definition
strict definition
steel
Related terms: steel windows
Window frames whose supporting members are made of steel, an iron alloy, rather than another frame material.
Steel is a strong and extremely durable material for window frames. It is relatively expensive, and conducts less heat than aluminum but generally more than wood, vinyl, or fiberglass. Its recycled content depends on the product and its steel supply.
The steel forms the window frame rather than the glazing. The frame's material is separate from the glass and other elements that determine the performance of the complete window.
Metal conducts heat readily. A thermal break can reduce heat flow through a metal frame, so the complete frame design matters as well as the steel itself.
Related definitions
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aluminum
Window frames made of aluminum, with thermal performance affected by the metal and the frame design. -
fiberglass
Window frames made of plastic reinforced with glass fibers, combining a polymer matrix with fibrous reinforcement. -
vinyl
Window frames made of polyvinyl chloride, including unplasticized PVC, sometimes reinforced with metal. -
wood
Window frames made of milled wood, with their thermal performance and maintenance depending on the frame construction.