, you will find all the performance data for all Europa aluminum frames.

See a comparison of all companies in our article Which is the best aluminum frame company?

The problem occurs in homes with high humidity concentration (70% and above) and mainly in homes with integrated kitchens or bathrooms, etc. The high concentration of moisture inside the house tries to escape through the frames to the outside, resulting in its liquefaction and the formation of water vapor. What you should do to see how to remove moisture from aluminum frames is to get a hygrometer and measure the humidity of the rooms where the phenomenon appears. If you find a percentage above 70% humidity, the solutions to remove moisture from aluminum frames and glass are as follows:

• We use a dehumidifier or the air conditioner in DRY mode to absorb moisture.
• We ventilate the area frequently to remove moisture.
• We install thermally broken frames with energy-efficient glass

The scratches on electrostatically painted aluminum frames are as follows:

• If the scratch is small and not very deep, it can be removed – healed with a special cleaner – paste (Scoop type),
• For more intense scratches on the frames, you should get electrostatic paint spray from well-stocked paint stores.
• Another way for scratches on aluminum frames is the use of special indelible markers.
• Finally, a very effective way to repair scratches is the use of nail polish.

The repair of aluminum frames depends on the type of frame (opening – sliding), the age of the frames, and the type of repair you want to do.

Professional repainting (electrostatic) and color change of frames is an easy process, which, however, becomes very difficult for practical reasons.

The first reason is that for aluminum (profiles) from windows and balcony doors to be repainted with electrostatic paint, the aluminum profiles must be separated from the other elements of the frame (glass – gaskets – locks), i.e., disassembled, and after repainting (frame repainting) reassembled.

Of course, there is also the solution of repainting the frames by sanding, priming, and using spray for metals or a brush, but this method will not last long, especially for external surfaces.

The main problems that arise are the very high cost and the damage caused during the disassembly of the frames.

Some simple ways to repaint frames are the use of self-adhesive films which are available in unlimited colors, the use of paints for iron, and the use of paints for aluminum, without, however, often achieving the desired result for a long period.

The three basic steps to get a subsidy with the “Exoikonomo kat’ oikon” program are:

• Start the process early.
• See if it really benefits you to join the program.
• Find a reliable energy inspector.

When is it beneficial to join the program?

The new “Exoikonomo” programs have become more difficult compared to previous programs, as they require the property to be upgraded by at least three energy categories and therefore belong at most to category C or lower. To achieve these goals, usually at least 3 energy interventions are needed (e.g., frames, solar water heater, thermal facade, etc.). So, in addition to changing frames, other interventions are necessary to achieve the goal. If someone wishes to make a radical upgrade of their home, then the program is the solution, as both the subsidy has increased and the process has been simplified.

Buying used aluminum frames is a beneficial process,

Opening frames

• They have better quality – technical characteristics (thermal insulation, sound insulation, watertightness, security) due to the perimeter mechanisms and the gaskets used.
• Include tilt-and-turn function
• Can accommodate all types of shutters (blinds – rollers)

Lift-and-slide frames (see lift-and-slide frames )

• They have very good quality characteristics which, in some cases, are superior to opening frames.
• Include gaskets – seals for their insulation.
• Can be manufactured in very large dimensions.
• Do not consume space.
• Have larger glass surfaces and less aluminum (Less Frame).

Sliding frames

• They are practical and do not take up space
• Can be manufactured in very large dimensions
• Have larger glass surfaces and less aluminum (Less Frame).
• The choice between them has larger glass surfaces and less aluminum (Less Frame).

Read the advantages and disadvantages in detail in the article Sliding or opening frames

How much screens for aluminum frames cost is a general question, because many people do not know that screens for aluminum frames, even if they are of the same type (e.g., single-leaf horizontal movement Plisse with caterpillar track), are available in dozens of qualities and prices. There is a single-leaf horizontal movement Plisse screen with a caterpillar track on the market that sells for €80 and there is another that sells for €250, and believe us, they are not the same!

The same applies to vertical movement screens and all types of screens. Here we should clarify that the selling price, as with all products, depends on the volume of the order, the difficulty and location of the installation, the colors, and of course the quality of the screen, which is directly linked to its lifespan, because screens are perhaps the most vulnerable products in the field of frame constructions (aluminum or polyvinyl chloride – PVC). Below we will give you an average price range for most types of branded screens, in white.

• Vertical movement screens (without protection brake) for windows up to 80cm high, average screen price €50 – €80
• Vertical movement screens (without protection brake) for windows up to 150cm high, average screen price €60 – €90
• Vertical movement screens (without protection brake) for balcony doors up to 120cm high, average screen price €80 – €120
• Single-leaf Plisse horizontal movement screen without caterpillar track, height up to 240, average price €90 – €140.
• Single-leaf Plisse horizontal movement screen with caterpillar track, height up to 240, average price €100 – €250.
• Single-leaf screen, with flat mesh, horizontal movement with caterpillar track, height up to 240, average price €100 – €230.

Read more in our article Aluminum screens, types, quality, prices

The aluminum frame manufacturer is obliged (legal obligation) after the completion of the project they have undertaken to provide their customer with the following documents:

• Delivery Note for the frames
• Cash register receipt or invoice.
• Declaration of performance for frames.
• Declaration of performance for glazing.
• Declaration of performance for shutters.
• Warranties for the proper functioning of the aluminum frames and for each of their parts separately (mechanisms, locks, accessories, glazing, roller shutters, screens, electrostatic paint, etc.).