I is for Insulation

Aluminium doors, windows and curtain wall can achieve excellent thermal insulation ratings with thermal insulating strips inserted during the manufacture of the aluminium profiles. Separating the inside and outside profiles these strips, often made from ‘Polyamide’, a glass reinforced nylon, can withstand the temperatures of powder coating.

Initially of a simple ‘dog bone’ cross section, polyamide profiles are now available in complex shapes which further improve their insulation properties within the assembled aluminium profiles.

The simple procedure of inserting the strips and rolling them into the aluminium profiles ensures that the finished profile remains strong and light with slim sight lines. The completed products with polyamide insulation lose nothing of the clean elegant looks of aluminium but are enhanced with higher insulation capabilities. Indeed many ‘BREEAM Excellent’ buildings utilise high thermal performance aluminium systems.

Recycling is not an issue either as once the window, door or curtain wall has reached the end of its useful life the aluminium is simply remelted down to make further new aluminium products. The thermal breaks are either mechanically separated or simply burnt away in the process, the heat being captured and used in the refining process. While the aluminium scrap value for coated and thermal break aluminium is slightly less, 100% recovery of the aluminium is possible.

CAB is always keen to emphasise the value of membership of the association, whether a company works with aluminium or is a provider to the supply chain. Further information about CAB can be found on their website at www.c-a-b.org.uk or by contacting Julie Harley at the CAB office on 01453 828851.