Why is it profitable to make aluminium windows?

Replacing wooden window frames with aluminium ones is the first thing people think about when modernizing their homes. Today it is also the standard in new home construction because aluminium looks beautiful, is weather-resistant - it does not rust, it is durable and safe. Aluminium doors are also very popular in homes and offices and are installed literally everywhere. Now let's try to look at the components of this fast-growing market segment from a business point of view.

Which business model should you choose?

When thinking about how to start this business, you need to define your business model. There are 4 options here:

• manufacturing only,
• installation only,
• manufacturing and installation.

Wholesale production is also possible - manufacturers don't just make custom sizes for individual orders, they can also supply standard sized doors and windows to the retail market.

Produce, install, combine? 
At the beginning, many small business owners, especially with little capital, focus on installation only. When they are familiar with the business and know everything about the installation process, they do the following: they begin to advertise their services and, after receiving a request for installation, go to the premises to measure the size of the window or door that they will need to install. Then they take the necessary measurements and find out the requirements (single, double) for the manufacturer in order to get a price offer for the customer. Once the customer accepts the offer, a deposit is provided to continue the work, and then the installer pays the manufacturer for the assembly of the windows. When the finished window is assembled after production, the installer receives the remainder of the payment.

There are also standard-sized windows that can be purchased as a whole and installed, but they are limited to a few sizes and vary mostly in design and quality.

There is another variation on this business model: manufacturers outsource the installation. In this case, manufacturers have premises and production equipment, but they do not want to go into installation processes that require vehicles and personnel, so they outsource this task to other specialists.

By focusing on manufacturing, they can scale their business much faster if they don't do the installation. What's more, they can partner with multiple installers, which means that pricing and workflows can be optimized to get the most out of that business. And at the same time, there is no need to worry about employees leaving for installation and getting stuck in a traffic jam, and that only a certain number of people per day can be physically serviced.

This is another opportunity for you: if you are a competent installer, you can start this business without high capital expenditures by cooperating with several manufacturers at the same time. Yes, you still need skills for proper installation, a vehicle and tools. But such a business model removes all the headache associated with the choice of premises and production equipment, as well as the purchase of enough raw materials for the correct conduct of this business.

What you need to know about production

But if you do decide to start making windows... To start this business, you need machines for cutting and crimping aluminium profiles. These machines range from small portable tools used in small businesses to full-size floor-standing models. Manufacturers buy extruded aluminium from specialized aluminium companies that mass produce for workshops of various sizes. These profiles are sold in standard lengths (for example, 2m or 2.5m or any other length) and then cut and crimped according to the client's requirements. To do this, the profile must be cut at the correct angle.

Production includes storage of profiles and glass, their cutting and subsequent crimping. It takes time. What does it mean? If you have a growing installation business and are already making some good money, you may not necessarily find it more profitable to jump into manufacturing right away, especially if you don't have the additional capital to expand staff and have an adequate supply of raw materials. Manufacturing is a game on a whole new level, and you can get bogged down in a whole bunch of problems compared to simply taking measurements on-site while someone else is engaged in production and assembling. You are only responsible for installing windows and doors throughout the day. Small business owners very often struggle to move from installer to manufacturer, as the price may be too high due to the additional capital requirements and knowledge of capital efficiency over a standard installation.

Some small businesses cut profiles by hand, but common sense dictates that cutting by hand and then sanding the profiles is not a good idea. Don't make life difficult for yourself in vain, move from installation to production only when you have the opportunity and you have fully explored the challenges that open up - take your time.

Consumers rarely understand what exactly is needed to make aluminium windows. This process is complex, high-tech and includes some of the most sophisticated methods and equipment. From the raw aluminium billet to the finished window in a home, many different operations are performed to create it. Let's consider them in more detail below.

Technologies

To create an aluminium window that will decorate a residential or commercial building, several important processes are performed:

- Extrusion of aluminium.
To create each profile, an aluminium billet is heated and placed on an extrusion press (an important piece of equipment and technology in the workshop). Then the profile is passed through a die and it undergoes several checks to ensure that it is straight, strong and of the required quality.

- Profile insulation.
Most door and window profiles are insulated with thermal breaks, making them energy efficient and minimizing heat and cold transfer. Two separate profiles are wound on a special polyamide thermal barrier.

- Application of polyester powder coating.
To create a coloured window, a series of cleaning and pretreatment processes must be followed to prepare the aluminium rods for painting. Then they are coated with powder paint in a special painting booth, and then they are cured in special ovens. It is this sophisticated powder coating process that allows window lifters to have a large number of colours with a long-lasting guarantee.

- Packing stage.
Modern packaging equipment wraps and protects aluminium profiles. They are then placed on special racks for storage or drop shipping.

Aluminium or?

And one more important aspect, which cannot be ignored. Why do people choose aluminium windows over PVC or wood ones? The reasons may be different, but most often it is a combination of price and quality, plus aluminium fits perfectly into a variety of interior types. More information on this matter below.

Aluminium or PVC

Compared to PVCu (also known as uPVC), aluminium windows evidently lose as they cost about 20% more than PVC windows. However, a small increase in the budget can pay off when you take into account the build quality and finish: aluminium does not deform or bend over time. Such windows, as a rule, last longer than plastic ones and it is very easy to take care of them.

Aluminium or wood

Aluminium windows are more affordable than wood windows plus they have a much more modern look and are suitable for most styles compared to wood. With proper care, aluminium will last as long as wood, but without unnecessary procedures that are quite complex for wooden windows.

Aluminium windows are a popular choice for DIY builders or renovators as they add a modern touch to designs and instantly grab attention. Plus, they are very durable and can last up to 40 years, making them an excellent long-term investment. Since the right window style plays a huge role in the perception of a home, designers pay particular attention to considering all available design options when choosing aluminium windows, from glazing options and frame styles to colours and finishes. All this makes the production of aluminium windows very profitable and in-demand today.