What are the differences between system windows and doors and aluminum-clad windows and doors with thermal breaks? Currently, both in terms of window and door styles and materials, there’s a wide variety available—so many different types that it can be completely confusing for those with specific needs to know which one to choose. In particular, when comparing common system windows and doors with aluminum-clad windows and doors featuring thermal breaks, the price difference isn’t significant, yet their other characteristics differ considerably.

　　1. Manufacturing process: Traditionally, windows rarely employed sealant application because most joints were secured using screws. However, system windows feature corner sealing during mechanical corner joining, and they also use dowels for the mullions. Since screws cannot be used on the window’s exterior surface, this results in a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Therefore, when comparing these aspects, system windows clearly have the edge.

　　2. Installation method. Actually, the differences in this regard aren't particularly significant. In the past, window and door installations used neutral silicone weatherproof sealant for sealing. The installation of system windows is largely similar. For system windows, sealing strips are installed on-site during installation. However, after the glass is installed, another layer of sealing strip can be pressed onto the glass frame as a finishing touch; alternatively, the glass itself can be sealed directly using glass sealant.

　　So, in fact, the two are pretty much the same. However, if we truly take into account their subsequent use, system windows—considering their equal-pressure design—place greater emphasis on balancing the effects of outdoor pressure during both production and design, making them relatively superior.

　　3. Requirements for glass. Previously, both ordinary glass and tempered glass could be used for doors and windows—practically any type of glass was suitable. Therefore, the price range depended primarily on the material used. However, system windows must use tempered glass, as the manufacturing process demands higher standards, resulting in a slightly higher price. Thus, if you choose system windows, we recommend opting for triple-glazed, two-chamber Low-E glass, since this type of glass offers superior energy-saving and heat-reduction performance.

　　4. The production volumes differ. Under the same equipment requirements and with the same workforce, if the product is a thermal-break aluminum window, the daily output can reach nearly 30 square meters. In contrast, system window manufacturers would need two days to achieve the same output. This leads to differences in both cost and time. As everyone knows, slow and careful work produces higher-quality results. Therefore, the cost of system windows is higher than that of ordinary thermal-break windows. System windows are more complex to produce, involve more intricate manufacturing processes, and demand greater care and precision during production and processing.

　　5. Wall thickness: Even relatively high-quality thermal-break aluminum profiles can achieve a wall thickness of 1.4 millimeters, meeting the national standard; however, system windows and doors are different— their wall thickness can reach as much as 2.0 millimeters.

　　The above introduction explained the differences between system windows and doors manufacturers and aluminum-clad windows and doors with thermal breaks. In fact, aluminum-clad windows with thermal breaks can also meet a wide range of customer needs for windows and doors. So, unless there are specific requirements, choosing this option is perfectly viable. However, if you have particularly high standards for quality, system windows and doors might be a better fit.