Choosing the Right Window Frame

When shopping for new windows and doors, most homeowners ask:👉 What’s the difference between residential and commercial aluminium?👉 Which frame suits my home best?

Here’s a simple breakdown from our Melbourne team to help you choose confidently.

1. Residential Aluminium

Lightweight, affordable, and easy to install — this is the most common choice for standard homes and budget builds.

✅ Best for: small windows, simple renovations⚠️ Watch out for: limited panel size, lower insulation, shorter lifespan if poorly installed

2. Semi-Commercial Aluminium

Think of it as the “in-between” option — stronger and sleeker than residential, but not as heavy-duty as full commercial systems.

✅ Best for: modern homes needing bigger glass areas⚠️ Still limited for extra-wide or tall openings

3. Commercial Aluminium

This is the premium standard — strong, durable, and perfect for large architectural designs. Originally for high-rises, it’s now popular in luxury homes across Melbourne.

✅ Best for: floor-to-ceiling windows, oversized sliding doors💪 Handles glass panels up to 9–12 m²🏗️ Built to withstand Melbourne’s tough weather

At Windows Instock, we use commercial-grade aluminium for all products to ensure long-term reliability and design freedom.

4. Thermally Broken Aluminium

If energy efficiency is key, this is your top performer. A reinforced thermal barrier inside the frame stops heat transfer.

✅ Great with double glazing and Low-E glass⚙️ Up to 40–60% higher cost — but worth it for energy savings

5. Timber

Classic, warm, and natural. Timber looks great and insulates well, but needs maintenance.

⚠️ Prone to swelling, cracking, or termite damage in Melbourne’s damp winters.

6. Steel

Slim, elegant, and ultra-strong. Ideal for industrial or heritage aesthetics.

💎 Very durable but expensive — best for feature areas, not full homes.

7. Composite

A mix of materials (e.g. aluminium + timber or aluminium + uPVC) that balances looks and performance.

⚙️ Good insulation, but higher cost and size limitations.

8. uPVC

Affordable and low-maintenance — but not ideal for Australia’s harsh UV conditions.

⚠️ Can warp or yellow over time, and limited in size/design.

💡 So, Which One’s Best?

For most Melbourne homes, commercial aluminium strikes the perfect balance of:✔ Strength & durability✔ Energy efficiency✔ Design flexibility

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Contact us today for expert advice, custom sizing, or a free quote on aluminium windows.