SELECTING FRAMES

Why replace your old frames

Through the windows the lighting, the ventilation, the audiovisual communication of the building and the transition from one environment to another is adjusted. Each frame must meet requirements impenetrability, insulation, thermal insulation, resistance to wind, solar control, ease of use, security, maintenance and durability. Perhaps the greatest source of energy waste is the windows and frames.

The replacement of old frames with new thermal insulation can reduce up to 30% loss of heat, while 20% less expensive for heat.

Usually the price are set out of the choices of the consumers, however, in recent years the added value that a quality product provides is ultimately what matters.

For the replacement and the installation of frames from the beginning should take into consider the costs for conservation and product durability in time.

Historically, the wooden frame is the oldest in the world, while later in the evolution of technology, plastic and aluminum frames made their appearance.

Construction of modern frames have good thermal and sound insulation, so the choice depends mainly on our own needs and of course affordability.

Please note that the energy efficiency of the building will be in a while one of the key criteria for making the selling or renting real estate. The extra cost of energy (electricity, oil, etc.) Whether the additional cost required to improve the energy efficiency of buildings (windows, insulation, etc.) will be taken into account in relevant financial arrangements.

However, according to the federation of Greece, 75% of buildings in our country have been built before 1989 are considered old. The technical interventions needed to reduce consumption for electricity and oil are extensive and escalating costs at high levels for the average household.

In action to take concerning the cost of lifting, the building professionals report (for 2010) that an apartment of 120 sqm, 30 years old and over, changing door and window frames with double glazing costs more than 12.000 Euro with additional 6.000 euros needed for external insulation.

In a house of 100 s.m cost of energy upgrades ranging from 20.000 to 30.000 euros, depending on the work, but the damping can be done only at 6 to 8 years.

Of course when the owner decides to move into more specialized products that require changes in modern technology, such as the installation of hybrid space heating and water, costs can only increase.


The "green" option

Regarding the construction of a "green" house from scratch, estimated to cost up to 25% more than a conventional one. However a period from 3 to 5 years is enough to make repayments, mainly from the energy saved.

Please note that the control of the energy efficiency of buildings is part of the national objective, which states that by 2020 global energy savings in end use by 20%. Specifically, it provides a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 4% to cover 18% of gross electricity consumption from renewable sources.

The program for the energy upgrade of housing is the most important, not only because it affects millions of people but also the building sector is responsible for about 40% of total final energy consumption at national and European level.

This consumption, either as thermal (mainly oil) or in the form of electricity, works, outside the major financial burden to the high cost of energy, the heavy burden of air pollutants, principally carbon dioxide (co2) responsible for the global warming.

With a share of around 75%, the aluminum frames now dominate the Greek market.

Established as the main instrument manufacturing port windows in the Greek market since the early 1980's and now the industry, both on price and the quality can meet the demands of every consumer. With particular regard to quality, it is shown that aluminum is the most suitable material for exterior doors to the climatic conditions of Greece.


Aluminum Frames

Aluminum frames are made from a combination of aluminum profiles with proper planning. The construction is completed with other materials and components (windows, tires and brush, hinges, etc.) So good to happen aesthetics, functionality, safety, wind tightness, water tightness, thermal insulation, soundproofing, etc. All these elements needed to complete construction of an aluminum frame, called ¨ system ¨.

Apart from the areas of appearance, functionality and security, current systems aluminum frames have improved greatly in wind tightness and waterproofing. Provide perimeter gaskets and brushes, welded at the corners provide water runoff, provide technical guidance and advice to manufacturers for the correct assembly and installation in the building.


Insulation

The thermal properties of a frame specified by both the ability to prevent the passage of hot or cold air through the joints (referred to as air-tightness) and its ability to prevent the spread of heat through the material of which it is made.

The thermal insulation of a frame depends on:

A) the degree of air permeability of the surface of the frame:
If a window allowing the passage of large quantities of air through the joints will cause the exit of hot air entering the cold air (depending on the different pressures), thereby cooling the area and therefore increased heating requirements to maintain a constant temperature of the interior.

B) the type of glass:
The heat loss, speech transmission are directly related to the surface, so the glass, which represents most of a frame, plays an important role in assessing the thermal losses.

C) the type of aluminum profiles:
Heat losses have not only through the glass but also the context of the frame. Therefore a profile with a lower thermal conductivity will reduce the losses through the frame.


Soundproofing

Equally crucial for a quality result is of course the sound insulation.

To cope windows of the above requirements, should have the following properties as a minimum:

A) a good seal

B) high tensile stresses

C) the windows and tires consist of suitable materials and thicknesses.

D) assembly of the frame and the placement of the building have a very good fit.

In the case of thermal and sound insulation in the window is a determining factor. But for insulation matter a lot whether the glass is single or double (about 50% reduces the heat loss) or even better energy third generation (about 70% reduces the heat losses).