Each consumer has to consider the following parameters when selecting aluminium frames
• Window type
• Simple or thermal-break profiles
• Glass: It affects the energy loss and the incoming light.
• Accessories: they are important pieces of the frame which can enhance the solutions offered , affect the maintenance of the frame , and also the smooth and long lasting operation and performance.
• Performance based on indicators: Indicators that measure each frame’s performance under certain climatic conditions. Certification organizations that measure performance have been developed parallel to the development of aluminium construction technology. These organizations, based on criteria and standards, control and certify the aluminium systems class. Certifications are given for wind and fire resistance, water tightness , thermal and sound insulation etc.
• Guarantee: It may vary from company to company. All companies certify that their systems will perform under certain conditions (usage of accessories proposed by the manufacturer etc)
The factors affecting the performance of a frame are:
• Orientation and Position
• Design
• Glass selections
• Frame shade
• Energy loss
You should be aware that the aluminium fabricator is one of the first manufacturers that will begin working in a construction site and the last to leave. For this reason, you should make a proper selection and your final decision should be based on gathering information on the consistency and quality of work of the manufacturer with whom you will work . You should ask him to show you some of his previous complete constructions and you should also try to find information from previous clients. Finally, you should pay a visit to his workshop or his showroom in order to confirm the selected aluminium fabricators level of equipment and organization.
However, we can confirm that, generally speaking, the current level of services provided by organized and properly equipped aluminium fabricators is quite high. Most professional aluminum fabricators follow continuously the technological developments in aluminum systems market, they are amenably informed for everything related to their work and are able to meet any specialized manufacturing need and, in fact, in collaboration with your architect, they can help and suggest solutions to any structural problem which occurs.
EUROPA certifies aluminium fabricators that use EUROPA’s products, in order to provide the optimum services to customers, giving you the chance to choose a certified aluminium fabricator. Certification is based on standard criteria of manufacturing place, equipment and manufacturer’s participation in technical briefings. EUROPA’s technical catalogues are also available online. Each aluminium fabricator is an independent business and therefore the certification mentioned above does not extend, in any circumstances, to a delegation or distribution. The company is not responsible for any financial transaction between customers and fabricators. EUROPA certificate is valid for two (2) years and the company reserves the right to recall it at any time.
•Information about EUROPA’s products and services
•Useful advice and solutions according to customer needs
•Information about showrooms in your region
•Technical support on any issue by specialized personnel
•Certification of the authenticity of the aluminium system installed. The certification can be provided upon request and on-the-spot visit by EUROPA specialized technical personnel
•After-sales service
EUROPA evaluates and certifies the aluminium manufacturers in order assist the end users into selecting the proper partner. Evaluation is based on objective and precice specifications regarding the space, the equipment and quality of the construction and the installation that each manufacturer must meet. The certification granted by EUROPA is valid for two (2) years, whereas the Company reserves every right to revoke it, if this is thought to be advisable.
EUROPA Aluminium Systems cover all the structural needs for residential frames and are available in various types: Sliding pocket or overlapping, opening, arched, projecting, tilting, pivoted, double hung, folding, atriums, shutters, rolling shutters, insect screens, etc. Both the opening and the sliding, as well as the folding EUROPA Systems, may also obtain Thermal Break (by means of resin or polyamide). They are available in a wide range of colours (RAL, INOX, wood shades, etc.) which meet every taste and as in various types of painting. The authenticity tape affixed on the EUROPA aluminium profiles guarantees the quality of your choice and is used for protecting the frames from potential wear during transportation and installation.
All EUROPA Aluminium Systems bear a special self-adhesive EUROPA authenticity tape that is installed on the aluminium profiles and guarantees the excellent quality of your choice and is used for the protection of frames against potential wear during transportation and installation.
- Caution! The EUROPA authenticity tape must be present on all frames installed even on aluminium roller shutters and insect screens.
- Always request that the delivery documents state the specific EUROPA aluminium series of the installed products.
*After the completion of all building works, the EUROPA authenticity tape must be removed so that you can enjoy the perfect appearance of a complete frame.
Reduction of heat exchange
The reduction of heat exchange results in the internal surfaces of the frame being warmer during the winter (e.g. outdoor temperature 0°C, indoor temperature 20°C) and cooler during the summer (e.g. outdoor temperature 40°C, indoor temperature 20°C).
High sound insulation index
EUROPA Thermal-Sound Insulation Aluminium Systems, with a high insulation index, reduce the noise derived from the external environment.
Economy in heating and cooling
Effective thermal insulation and air tightness, reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling, which leads to great energy and cost saving.
Minimization of the condensation effect
EUROPA Thermal-Sound Insulation Aluminium Systems minimize the condensation (liquefied air) effect on their interior surfaces, when there is a great difference in the temperature between the indoor and the outdoor environment. When insulation and total protection are a priority, use the EUROPA 5500, 6000, 10000, 990-999 and S.5500 Thermal-Sound Insulation Aluminium Systems and forget about cold, heat and noise once and for all.
This is an enhanced surface treatment procedure which precedes painting aiming at improved protection against corrosion in special seaside or heavily polluted environments.
According to the Greek Aluminium Association: The SEASIDE CLASS is awarded after the realization of an audit to companies already holding the QUALICOAT certificate. This pre-treatment consists in the exposure of the metal to alkaline and acidic environments before colouring and coating the aluminium profiles aiming at higher protection against corrosion in rather surcharged environments (e.g. coastal).
The Greek Aluminium Association awards the QUALICOAT certificate with SEASIDE CLASS requirement as proof of the fact that the paint shop is capable of meeting the requirements of this pre-treatment procedure.
There are two main types of frames: sliding and opening systems. Each type consists of profiles, so called rod or numbers, of different shape which are properly connected with each other in order to construct one or more frames. In order to assure that the connection is complete and right and to achieve functionality, safety, aesthetics, water insulation etc, the combination with other materials is required. The sum of all these elements required for the complete construction of an aluminium frame is called system.
More specifically:
Sliding systems
Sliding systems are the dominant solution in construction works in modern Greece.
They are used in the construction of flat buildings, being the most economical solution. Using sliding frames saves space, as they can be recessed in walls. They can be combined with insect screensystems , roller shutter and single or double glazing. If the leaves of the sliding system are moving parallel to each other, they are called overlapping frames. At this function there can be two or more leaves moving in parallel. Sliding systems are also available in double leaf typology, in which the two leaves are being drawn to the center and connect to each other (like “kissing” each other).
The design of modern sliding systems has been developed, so as to provide reliable solutions in constructions, to be more functional, remaining the consumers’ first choice. Apart from the normal version with brushes and tires, there are also sliding systems with thermal insulation available, in order to achieve higher thermal insulation.
The different types – combinations of sliding frames are:
• Overlapping
• Double hung tilt-in
• Lift and slide systems
• Connecting to each other
• Successive in wall
Opening systems
Opening systems offer a better seal than sliding systems, resulting in improved sound insulation, safety, thermal insulation etc. However, in order to be functional, they reduce the operation space in the interior or exterior of the room where they are placed. Different types – combinations of opening systems are:
• Opening inwards
• Opening outwards
• Opening at the top
• Opening at the bottom and outwards
• Opening in horizontal axis
• Opening in vertical axis
• Single leaf, double, triple etc
• Combination of sliding and opening (Volkswagen mechanism)
Note: Gaskets should be replaced after a certain period of time. When the aforementioned replacement process is undertaken, it must follow the instructions provided by EUROPA PROFIL ALUMINIUM S.A.
EUROPA Aluminium Systems also take the lead in the replacement of old frames with series that ideally meet every architectural requirement.
Opening wooden frames with top mounted roller shutter Proposed solutions:
EUROPA 500-990/999 (specially designed profiles)
EUROPA 5000-990/999 (with wing channel)
Pocket frames (Glass Pane - Shutter or Glass Panel - Insect Screen - Shutter) Proposed solutions:
EUROPA 2000 (for old systems Α.Τ. 150)
EUROPA 100 (for old systems Α.Τ. 700 or/ and 150)
EUROPA 6000 (for old systems A.T. 700 or/ and 150)
Overlapping frames Proposed solutions:
All Sliding and Opening EUROPA Systems can be used.
Opening frames Proposed solutions:
All Opening EUROPA Systems with or without incorporated casement, and all Sliding EUROPA Systems can be used.
Combinations of frames with Roller Shutters 990-999 and Insect Screen Systems.
All overlapping and opening EUROPA frames can cooperate perfectly with the roller shutters EUROPA 990-999 and EUROPA Insect Screens Systems.
