T Chandrasekhar, Director – Technical, Aparna Enterprises Ltd. inn an interview with B2B Purchase.

What are the latest design trends and developments in doors and windows? 

Doors and windows today, include both functionality and aesthetics. People today are looking for environment-friendly alternatives like uPVC and Aluminium for making doors and windows. There has been a growing preference among consumers for combination doors and windows like lift and slide doors, villa and tilt, and turn windows. Of late, thinner aluminium profiles and operational automation are gaining traction among the consumer’s preferences. Windows and doors made of slim aluminium profiles enable a wider view and allow more natural light to come inside, while maintaining the strength and durability.

How do you evaluate the advantages of aluminium as a material in frames and profiles?

Aluminium is a material known for its versatile properties ranging from sturdy and durability, to maintenance-free and secure. And since it’s a 100 percent recyclable material, it’s widely preferred by building material players. Also, it’s highly malleable, thus making it suitable for various purposes. Aluminium despite being lightweight is also very sturdy and possesses more strength than any other green material in the market today. It is also resistant to corrosion and attains the ability to support bigger and heavier doors without reinforcements.

What are the new opportunities for aluminium in profiling applications? 

Aluminium’s versatility as a material has been talked of, time and again. Because of the strength and adaptability of the alloy 6063-T6, It is turning out to be the preferred choice for window and door applications. Additionally, aluminium profiles can be used for structural glazing and facade applications. Thermal break aluminium profiles are also being made for energy-saving windows and door applications.

What kind of solutions do you offer in doors & windows? 

Our in-house brands offer a wide portfolio of windows and doors made of both uPVC and Aluminium. The range offers casement, sliding, awning, tilt & turn and villa windows. The ranges of doors on offer are casement, sliding and slide & fold. Aluminium Lift & slide doors and slim sliding doors for pocket openings are also offered. The elegant door systems with thin Aluminium profiles are a popular choice among the consumers, largely because it consists of a thin frame and allows more light to enter the space and make sure that the views of the outside are less inhibited. Our new Aluminium systems also come with slimmer interlocks, which are considered attractive and have a strong affinity towards a contemporary appearance. Along with the variety of styles and designs, all ranges of aluminium windows and doors that we provide to the customers, can be customised to suit available specifications and configurations. These Aluminium windows and doors are available in a wide variety of anodising and powder coating finishes.

What are the pros and cons of uPVC solutions for doors & windows? 

uPVC is a material that is 100 percent recyclable, can withstand different climate conditions and is known for its durability and insulation capabilities. Windows and doors made of uPVC are hence sturdy, durable, and secure. They require very little maintenance. They have the ability to retain their colour and functionality as it is for a long time. These windows and doors offer good insulation from noise and dust and help in reducing power consumption and do not contribute to fire. The demand for uPVC is estimated to go upwards in the future, as it is fastly becoming the builder’s choice. However there are limitations with regard to big size windows and doors. Also large panels required in structural glazing applications cannot be made with existing uPVC sections.