Thermally Broken Windows

At NORTH™ Windows, we believe that the frame is just as important as the glass.

Most people understand the benefits of double glazing. Two panes of glass with an insulating space between them can significantly reduce the transfer of heat between the outside and inside of a property.

But glass is only one part of a window.

If the aluminium frame itself provides a direct path for heat to travel from outside to inside, the overall thermal performance of the window can be compromised.

That is where thermally broken aluminium windows make the difference.

1. Single-Pane Glass

A traditional single-glazed window has just one pane of glass separating your home from the outside environment.

Heat can transfer relatively easily through the glass. On a hot day, solar heat and high outdoor temperatures can increase indoor temperatures. In cooler conditions, heat generated inside the property can escape through the window.

There is very little insulation between the two environments.

Single glazing creates a direct thermal connection between outside and inside.

2. Double Glazing Creates a Thermal Barrier

Double glazing improves this by introducing a second pane of glass.

Between the two panes is a sealed space filled with air or, in many high-performance units, an insulating gas such as argon.

This space acts as a barrier to heat transfer.

Instead of heat travelling directly through a single pane, the insulating cavity helps slow the transfer between the two sides.

This significantly improves the thermal performance of the glazing.

But there is still another important part of the window to consider:

The frame.

3. Double Glazing Only Solves Part of the Problem

Aluminium is an excellent material for windows and doors.

It is strong, durable, low maintenance and allows for slim, modern designs with large areas of glass.

However, aluminium is also highly conductive.

In a traditional aluminium window, the aluminium profile on the outside is directly connected to the profile on the inside.

This creates a path through which heat can travel.

On a hot day, aluminium exposed to strong sunshine can become very hot. Without a thermal barrier, some of this heat can transfer through the frame towards the interior of the property.

So, while the double-glazed unit may be performing well, the frame itself can become a weak point in the overall window system.

A high-performance glass unit deserves a high-performance frame.

4. The Solution: Thermally Broken Windows

A thermally broken aluminium window applies the same basic principle used in double glazing to the frame itself.

The interior and exterior sections of the aluminium profile are separated by an insulating material known as a thermal break.

This barrier, typically made from high-performance polyamide, interrupts the direct path through which heat would otherwise travel through the aluminium.

The result is a window system designed to reduce heat transfer through both the glass and the frame:

• High-performance glazing reduces heat transfer through the glass.
• A thermal break reduces heat transfer through the aluminium frame.

Together, these components can provide substantially improved thermal performance compared with conventional aluminium systems.

What Does This Mean for Your Home?

Cooler Interiors in Warm and Sunny Climates

In the Canary Islands, windows and doors can be exposed to intense sunshine for long periods of the day.

A standard aluminium frame can become extremely hot when exposed to direct sunlight. Some of this heat can then transfer towards the interior.

A thermally broken frame helps reduce this transfer.

Combined with the right glazing—particularly solar-control glass—the result can be a more comfortable indoor environment and reduced reliance on air conditioning.

This can be especially important for:

• Large sliding doors
• Floor-to-ceiling glazing
• South- and west-facing windows
• Properties with strong direct sun exposure

Greater Comfort Throughout the Year

Thermal performance is not only about keeping heat out.

A thermally broken window reduces heat transfer in both directions.

During hot periods, it helps reduce unwanted outdoor heat entering the property.

During cooler periods, it helps retain wanted indoor heat.

This can contribute to more stable indoor temperatures and improved year-round comfort.

Reduced Energy Demand

Windows form an important part of a building’s external envelope.

If heat can easily pass through the glass and frame, air-conditioning or heating systems have to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.

By reducing heat transfer through both the glazing and aluminium profile, a thermally broken system can help reduce the energy required to maintain indoor comfort.

The final performance depends on the complete window specification, including:

• Window and door system
• Thermal break design
• Type of glazing
• Solar factor of the glass
• Insulating glass spacer
• Window size and configuration
• Orientation and sun exposure
• Quality of installation and sealing

There is no single specification that is perfect for every property.

The right solution depends on the building, its orientation and how it is exposed to the Canary Islands climate.

Designed as a Complete System

A high-performance window is not defined by one feature.

It is the combination of the frame, thermal break, glazing and installation that determines how the complete system performs.

At NORTH™ Windows, we combine thermally broken aluminium systems with carefully selected glazing to create window and door solutions designed around the requirements of each property.

NORTH™ Windows
Nordic Quality. Built for the Canary Islands.