We all know that when it comes to Residential homes, Vinyl is the most commonly used material in windows and doors. You’ll also notice wood interior/vinyl clad material is used quite often, and occasionally you’ll see fiberglass. But what about when it comes to condo buildings or non-residential structures. In those types of buildings, the most common thing you’ll see are Aluminum Windows.
Aluminum Windows are the most commonly used in mid-rise and high-rise building due to their higher performance capabilities, which is especially needed in Chicago. Aluminum windows typically can come in a thicker frame and undergo performance testing before being installed in certain building. These commercial type windows are more durable and provide some impact resistance to flying debris mostly seen with high-rise buildings.
Recently we have seen an increase in wood interior and aluminum clad exterior installed into mid-rise buildings, not much with high-rises. There are very strict guidelines and performance testing that windows and doors must meet before being installed into high-rises, but it seems as though not with mid-rises (up to a certain floor). Aluminum windows are still more prevalent, and we’ll continue to see them being installed in most mid-rise and high-rise buildings.