“Stop looking at the walls, look out the window” - Karl Pilkington

We have been working closely with our clients of a new custom home build and have been chatting all things windows. Since our meetings, we have been conducting research ourselves wanting to pass on information we have found. We came across ML Windows, a Melbourne-based home improvement business who believe that a comfortable and healthier home can not only improve the quality of our lives physically and mentally but also reduce our energy consumption and do good to the environment. Perfect! Our clients value the above too and we shared this information below with them as we want them to make the best choice for their home.

ML Windows state that, “In general, there are three different types of frames: uPVC, Timber and Aluminium. Each type has pros and cons. Your choice will depend on what’s most important to you. Is it durability, performance, cost, low maintenance, product life cycle or the look?

• uPVC - Usually, the lowest cost material to make frames out of, they have been used in the northern hemisphere for over 40 years. However, uPVC frames have to be made with an additive here in Australia to combat high UV. uPVC frames are thermally efficient. However, they usually require an internal aluminium or steel frame for added strength. uPVC frames are effectively plastic and the look doesn't satisfy some high end designers and consumers.

• Timber - Possibly the most expensive material to use, but very thermally efficient. They also have the highest ongoing maintenance due timber rotting if it’s not maintained well.

• Aluminium - Aluminium frames are possibly the strongest and most robust of all the different frames available, but they have the major disadvantage of conducting heat or cold straight through the frame. Aluminium frames with a thermal break are basically two frames that have been joined by an inert joint that effectively stops all heat transfer across the frame. For this reason they are slightly more expensive than normal aluminium frames, but the advantages of strength and thermal efficiency greatly out way the disadvantages. ML Windows only used Aluminium with thermal break as we consider this the best of all the options.” ML Windows