Frames. Which might be the ideal frame type for your house?

There are, as previously mentioned, several frame types, one for every need. The main types widely found in the now abundant market though, are opening and sliding frames, which are described below.

Opening frames 
 

They are frames with great demand and application in terraced houses but also cottages, thanks to their significant advantages. The great degree of security and insulation, the style variety, the flexibility of fitting a glass pane, screen and shutter or roller in the exterior, are the main characteristics of opening frames.

Opening frames 

They are frames with great demand and application in terraced houses but also cottages, thanks to their significant advantages. The great degree of security and insulation, the style variety, the flexibility of fitting a glass pane, screen and shutter or roller in the exterior, are the main characteristics of opening frames.

As stated by their name, they are frames that open, for this reason they need space where installed, in order for them to function properly.

The variety of solutions and applications they offer, along with the accessory and mechanism use, could possibly raise the cost as compared to sliding frames.

They are also available in thermal insulating series, apart from the simple ones, saving energy. In recent years, their use is common in replacing old wooden frames, as well as in traditional houses.

The opening frame combinations are:

Inward Opening (Interior Shutter)
Outward Opening (Exterior Shutter)
Upward Opening (Tilting Shutter)
Downward & Outward Opening (Projected)
Opening in horizontal/vertical axis (Revolving)
Single sash, double sash, triple sash etc.
Combination or sliding-opening (“Volkswagen mechanism”)

Sliding frames

Sliding frames are the second main frame type. They slide and for this reason are superior to the opening ones, since they allow greater space saving. They can be fitted with a glass pane, screen and shutter or roller in the exterior and are mostly seen in blocks of flats, which basically demand space saving.

Offering very good insulation (available in thermal insulating series as well), they can be installed on the wall exterior, or interior (retracting frames). They can also move one parallel to the other (double sliding frames) or connectin the middle of the opening (double sash frames).

The sliding frame combinations are:

Double Sliding
Sliding
Sliding – Tilting
Double Sash Sliding
Retractable 

TIPS ON MAKING A CHOICE

To answer the question “which frame type will satisfy my needs most?” correctly, you should take some things into consideration. 
 
1)      Choose the frames before the building is designed, taking into consideration the construction type, but also the external conditions, that is the environment which will surround your house.

 
2)   Some important criteria are the level and priority of needs for sound insulation, thermal insulation and security. 

 
3)     Space saving is another factor that can influence your final choice.

 
4)     As it stands for most purchases, in this case cost is a very significant choice factor as well. Nevertheless, sometimes it is preferable for the criterion of security to outweigh the one of low cost.

 
*The construction photos are by EUROPA PROFIL ΑΛΟΥΜΙΝΙΟΑ.Β.Ε