Aluminium Window Door Frame Price

Aluminium, also spelled aluminum, is a popular metal used extensively in the manufacturing of window and door frames. Aluminum frames are valued for their durability, weather resistance, security enhancements, and modern aesthetic. But as a higher-end product, aluminium window and door frames also come at a greater cost than alternatives like vinyl or wood.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the factors that determine aluminium frame pricing, so you know exactly what goes into the cost when shopping around and comparing quotes.

Overview of Aluminum as a Frame Material

Aluminium possesses properties that make it well-suited for fenestration products like windows and doors.

• Strength and durability: Aluminum is a strong, long-lasting metal that can withstand decades of use and elemental exposure. The metal itself does not rot, warp, crack, peel, or dent easily.
• Weather resistance: aluminum frames feature protective finishes that prevent corrosion. This allows them to better withstand moisture, humidity, salt air climates near oceans, large temperature shifts from season to season, and other outdoor conditions over long periods of time.
• Security: Aluminum frames are harder to break into than many other materials, providing enhanced security.
• Design flexibility: Aluminum can be formed into a wide range of frame styles and custom shapes to match modern home architecture and design trends.

These beneficial attributes do come at a cost premium, which is why aluminium frames tend to be pricier than alternative frame materials like vinyl, wood, composite materials, or fiberglass.

Cost Factors Impacting Aluminum Frame Pricing

Many variables influence the final price you’ll pay for aluminium window and door frames. Being aware of these cost factors will help you budget for a new aluminium frame project and compare quotes accurately.

Aluminum Profile System

One of the biggest variables determining the price of aluminium frames is the profile system selected. Aluminum frame profiles consist of aluminium extrusions that form the outside structure of the frame and sashes (the moving window or door panels).

Profile quality and features impact cost:

• Profile dimensions: The thickness of the aluminium extrusions affects material requirements and structural integrity. Thicker-profile walls lend greater strength. Common aluminium frame depths range from 1 3⁄4 inches up to 2 1⁄4 inches or more.
• Thermal breaks: The majority of aluminium profiles now incorporate thermal breaks—sections of low-conductive material that separate the interior and exterior aluminium to enhance energy efficiency. However, more advanced thermal break technologies add cost.
• Finish: Standard aluminium frames feature a white or brown baked enamel finish, but custom finishes like wood grain coatings, anodized metals, or powder coated colors add premiums.
• Accessories: Integrated weatherstripping, reinforced locking mechanisms, decorative trim accents, and other hardware features increase costs.

Reputable brands known for quality, like Schüco, Aluprof, Reynaers, Kawneer, HUECK, and others, will fall on the higher end of the aluminum profile pricing tiers. More economical import aluminium frame brands can help reduce project costs but may cut corners on material quality or specifications.

Glass

Aluminium frames support various glass types appropriate for different climates and efficiency needs:

• Annealed glass is the basic, standard glass used in many aluminium windows. It lacks specialized coatings that impact thermal performance and cost.
• Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass is coated with a microscopically thin metallic layer to improve insulation. Low-E glass costs moderately more than annealed glass.
• Laminated glass consists of two glass sheets bonded together with an inner plastic interlayer for security and UV-ray protection. Laminated glass adds a cost premium.
• More advanced glass technologies, like electrochromic glass or vacuum-insulated glass, can also be integrated into aluminium frames, but often at a high premium.

The type of glass specified plays a major role in aluminium frame pricing. In some cases, upgraded glass may account for around 25% of the total project quote.

Other Specifications

• Size and design: Larger and more intricately designed aluminium frames require more materials, engineering, and labor to manufacture and install, driving costs upward.
• Hardware: Any supplemental hardware add-ons like reinforced locking mechanisms, sensors, or automation features increase costs.
• Installation method: Retrofit installations into existing structures often cost more than new construction installations without pre-existing barriers.
• Energy efficiency rating: The highest-efficiency aluminium frames with triple-pane glass, argon gas fills, and the best thermal breaks offer premium performance but also increase pricing.
• Warranties: Longer manufacturer warranties provide greater consumer protection but may raise costs marginally.
• Shipping: The weight of aluminium frames incurs significant shipping fees, which companies factor into their quotes.

Cost Comparison to Alternatives

To better understand aluminium’s pricing position in the marketplace, it helps to weigh cost differences against alternative framing materials:

Among mainstream options, aluminium frames sit at the top end of the price spectrum. But the material’s unmatched longevity and resilience support the higher initial investment. Aluminum windows and doors may outlast less expensive alternatives by decades.

Over a long ownership period, lower-cost vinyl or wood frames often need replacing more frequently. This narrows the lifetime cost difference between aluminium and other mainstream materials.

Professional Installation Services

On top of material and manufacturing expenses, you’ll also need to account for professional installation services in your aluminium frame budget.

Replacing old windows and doors or installing new aluminium frames from scratch requires skilled labor. Licensed contractors charge hourly installation fees that vary regionally.

• U.S. national average cost: $85 per hour
• Installers in high-cost-of-living areas like San Francisco or New York City may charge $150 per hour or more

A typical aluminium window or door unit takes 2 to 3 hours to install. More complex custom designs with multiple adjoining units could take 4 hours or longer.

For a whole house window or door replacement project, you may pay installation fees equivalent to 15% to 25% of total project costs.

Well-trained installers certified by leading brands can provide expertise on how to best configure and position your new aluminium frames. They can also advise on additional building modifications needed to support the new windows and doors.

Shopping for the Best Price

Follow these tips when requesting quotes to find the best deal on new aluminium window and door frames for your home:

• Get at least 3 quotes to compare pricing directly.
• Ask about potential discounts for bulk orders of multiple units.
• See if the manufacturer provides rebates during seasonal sales events or through special energy efficiency programs. Rebates directly lower out-of-pocket costs.
• Evaluate the total cost of ownership, not just upfront pricing.
• Confirm details like the aluminium profile system, hardware, glass package, warranties, lead times, and expected installation fees.
• Ask what building modifications existing structures might require. Account for these prep costs.
• Review sample orders and read customer reviews to confirm quality before purchasing.

With some savvy shopping techniques, you can secure aluminium frames that match your budget parameters without sacrificing performance and longevity.

Aluminum Frame Cost Example

To give a sense of real-world aluminium window and door pricing, let’s break down a sample quote:

• Project scope
  • 5 custom-sized aluminum-clad wood window units
  • 3 aluminium sliding glass doors
  • All triple panes Low-E + argon gas-insulated glass
• Lead time: 5–6 weeks
• Manufacturer: Reynaers Aluminium
• Profile system: Reynaers CS 86 Hi-Finity triple-glazed section
• Warranty: 10 years on the aluminum system, 20 years on glass seal failure
• Quote breakdown:
  • Materials and manufacturing: $19,500
  • Shipping: $950
  • Installation (20 hours @ $100/hour): $2,000
  • Total project cost: $22,450

This example reflects an upper mid-range aluminium frame quote for a fairly extensive window and door replacement project.

By understanding what goes into pricing, you can better set expectations when gathering your own quotes. With some smart negotiating and design choices, you may also find opportunities to reduce costs without compromising on aluminium’s strengths.

Contact a Leading Manufacturer

For further details or quotes tailored to your specific project requirements, contact a top aluminium window and door brand like industry leader Chimgreen.

As an innovative manufacturer engaged in R&D, production, and distribution for over 15 years, Chimgreen offers expertise in customizing high-performance aluminium frames to suit your needs and budget.

Reach out today at:

• Email: mitch@chimgreen.com
• Phone: +86 134 5086 6866

Chimgreen utilizes quality-assured aluminium alloys and lead-free, durable plastics to ensure product longevity and safety. Their window and door systems are certified to quality standards like CE, SGS, and RoHS as well.

Discuss your building goals with a Chimgreen representative to determine optimal configurations and pricing for your upcoming aluminium frame purchase.