Insulated stable windows fit like a glove

Most window frames are cut from aluminum sheet metal, but there is one company in the Netherlands that casts the aluminum frames. This gives the user a unique stable window that approximates the authentic style, but provides the desired comfort with HR++ glazing.

According to director Gerald ten Hagen of the MPH aluminum foundry in Haaksbergen, there is indeed a difference in quality between a cast stable window and one cut from sheet metal. "If you mill a window frame out of a sheet, you don't get the corners tight. After all, you can't get into the corner with the router. With that, in my opinion, you still take away the old look."

For the purpose of the casting process, Ten Hagen makes wooden molds for the window frame in which sharp corners can be made. "Historic preservationists demand that design. It clearly sees the difference between the sharp corners in a cast window and the rounder corners in a carved window."

Unique in the Netherlands

Ten Hagen is certain that MPH is the only one in the Netherlands casting barn windows suitable for HR++ glazing. He firmly believes in the strong quality of the casting. "Our frames consist of one piece. Nothing is welded. Our stable windows carry themselves, no lintel needs to be attached."

On top of that, the quality of the aluminum can be used anywhere in the Netherlands. "We always use the first melting material, so you can safely apply it in coastal zones," he said.

Insulated barn windows are eagerly found in remodeling and new construction of residential farmhouses and historic buildings. Nevertheless, some ™

monument committees are wary of the material aluminum. "They love the principle of HR++ glazing and cast frames, but as soon as you drop the word aluminum, they turn like a leaf on the tree. While aluminum is more insensitive to corrosion than cast iron."

No cutting and breaking

No chopping and breaking in the facade is necessary to install the cast stable window. MPH knows exactly where the steel lips of the original window are in the wall. These lips are insulated to prevent cold bridges. In renovation projects, the interior frame is then drilled to the wall. The EPDM draft seals around the frame are already in place. Then the outer frame is put against it using stainless steel screws. The inner and outer frame are screwed through and through for stability. Nothing needs to be glued.

According to Ten Hagen, the gable recesses of existing monumental buildings and residential farms are deep enough to apply the insulated stable windows. "A half-brick wall is often 10 cm deep, while the window frame carries 5 cm," he said. In new construction projects, the window frame is placed against a set frame. The U-value of the gas-filled glass is 1.1.

MPH is in the process of developing turn-tilt variants as well. Unfortunately, such a stable window does not yet fit into existing buildings. "I am experimenting with mounting the pivot part in the cavity, but that is not yet finalized," he said.

Meanwhile, the Haaksberg aluminum foundry can still get by with 60 existing models of insulated stable windows. "The market is still growing and if construction picks up further, I expect many more sales."