Steel and aluminum Windows

David Wessel <david [at] argsf__com> writes

>Does anyone know of a publication that compares the performance of
>steel and aluminum windows?  Specifically, other than appearance, is
>there information showing that steel windows have better long term
>performance than aluminum?

Some time ago I had copied this description of replacement aluminium
windows from <URL:http://www.renewalbyandersen.com/window_basics/>
(hope, this is still available)

    Aluminum
    Benefits:

        *   relatively inexpensive
        *   easy to maintain

    Problems:

        *   aluminum is a conductor of heat rather than an
            insulator, which means the area around the window will
            feel cold as heat escapes through the frame (although
            some manufacturers may incorporate a "thermal break" or
            plastic strip inside the frame to act as an insulator)

    Note: If you're considering aluminum, check with your local
    building inspector or utility company. Since January 1994, many
    states and municipalities have imposed restrictions affecting
    the use of aluminum windows.

How old are the windows you are going to compare? We have some 90 years old
steel windows (shop windows) in Riga, Latvia still in more or less operable
condition. Also there are several late XIXth century wooden frames with
steel muntins. I don't know so old aluminium examples.

Arturs Lapins
Architectural Investigation Group
Riga, Arsenala Iela 3, 4.Stavs
Latvia
+371 7211253
Fax: +371 7221647


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 18:24
               Distributed: Wednesday, November 24, 2004
                       Message Id: cdl-18-24-002
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