By Windows Instock – Melbourne, VIC
When shopping for new windows and doors, most homeowners ask:
👉 What’s the difference between residential and commercial aluminium?
👉 Which frame suits my home best?
Here’s a simple breakdown from our Melbourne team to help you choose confidently.
1. Residential Aluminium
Lightweight, affordable, and easy to install — this is the most common choice for standard homes and budget builds.
✅ Best for: small windows, simple renovations
⚠️ Watch out for: limited panel size, lower insulation, shorter lifespan if poorly installed
2. Semi-Commercial Aluminium
Think of it as the “in-between” option — stronger and sleeker than residential, but not as heavy-duty as full commercial systems.
✅ Best for: modern homes needing bigger glass areas
⚠️ Still limited for extra-wide or tall openings
3. Commercial Aluminium
This is the premium standard — strong, durable, and perfect for large architectural designs. Originally for high-rises, it’s now popular in luxury homes across Melbourne.
✅ Best for: floor-to-ceiling windows, oversized sliding doors
💪 Handles glass panels up to 9–12 m²
🏗️ Built to withstand Melbourne’s tough weather
At Windows Instock, we use commercial-grade aluminium for all products to ensure long-term reliability and design freedom.
4. Thermally Broken Aluminium
If energy efficiency is key, this is your top performer. A reinforced thermal barrier inside the frame stops heat transfer.
✅ Great with double glazing and Low-E glass
⚙️ Up to 40–60% higher cost — but worth it for energy savings
5. Timber
Classic, warm, and natural. Timber looks great and insulates well, but needs maintenance.
⚠️ Prone to swelling, cracking, or termite damage in Melbourne’s damp winters.
6. Steel
Slim, elegant, and ultra-strong. Ideal for industrial or heritage aesthetics.
💎 Very durable but expensive — best for feature areas, not full homes.
7. Composite
A mix of materials (e.g. aluminium + timber or aluminium + uPVC) that balances looks and performance.
⚙️ Good insulation, but higher cost and size limitations.
8. uPVC
Affordable and low-maintenance — but not ideal for Australia’s harsh UV conditions.
⚠️ Can warp or yellow over time, and limited in size/design.
💡 So, Which One’s Best?
For most Melbourne homes, commercial aluminium strikes the perfect balance of:
✔ Strength & durability
✔ Energy efficiency
✔ Design flexibility
At Windows Instock (Clayton South, VIC), we fabricate all our aluminium doors and windows to Australian Standards, ready for both builders and homeowners.
📞 Contact us today for expert advice, custom sizing, or a free quote on aluminium windows and double-glazed doors across Melbourne.
