{"id":17660,"date":"2026-04-05T11:36:13","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T06:06:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/?p=17660"},"modified":"2026-04-05T11:58:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T06:28:39","slug":"aluminium-window-poor-thermal-insulation-high-heat-transfer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aluminiummagazine.com\/mag\/windows\/aluminium-window-poor-thermal-insulation-high-heat-transfer.html","title":{"rendered":"Aluminium Windows Problem: Poor Thermal Insulation (High Heat Transfer)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A Costly Cold Bridge.<\/strong> Traditional Aluminium frames without thermal breaks conduct heat readily, resulting in U\u2011values as high as 2.7\u202fW\/m\u00b2K for double\u2011glazed units. This high thermal conductivity creates a \u201cthermal bridge\u201d \u2013 a direct path for heat to escape in winter and enter in summer. The consequence is higher energy bills, uncomfortable drafts, condensation, and a significant environmental footprint. This guide explains why standard Aluminium frames are thermally poor, what you can do to improve them, and when it\u2019s time to call a professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Problem & The Decision <\/strong>(DIY or Call a Pro?)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What Makes Traditional Aluminium Frames Thermally Inefficient?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aluminium is an excellent conductor of heat. Without a barrier, the frame acts like a radiator, transferring heat freely between the inside and outside of your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • High U\u2011Values:<\/strong> A standard non\u2011thermally broken Aluminium frame can have a U\u2011value of 5.0\u20137.0\u202fW\/m\u00b2K. By comparison, a thermally broken Aluminium frame achieves 1.4\u20133.0\u202fW\/m\u00b2K or lower.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Heat Loss in Winter:<\/strong> Warm indoor air escapes through the frame, making rooms cold near windows and forcing your heating system to work harder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Heat Gain in Summer:<\/strong> In hot weather, outdoor heat travels through the frame into your home, increasing cooling costs and making rooms uncomfortable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Condensation:<\/strong> Cold frame surfaces can fall below the dew point, causing water to form on the Aluminium profiles. This can lead to mould growth and damage to surrounding plasterboard.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    The Thermal Break Solution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    A thermal break<\/strong> is a non\u2011conductive barrier (typically made of polyamide plastic) inserted between the inner and outer parts of an Aluminium frame. The polyamide strip reduces thermal conductivity by a factor of nearly 100 compared to Aluminium. This barrier forces heat to travel a longer, insulated path, dramatically improving the frame\u2019s energy performance. Thermal break technology can reduce the heat transfer coefficient by 29\u201335%.<\/p>