Dream: Superior Performing Windows

Structurally superior aluminum windows must employ a thermal barrier between inner and outer surfaces. Conventionally, polyurethane is poured into a hollow portion of the frame.

Conventional Technology: Polyurethane

Polyurethane is poured into a cavity in the extrusion and allowed to harden.

The aluminum"bridge" is cut away, leaving a hard polyurethane thermal barrier.

Polyuthane thermal barriers often shrink causing leaky windows.

Problem: Dry Shrinkage

Unfortunately, polyurethane and aluminum have different expansion coefficients. Hard polyurethane insulation can separate from aluminum, allowing air and water to penetrate.

AW Solution: Thermal Strut

Thermal struts of glass-reinforced nylon have similar expansion coefficients to aluminum and will not separate over years of seasonal hot-cold cycles. Water and air will not penetrate this superior thermal barrier.

A thermal strut profile begins with two separate extrusions.

Thermal struts are inserted and permanently crimped in place.

Defying industry conventions, Architectural Window was the first company in the world to employ thermal struts in a double-hung aluminum window. This breakthrough revolutionized the window industry.