It should be noted that in the process of demolition of a building, of all the non-ferrous metals, aluminum is the one that is most coveted because it can be recovered, reused or recycled. This implies that almost all aluminum is taken back after its phase of use. This guarantees the availability of raw materials and energy savings, for the benefit of future generations.
Other advantages of aluminum
Durability - Aluminum is extremely durable and the life cycle of aluminum frames is approximately 40 years. It is a metal that does not corrode or rot, properties that make it apply to buildings.
Resistance – The resistance of aluminum makes this metal an excellent material both for construction (windows and doors) as well as for industry in general (transport / automobile / energy / engineering in general / domestic and transport equipment)
Versatility – Aluminum can adopt to shapes and mold itself to the specifications of each project. It also offers a wide range of surface finishes (anodizing and lacquering) that guarantee the perfect finish.
Security – Regarding aluminum frames, due to their resistance and hardness, they offer more security against theft than those made of PVC. The advantages of aluminum frames also extend to the field of safety in the event of fires and toxic gases. Aluminum withstands high temperatures and is non-combustible, which provides greater safety for users. In the field of toxic gases, aluminum does not produce any toxic substances that PVC emits.
Economic – When we say that aluminum frames are cheaper than PVC, two aspects need to be addressed: energy efficiency and maintenance costs.
The energy efficiency of a window depends on several factors: glass, glass/frame ratio and the frame itself. A frame with excellent energy efficiency allows a drastic reduction of energy consumption for an ideal temperature in a house. However, in the short term, and comparing similar windows (aluminum vs PVC) in terms of thermal break, glass, frame size and glazed area, it is natural that in an initial phase, energy efficiency is the same. However, as aluminum is a more durable and resistant material, over time, the risk of air infiltration and deformation of the frame itself will be lower. Thus, in the medium and long term, an aluminum window frame guarantees greater energy savings.
On the other hand, and for the same reason mentioned above, durability, aluminum frames do not require as much maintenance and have a longer life cycle.
Aluminum in the automotive industry
The role of aluminum in the industry in reducing the carbon footprint of the automotive industry is crucial. In addition to weight reduction, aluminum is a metal that allows car manufacturers to achieve their sustainability goals. With increasingly strict environmental legislation, the automotive industry has channelled efforts to increase the energy efficiency of its vehicles and reduce the emission of pollutants and gases that cause the greenhouse effect. One of the primary strategies is weight reduction — which has resulted in a steady increase in the use of aluminum in vehicles in recent decades. In addition, aluminum contributes by providing a safe structure for the accommodation of batteries and auxiliaries in the cooling process of the same.