Tuval – Minimal: What Do You Need to Know Before Choosing a Window?

What types of windows are available today in Israel?

The world of windows can be divided into two main classifications: the material from which the window frame is made and the method of opening the window. In terms of raw materials, the Israeli market offers three options: aluminum, which is the most common, wood and steel. In the wood window category there are combinations with aluminum, meaning wood on the inside and aluminum cladding on the outside to protect the wood.

As for the method of opening, windows in Israel are usually divided into two main groups: sliding windows and hinged windows. In the past, it was common to create pockets for sliding windows to allow for maximum air opening. However, this practice is less common today, so in terms of the size of the opening exposed to the air, sliding windows do not offer a significant advantage. Large showcases that serve as exit doors to a balcony or garden can be divided into several sliding panels to maximize the size of the exposed opening and ensure an optimal connection between the interior and exterior.

Which raw material is most suitable for the Israeli climate?

The climate in Israel is relatively mild, and winter temperatures in the coastal region do not drop below zero. And that is why we usually find three raw materials used locally: aluminum, wood and steel. However, aluminum and steel conduct heat much more than wood – aluminum being the highest, followed by steel, and wood being almost completely insulating – and most of the thermal energy passes through the glass, at a rate of more than 97%. Today, insulated glass and radiation-filters are used today to improve the energy efficiency of windows and doors in homes. And thanks to the growing awareness of green construction and energy conservation, metal windows are insulated using a thermal break – plastic material that is placed between the external and internal parts of the profile. This technology began with aluminum windows and is now also found in technologically advanced steel windows.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of different raw materials?

In the past, when manufacturing technologies were old fashioned, it was commonly believed that steel rusts and is not insulating, and wood requires extensive maintenance. Today, there are aluminum-clad wood windows and thermal-break steel windows that have undergone advanced rust protection processes, so the choice is mainly a matter of taste and budget. Standard aluminum windows are generally cheaper because their production process is based on relatively simple and industrialized assembly. Wood and steel windows require artisanal manufacturing processes, which make them more expensive. Of course, every product within each category is priced based on the quality of the raw material, accessories, and standard of its manufacturing processes: product construction and level of finish.

In the end, in terms of product quality, currently there is no clear advantage for any one raw material. The quality of the product will depend on the manufacturing standard and technical specifications. Today, you can find wood windows that require no maintenance in a variety of opening options, and insulated steel windows both in terms of the glazing and the frame itself, for either hinged or sliding openings. The choice of raw material should be a consideration of personal taste, primarily regarding the level of finish and project budget.

The author is Tom Hoffman, who co-manages Tuval-Minimal with Tzachi Margolin, a company specializing in manufacturing insulated steel windows. The company operates in the luxury market in Israel and exports insulated steel windows to the US market. The company, in collaboration with the Innovation Authority, develops unique operational solutions for Belgian-style steel windows with thermal breaks.

For telephone inquiries: 09-8987492
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In collaboration with Tuval – Minimal