What’s the difference between commercial and residential aluminum windows?
Design, size, shape, and usage, what are the differences between commercial and residential aluminum windows?
From your home to the office, commercial and residential aluminum windows serve their own purpose, whether you’re looking to design a room with a view or separate spaces.
Images by Envato
No matter how you look at it (or through it), windows are windows, right? While mostly true, there are actually differences between commercial and residential aluminium windows. Melbourne Aluminum Windows is here to open the window and explore the types available and what sets them apart.
It’s all in the window
Aluminum is a popular choice for Australian homes as it is lightweight, strong, and requires little to no maintenance.
The commercial aspects
- Commercial window frames offer a modern and sleek look, ideal for aesthetic purposes. However, they tend to be more expensive due to their larger size and added durability features.
- These windows are often made with thicker aluminium frames and tougher glazing options, such as tempered or laminated glass, to withstand impacts and prevent injuries. They are also made to be compliant with stringent building codes for safety.
- Energy efficiency is prioritized on a large scale, often featuring advanced thermal breaks, double or triple glazing, and reflective coatings.
- Designed to reduce cooling and heating costs in expansive spaces like offices, shopping centers, or hotels.
- Focused on functionality, often featuring automated or large-scale opening systems for ease of use in busy environments.
The residential side
- Residential window frames are available in a variety of materials and styles, providing an inviting and charming appearance. While more cost-effective, they still offer excellent performance and energy efficiency for homeowners.
- Safety considerations focus on protecting occupants from break-ins and accidents and often include features like child safety locks or secure latches for peace of mind in family homes. Laminated or toughened glass may be optional rather than standard, depending on the location and homeowner preferences.
- Energy efficiency focuses on creating comfortable living spaces, often with double glazing and weather seals to prevent droughts.
- Designed with homeowner convenience in mind, including easy-to-operate locking systems and smoother sliding tracks.
Images by Envato
Window types
Once again, it may seem like a window is just a window, but here at Melbourne Aluminium Windows, we know you’ll love the fact that it’s not just an open-and-shut option list.
Sliding – it’s a pretty self-explanatory option, but the biggest difference between commercial and residential in this case is the size and structure. In homes, these windows feature in a lot of rooms, they’re a compact option and easy to use. On the commercial front, they’ll feature reinforced tracks and may feature more panes of glass.
Louvre – in a commercial setting, they might be used for ventilation purposes but in a residential home, they have more of a style purpose as well as for filtering light and air.
Bi-fold – these are great in a commercial/business setting such as a café or shop space to create that separation between inside and outdoors. On the home front, these are ideal for those entertaining spaces or a serving window for your kitchen.
Casement – due to their hinged nature, these windows are great for ventilation, either in a commercial or residential space.
Not sure where to open the window and start on this one? Melbourne Aluminium Windows can help you decide. Reach out to our team.