Frequently Asked Questions

Thermal performance of an installed window or door depends on a combination of factors — the frame material and profile construction, the glazing unit specification (double vs. triple, Low-E coating, gas fill, spacer type), the specific opening dimensions, the installation conditions, and the interface with the surrounding wall construction. No single element determines performance in isolation.

Aluminum systems with polyamide thermal breaks and high-performance glazing can achieve excellent whole-window thermal performance. uPVC systems benefit from inherent material insulation and are often a cost-effective route to good thermal performance in standard residential configurations. The most meaningful comparison is a whole-window Uw value calculated for the specific configuration, glazing, and dimensions of each opening — not a comparison of frame Uf values alone. Contact us to discuss your project's energy requirements and what options are available.

Air permeability class — tested and classified to the European standard EN 12207 — describes how much uncontrolled air passes through a closed window or door at a standardized test pressure differential. The classes range from Class 1 (basic) to Class 4 (the highest class under EN 12207), which represents very low uncontrolled air infiltration. A high air permeability class is beneficial for energy performance: less uncontrolled air movement means less unplanned heat loss and a more thermally consistent interior environment.

Air permeability is one of three key weather performance parameters, alongside water tightness (EN 12208) and wind resistance (EN 12210). All three are determined by the combination of frame design, seal configuration, hardware, and installation quality.

ENERGY STAR certification for fenestration products in the United States is administered by the EPA and requires testing and certification through the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). The S67 and S560 are European-manufactured aluminum systems, and the SOFTLINE 82 is a European uPVC system. Performance documentation from these manufacturers is produced to European testing standards (EN series), which uses different test conditions and calculation methods than the U.S. NFRC system.

Whether a specific product configuration can be assessed and labeled under NFRC/ENERGY STAR for a U.S. project is a question that requires direct discussion with our team in the context of your project's energy code requirements. Contact us with your project location and energy performance requirements and we will advise on available documentation and options.

RC2 refers to Resistance Class 2, a European security classification standard for windows and doors defined under EN 1627. A window or door tested and classified to RC2 is capable of resisting a forced-entry attempt by a casual or opportunistic burglar using basic manual tools (screwdrivers, wedges, pliers) for a defined minimum test duration.

Achieving RC2 classification requires both appropriately specified and tested hardware (locks, hinges, handles) and reinforced glazing — typically a laminated glass unit that resists manual attack. It is a systems-level classification, not just a hardware specification. RC2-configuration hardware and glazing are available as specified options in the Alumil SMARTIA S67 system. If enhanced security performance is a project requirement, this should be stated clearly at the specification stage.

These three values are all thermal transmittance values — measured in W/m²K — that describe how readily heat passes through different components of a window or door system. Lower values indicate better thermal performance (less heat loss).

Uf (frame U-value) is the thermal transmittance of the frame profile alone, measured without any glass. It is published by profile manufacturers and allows comparison between profile systems, but it does not reflect the performance of the complete installed window.

Ug (glass U-value) is the thermal transmittance of the glass unit alone, measured in the center of the pane away from edge effects. Published by glass manufacturers for standard unit configurations.

Uw (whole window U-value) is the thermal transmittance of the complete window — combining the frame, the glass unit, and the edge zone (spacer bar area), weighted by their respective areas within the total window area. Uw is the most practically relevant value for building energy calculations and is calculated using standardized methods (EN ISO 10077-1). Published Uf values alone do not represent whole-window Uw and should not be used as such in energy calculations.

Submit your project details through our Request a Quote form. Include your project address, type of openings required, approximate sizes (rough opening width and height for each window and door), and any performance or design requirements you have in mind. If you have drawings, plans, or elevation sketches available, you can upload them directly on the form — this helps us provide a more accurate and detailed initial response.

We will review your submission and respond within 1–2 business days with an initial assessment and next steps. For larger or more complex projects, we may suggest a site visit or design consultation as part of the quoting process.

The more information you provide, the more accurate and useful our initial response will be. Most helpful details include:

• Rough opening dimensions (width and height) for each window and door opening
• Wall thickness and the depth of the reveal (important for frame installation depth)
• Building type (new construction or renovation, residential or commercial, number of floors)
• Floor level for each opening (ground floor, first floor, etc.)
• Preferred frame material (aluminum, uPVC, or open for recommendation)
• Any specific finish, color, or aesthetic preferences
• Performance or energy requirements (e.g. enhanced thermal performance, acoustic requirements, security class)
• Project timeline — when windows and doors are needed on site
• Architectural drawings, plans, or elevation sketches if available

You can upload drawings and files directly on our quote request form.

We offer both product supply and professional installation services. The scope of our involvement is agreed based on your specific project needs and preferences. Some clients — typically builders, contractors, and developers with experienced fitting teams — prefer supply-only. Others prefer a complete supply-and-install service where we manage both the product and its installation.

For residential clients undertaking renovation or new build projects without a main contractor, a full supply-and-install scope is often the most practical approach. Contact us to discuss the services applicable to your project and we can outline the options available.

We are based in New Jersey and primarily serve projects in New Jersey and the surrounding region, including neighboring areas of New York and the broader Mid-Atlantic area. For supply-only projects, geographic scope can extend further. For installation projects, we work within a practical service radius of our base.

Contact us with your specific project location and we can confirm whether and how we can serve your project. We are happy to discuss projects outside our standard area where the scope justifies it.

Yes. Design professionals — architects, interior designers, structural engineers, and building envelope consultants — can request system technical documentation through our For Professionals section. Available documentation includes system performance specifications, profile dimension drawings, configuration options, glazing compatibility data, and hardware specifications.

For projects at the specification or tender stage, we can also provide shop drawing coordination support to help ensure our systems are correctly detailed into your project documents. Submit your documentation request through the For Professionals page or contact us directly at info@nuarchsystems.com.

Aluminum windows and doors require minimal maintenance compared to many other materials. Key routine tasks include:

• Frame cleaning: Clean aluminum frames periodically with mild soap and water and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or solvent-based products that can damage the powder coat or anodized finish. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning to remove soap residue.
• Hardware lubrication: Lubricate hinges, espagnolette rods, locking points, handles, and any moving hardware components periodically — typically once or twice a year — with a suitable non-acidic lubricant. This maintains smooth operation and prevents premature wear.
• Seal inspection: Periodically check perimeter seals and weather-stripping for signs of compression loss, cracking, or damage. Seals are wear items that can be replaced as needed and are important to maintain for weathertightness.
• Drainage channels: Check and clear any drainage slots in the frame sills to ensure water can drain freely from the system.
• Installation inspection: Every few years, have the installation checked for sealant integrity around the outer frame perimeter, particularly at junctions with the wall, cill, and adjacent materials.

uPVC windows require very low maintenance, which is one of their practical advantages in residential use. Key routine tasks include:

• Frame cleaning: Clean uPVC frames with mild soapy water or a uPVC-specific cleaner applied with a soft cloth. Avoid solvents, acetone, or abrasive pads — these can attack the uPVC surface or damage woodgrain laminate finishes. A proprietary uPVC cleaner/restorer can refresh the appearance of older profiles.
• Hardware lubrication: Lubricate all hardware mechanisms — hinges, locking points, handles — annually with a suitable lubricant. This is particularly important for tilt-and-turn and sliding hardware, which experience more mechanical cycling.
• Drainage channels: Check and clear drainage slots in window and door sills regularly. Blocked drainage is one of the most common causes of water entry through uPVC windows and is simple to prevent with routine clearance.
• Seal condition: Check perimeter seals and weather-stripping as for aluminum systems. Seals can be replaced as needed.
• Woodgrain laminate: Woodgrain laminate finishes require no additional maintenance beyond normal cleaning. Do not use harsh chemicals on laminate surfaces.

Warranty terms vary depending on the product specified, the scope of work (supply-only or supply-and-install), and the specific project agreement. Warranty coverage and duration are specified in the individual project contract and documentation. We do not publish a single universal warranty term because the applicable coverage depends on the product, configuration, and project conditions.

Contact us at info@nuarchsystems.com or through our contact page with your project details and we will provide warranty information applicable to your specific project and scope.

We recommend a hardware inspection and lubrication check at least once per year for all operationally active windows and doors. For high-frequency openings — such as primary access doors, lift-and-slide doors that are used multiple times daily, and tilt-and-turn windows in main living areas — a check every six months is preferable.

Regular maintenance prevents premature hardware wear, ensures locking mechanisms operate correctly, and maintains the compression of perimeter seals at their designed load. Hardware that is allowed to run dry or that develops play through undetected wear will, over time, affect weathertightness and security performance as well as operational feel. Addressing small maintenance issues early avoids more significant repair or replacement costs later.

Contact us at info@nuarchsystems.com with your project details and a clear description of the issue you are experiencing. Please include the approximate date of installation, which specific windows or doors are affected, and the nature of the problem (for example: difficulty operating, air or water infiltration, hardware issue, glass unit concern, or visible damage).

Where helpful, photographs or a short video showing the issue can assist us in assessing the problem before arranging a site visit. We will review your report and schedule an assessment. Response and service scheduling depend on the nature of the issue, warranty status, and service availability at the time of your request.