Have you ever wondered how those windows you see installed in your home are made? Are you keen to discover what processes these windows go through in order to ensure that your home is secure and energy efficient? If so, read on to find out more about how windows are made.
Window Frames
There are numerous materials used in the creation of window frames including wood, aluminium and PVC. Fibrex is a new material used for frames and is a combination of vinyl PVC and recycled wood fibres. The wood fibres are ground down until they are extremely fine. Most companies produce this combination in pellets which are then exposed to incredible levels of heat and pressure where they become soft and are moulded into the form of a frame. The frames are then cooled to ensure they maintain their shape.
This makes up the individual pieces of the window frame. Now, expert technicians measure these pieces and cut them to fit each individual home’s requirement. A fusion welder is often used in this instance and it heats the corners of each frame before fusing them into a square frame. This should result in an airtight seal which is essential for energy efficiency. The above is just one example of how a window frame is made.
The Glass
The manufacturing process behind the creation of the window’s glass is entirely different depending on the type of glass. For example, if a company is creating flat and clear glass, sometimes known as float glass, it needs to begin by pouring molten glass onto molten tin tank in an atmosphere than is 100% nitrogen. The glass will float to the top because it is less dense than tin and it should form an even, glossy surface. The glass that is poured is cooled by tin rollers. It is important that this is a slow process because cooling the glass too quickly will result in cracks appearing in the glass. The reason why the nitrogen is there is to ensure that the glass does not oxidise.
When low-emissivity glass (low-e) is made, the glass has a layer of oxidised metal on one side. This is what makes low-e glass such a great insulator. This process enables light and heat to come into a room but the thin layer on the inside ensures that neither heat nor light escapes as easily. The manufacturing process is such that it ensures both sides of the glass are transparent despite this layer. The metal oxide layer is usually added as soon as the glass is taken from the tin bath though cathode sputtering can also be used to apply the layer at a later stage.
With so many different materials used for the window frame and with various types of glass also on offer, there is no single method of making windows that is uniform. Companies have their own unique ways of creating a window but hopefully, the above information will give you some insight in the skilful process of window making.
