Thermally Broken Windows vs Non-Thermally Broken

Thermally Broken Windows vs Non Thermally Broken Standard Windows Comparative Analysis

 

Getting the right windows installed in your new home is a mammoth task!

 

Whether you are moving into a new accommodation or fixing up an old one, the kind of windows you invest in plays a crucial role in securing the safety and comfort of your home.

 

The quality and type of glass used have a role to play when it comes to ensuring the durability of your home windows. From tempered glass to low-E glass, there are many options available. But glass is not the only factor when it comes to windows.

 

The style of your window frame plays a crucial role in determining its efficiency. Your window frames have an impact on how much energy you can save. Their structure and design can even determine how sound travels affecting the quality of soundproofing offered by the windows.

 

You might have heard of the terms thermally broken and non-thermally broken windows with reference to window frames. But you probably have no idea what these terms mean and the differences between the two styles.

 

Hello there! If you are looking at installing new windows in your home or replacement windows and doors, and are confused about the difference between thermally broken windows and non-thermally broken windows, we are here to help. In this post, we will do a comparative analysis of thermally broken windows vs. non-thermally broken windows. We will run you through the advantages of thermally broken aluminium windows and tell you about the differences between windows with thermal breaks and standard aluminium windows.

 

 Thermally broken windows are specially designed to create a barrier between the warm air inside and the cold air outside. They ensure that your room stays at a comfortable temperature even when it's freezing outside, and you don’t have to overstress your heating system to keep the room warm.

 

We will learn more about the advantages of windows with thermal breaks in the rest of the article when we talk about the differences between thermally broken windows and non-thermally broken ones.

 

We manufacture high-quality thermally broken doors and windows for both residential projects and commercial buildings. Our team of seasoned experts will provide you with top-notch solutions from start to finish. Our installation experts will survey your property and guide you on the next step of your project. We also have a post-installation team available round the clock. If you face any issues afterward, feel free to contact us.

 

 

Differences Between Thermally Broken Windows and Non-Thermally Broken Ones

 

 

Both non-thermally broken windows and thermally broken windows consist of aluminium alloy profiles and do a good job of insulating the room from the effects of outside sounds, thus creating a quiet and comfortable atmosphere.

 

However, windows with a thermal break are more energy efficient, provide better insulation, and control condensation more effectively compared to non-thermally broken ones.

 

Let’s check out the differences between these two window styles:

 

1. Thermally broken windows have broken frames; non-thermally broken ones have a standard frame

 

The defining feature of thermally broken windows is the thermal breaks that prevent the transfer of heat from the exterior to the interior of the extrusion.

 

These types of windows have a broken bridge structure, while the non-thermal ones do not have such a structure.

 

In the broken bridge structure, the aluminium alloy profile of the window is partitioned This results in a structure that has aluminum alloy on either side of the window frame and a heat insulation strip in the middle. Polyamide plastic is the most effective material used for creating this insulation strip.

 

The insulation strip or the thermal breaks ensure the effective reduction of heat transfer, thus optimizing insulation and energy efficiency,

 

On the contrary, in non-broken bridge windows or windows without a thermal break, there is no partition structure and one sees a whole aluminum alloy profile. Thus, there is no thermal barrier to minimize the transfer of heat.

 

 

 

2. Windows with Thermal Breaks Offer More Superior Heat Insulation

 

Thermally broken aluminum windows offer way superior heat insulation than non-thermally broken ones.

 

Although double-glazed windows offer some added protection over standard aluminum windows, they stand nowhere when it comes to the effective insulation provided by a thermally broken window.

 

 Standard aluminum tends to be a strong conductor of heat and cold, thus compromising the effective functioning of air conditioning and heating. Windows with thermal breaks, on the other hand, prevent thermal energy loss. The thermal barrier placed between the exterior and the interior frames of the window minimizes heat transfer.

 

Whether you are looking for home windows or commercial windows, we offer an eclectic selection of thermally broken windows in a range of colors and styles.

 

 

3. Overall Performance of Thermally Broken Windows More Superior than Non-Thermal Ones    

 

The overall performance of windows with thermally broken frames is much superior to that of non-thermally broken windows.

 

Apart from offering superior thermal insulation, thermally broken windows minimize condensation, boost energy saving, offer better sound insulation, and optimal environmental protection compared to their non-thermal counterparts.

 

Thermally broken doors and windows drastically reduce your reliance on cooling and heating systems. The thermal barrier minimizes heat transfer, thus ensuring the optimum functioning of your heating systems and providing superior energy efficiency.

 

Windows and doors with thermal breaks also help minimize condensation better than non-thermally broken windows. Traditional aluminium frames are one of the coldest visible frames which makes them the most vulnerable site for condensation. A thermally broken window frame, on the contrary, stays at a temperature similar to the interior of the room, thus minimizing condensation.

 

 

4. Adding a Thermal Break Makes the Window Frame Thicker and more Durable

 

Standard aluminium frames give a contemporary and sleek look because of their slim appearance. It makes them ideal for windows or door series of residential projects.

 

The slimness of the frames, however, impacts the durability quotient negatively. Adding a thermal break ensures the frame gets thicker and more durable.

 

Windows with standard aluminum frames have low durability due to excessive humidity in them, thus resulting in condensation and damage to the material. Thermal breaks minimize the accumulation of moisture on the window surface, thus ensuring optimal durability of the windows.

 

 

5. Windows and doors with thermal breaks have a lower u-value of the glass and window frame

 

The u-value of a window determines its thermal efficiency or thermal performance.

 

The lower the u-value, the better the thermal efficiency and performance of the windows.

 

The total u-value of a window is typically the combination of the u-value of the window frame and the u-value of the glass. So we can say there are three u-values in all when it comes to windows - the u-value of the window frame, the u-value of the window framing, the u-value of the glazing, and the overall u-value of the window.

 

The u-value is a measurement of the rate at which heat transfers through the window. When it comes to the overall u-value or the thermal capabilities of the installation, thermally broken aluminum windows perform much better than mon thermally broken windows. They will have a significantly lower overall u-value than their non-thermal counterparts.

 

Generally speaking, a door or window residential and commercial system can be considered fully thermally broken provided it has a u-value of 1.5 or lower. The u-value of a  double glazed unit might be 1.5 as well, but unless these windows come with thermal breaks, the overall u-value would be nowhere near the ideal.

 

 

Check out our article on THERMALLY BROKEN ALUMINUM WINDOWS VS VINYL - PROS AND CONS & BENEFITS OF THERMALLY BROKEN ALUMINIUM WINDOWS AND DOORS.

 

When to specifically go for Thermally Broken Window Solutions

 

Technically speaking, thermally broken windows and doors are the best option for your commercial and residential property in Australia.

 

Windows with thermal breaks are more expensive than their non-thermal counterparts, but the optimal durability and superior energy efficiency justify the price. You might think you are saving money by going for standard aluminum windows, but then you’ll have to keep replacing them.

 

Here are a few situations when you absolutely need to go for windows with thermal breaks:

 

• If your commercial or residential property is located in an area notorious for extreme humidity and heat, you need thermally broken windows.  If you go for non-thermally broken windows, the effects of your indoor cooling systems will fizzle out quickly leading to uncomfortably hot and humid temperatures inside. In windows with thermal breaks, there is a barrier between the external and the internal part of the window frame, thus minimizing condensation and heat transfer.

 

• Likewise, if your commercial or residential projects are located in an area with a super chilly climate, thermally broken windows are a must. They minimize heat transfer and ensure optimal energy efficiency.

 

We offer top-notch products of all kinds when it comes to thermally broken windows and aluminium doors. We are a leading window manufacturer and one of the best-known window suppliers in Australia. We have state-of-the-art manufacturing supported by locally sourced hardware and insulated glass units.