{"id":14341,"date":"2024-10-14T14:34:03","date_gmt":"2024-10-14T11:34:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mecha.gr\/?p=14341"},"modified":"2024-10-14T14:34:03","modified_gmt":"2024-10-14T11:34:03","slug":"blog-series-part-11-house-construction-exterior-frames","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mecha.gr\/en\/blog-en\/blog-series-part-11-house-construction-exterior-frames\/","title":{"rendered":"Blog series part 11 \u2013 House Construction \u2013 Exterior Frames"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s time to close our new house! And by “close,” we mean installing the exterior frames to fully protect the interior so we can continue with the rest of the work, which requires the house to be sealed off from external weather conditions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1. <\/strong>What type of frames should I choose?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The type of frames has already been determined during the installation of the mock-up frames, which you can read about here<\/a>. However, I’ll mention the types available for the sake of completeness.<\/p>\n

Hinged Frames: <\/strong>These can be single-leaf, double-leaf, or, in special cases, even triple-leaf, etc. Their main feature is excellent insulation due to the perimeter rubber seals they have. Their downside is the space required for the doors to open inward. They are used in all rooms but are mostly found on kitchen doors and bathroom windows. A key feature is that they can also tilt.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Image 1: Large-sized hinged frame<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sliding Frames: <\/strong>Sliding frames can be two-leaf, three-leaf, and so on. Their main advantage is space-saving since they move parallel to each other, thus not taking up interior space. The downsides are less effective insulation compared to hinged frames and the fact that when opened, only half the width of the frame is available for passage to outdoor spaces. Another downside is that in larger openings, the panels are relatively heavy and harder to handle. However, lift-and-slide mechanisms can solve the insulation issue and ease the sliding movement.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Image 2: Three-leaf sliding frame<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Concealed Sliding Frames: <\/strong>A very popular type, especially in constructions from 1990-2010. The positive side is that they hide away when opened, allowing the full width to be used for passing to outdoor spaces. The downsides include even poorer insulation compared to the other two types and the need for a wall width approximately equal to the frame for them to slide into.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Image 3: Concealed sliding frame<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fixed Frame: <\/strong>One of the simplest types, as it\u2019s just a frame with glass and no moving mechanisms. It\u2019s used when we want a large view of the outdoors. The advantages are the minimal aluminum surface and a large glass surface. However, a downside is the inability to clean the exterior side of the glass, so it’s preferred in cases where external access is available.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Image 4: Fixed frame<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/h4>\n

2. Should I choose aluminum or PVC frames?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

There are many articles online that analyze the pros and cons of each choice. Here, I’ll highlight the key points that lead me to prefer aluminum frames.
\nPVC frames are cheaper and provide better thermal and sound insulation. However, they can discolor (turn yellow), cannot be painted (a film is applied for color), and are not repairable as all joints are glued. The most significant downside, in my opinion, is the limited availability of technicians and parts, making it hard to find replacements in the future.
\nWith aluminum frames, this issue doesn\u2019t exist because there\u2019s a wide range of technicians and parts available, even for older discontinued models.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Image 5: Left, aluminum frame section. Right, PVC frame section<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/h4>\n

3. Are there good and bad frames?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

To answer this question, we need to consider the criteria for judging a frame as good or bad. The first criterion is insulation. In new constructions, there are requirements for thermal insulation, sound insulation, water tightness, and airtightness as per the study that must be adhered to. So, theoretically, all types of frames will meet insulation requirements. Of course, there are better series of frames that exceed insulation demands, making them more energy-efficient.
\nThe second criterion is aesthetics. Most people prefer thinner profiles with larger glass surfaces for better outdoor views, while others like thicker frames for a sturdier feel.
\nIn conclusion, with these two criteria, there are no bad frames. However, there can definitely be poor installations. This is why you should choose a company that provides the necessary insulation certificates and installs the frames according to the manufacturer’s specifications.<\/p>\n

 <\/h4>\n

4. What type of glass should I choose?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

There are many types of energy-efficient glass, but the two main categories are 2-season and 4-season energy glass. The key difference is how they behave during the summer. 2-season glass allows solar heat to pass into the house, which is ideal in colder climates but inefficient in sunny countries like Greece. 4-season glass, on the other hand, features special coatings that allow sunlight in but block heat, leading to energy savings.
\nIt’s essential that the glass you choose comes with the necessary insulation certificates to meet the requirements of your thermal insulation study.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Image 6: Cross-section of energy-efficient glass<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

5. Can I use triple glazing for better insulation?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

If your frame allows it, yes. Triple-glazed energy-efficient glass offers better insulation than double-glazed but at a higher cost. Some manufacturers also add Argon gas between the panes to further improve insulation.<\/p>\n

 <\/h4>\n

6. What color should I choose for my frames?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

With frames, you can opt for electrostatic painting in virtually any color to match your house\u2019s color scheme. However, colored frames usually cost more than white. Many aluminum companies offer additional color options at the same price as white, so it’s worth checking if you like any of those options.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Image 7: Sample color options for frames<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Apart from simple electrostatic painting, there are these options:<\/p>\n

Anodizing:<\/strong> This process artificially creates an oxide layer on the aluminum surface, protecting it from corrosion when exposed to outdoor conditions. It\u2019s commonly used when frames are installed near the sea.<\/p>\n

High-durability paints:<\/strong> These paints help maintain color consistency on sandblasted surfaces and ensure greater resistance and durability compared to conventional paints. The final result feels slightly textured to the touch.<\/p>\n

Wood-look frames:<\/strong> There\u2019s an option for the frames to have a classic wood appearance. This method is typically used in traditional settlements where wooden-look frames are legally required. Of course, you might simply prefer this aesthetic and choose it accordingly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

7. What types of shutters and blinds are available?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Let’s start with shutters. Shutters are a good solution for hinged frames but are somewhat limited in size. They offer manual and easy opening. Their downsides are the small panel dimensions (long panels tend to sag) and the need for adequate space for them to “park” when opened.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Image 8: Double-leaf shutter<\/em><\/p>\n

Blinds (mainly electric) solve several issues with their vertical movement, ensuring full concealment when fully opened. Various slat types are available, some with larger ventilation gaps and others with smaller ones. Avoid slats with polyurethane filling, as they don’t offer much security. A downside of blinds is the potential failure of the motor or mechanism, which will require a technician to fix.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Image 9: Blind with large perforated slats<\/em><\/p>\n

The next step is the filling of the interior floors. Read the next blog on 25\/10\/2024.<\/h4>\n

The above is not technical advice but aims to inform the reader. The MECHA Engineering team has experienced engineers who will scientifically guide you in meeting your technical project needs.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s time to close our new house! And by “close,” we mean installing the exterior frames to fully protect the interior so we can continue with the rest of the work, which requires the house to be sealed off from external weather conditions.   1. What type of frames should I choose? The type of…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":14335,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14341","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nBlog series part 11 \u2013 House Construction \u2013 Exterior Frames - MECHA Engineering<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mecha.gr\/en\/blog-en\/blog-series-part-11-house-construction-exterior-frames\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Blog series part 11 \u2013 House Construction \u2013 Exterior Frames - MECHA Engineering\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"It\u2019s time to close our new house! 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