Thermally Broken Aluminium Windows
Thermally broken aluminium windows, engineered for Australian comfort
Seamless thermally broken (broken-bridge) aluminium windows separate the inside and outside of the frame with a low-conductivity polyamide barrier, cutting heat transfer through the metal. Every series is certified to AS 2047:2014, rated for wind load under AS/NZS 1170.2, and available with double-glazed insulating glass units to AS/NZS 4666 for low U-values and high comfort.
Thermally broken aluminium vs standard aluminium vs uPVC
How thermally broken (broken-bridge) aluminium windows compare on the criteria that matter most for Australian builds — insulation, structure, durability and compliance.
| Criteria | Thermally broken aluminium | Standard aluminium | uPVC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal break in the frameLow-conductivity polyamide barrier interrupts heat flow through the metal. | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ |
| Typical whole-window U-valueLower is better insulation (W/m²K). | 2.0 – 3.0 | 5.0 – 7.0 | 1.4 – 2.4 |
| Condensation resistance | High | Low | High |
| Structural strength for large spansAbility to carry big glass areas and high wind pressures. | High | High | Moderate |
| Slim sightlines / maximum glass area | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Certified to AS 2047:2014 | ✓ | ✓ | Varies by supplier |
| Coastal & marine durabilityResistance to airborne salt and UV over time. | High | High | Moderate |
| Recyclable frame material | ✓ | ✓ | Limited |
U-value ranges are indicative whole-window figures and vary by glazing, frame series and configuration. Seamless issues series-specific U-value and SHGC data on request.
Standards behind the thermal performance
The Australian Standards Seamless thermally broken windows are engineered, tested and documented against.
| Standard | What it governs | Applies to | Docs available |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS 2047:2014Windows & external glazed doors in buildings | Materials, construction, water penetration resistance, structural performance and operation of windows and external doors. | All residential & commercial window and door supply | ✓ |
| AS 1288Glass in buildings — selection & installation | Human impact safety, wind, and structural glazing requirements governing the glass specified in each unit. | Glazing selection for every project | ✓ |
| AS/NZS 1170.2Structural design actions — wind actions | Wind load assumptions used to rate products by serviceability and ultimate limit-state pressures for a given wind region. | Wind region & exposure rating | ✓ |
| AS/NZS 4666Insulating glass units | Performance and durability requirements for double-glazed (IGU) sealed units used in thermally broken systems. | Thermally broken / double-glazed series | ✓ |
| NCC / BCA energy efficiencyNational Construction Code thermal performance | U-value and SHGC inputs required to demonstrate a project meets the energy efficiency provisions of the NCC. | Energy compliance documentation | ✓ |
Product-specific test certificates, wind-pressure ratings and energy values are issued per series — request the documents below or contact our technical team.
Thermally broken windows FAQ
Common questions from homeowners, builders and specifiers about broken-bridge aluminium.
What are thermally broken aluminium windows?+
Thermally broken (also called broken-bridge) aluminium windows separate the inside and outside faces of the frame with a low-conductivity polyamide barrier. This interrupts the path heat takes through the metal, so the frame stays closer to room temperature — improving insulation, comfort and condensation resistance compared with a standard aluminium frame.
Are thermally broken aluminium windows better than uPVC?+
They are comparable on insulation and each has strengths. Thermally broken aluminium delivers a low U-value while keeping slim sightlines and the structural strength to carry large glass areas and high wind pressures, which uPVC frames cannot match at scale. uPVC can achieve slightly lower U-values in small frames but uses bulkier sections and is less durable under UV and coastal exposure.
What U-value do Seamless thermally broken windows achieve?+
Whole-window U-values for thermally broken series typically fall in the range of 2.0–3.0 W/m²K depending on glazing, frame series and configuration, against roughly 5.0–7.0 W/m²K for standard aluminium. Series-specific U-value and SHGC data is issued on request for NCC energy efficiency reporting.
Are thermally broken windows certified to AS 2047:2014?+
Yes. Seamless thermally broken windows are engineered and tested to AS 2047:2014 for windows and external glazed doors, with wind-load ratings determined under AS/NZS 1170.2 and double-glazed insulating glass units made to AS/NZS 4666. Test reports are available per series.
Do thermally broken aluminium windows reduce condensation?+
Yes. Because the inner face of the frame stays warmer, the frame is far less likely to drop below the dew point, so surface condensation is significantly reduced compared with non-thermally-broken aluminium — particularly in cooler climates and high-humidity rooms.
Are they suitable for coastal Australian projects?+
Yes. Frames use marine-appropriate surface treatments and corrosion-resistant hardware specified to the site's proximity to the coast, so thermally broken aluminium windows perform reliably in coastal and high-exposure environments.
Specifying thermally broken windows for a project?
Send us your window schedule and we'll recommend the right thermally broken series, glazing and finishes — with series-specific U-value, SHGC and AS 2047 documentation for your certifier.
CONTACT US
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Australia: 601/488 Bourke Street Melbourne VIC, 3000
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