The new Italian 110% eco-bonus is an excellent opportunity to renew our window fixtures. Here the advantages based on all the available materials on the market: PVC, wood, aluminium. In addition, a brief guide on how to obtain the 110% and 50% eco-bonus..
The materials
Before choosing our fixtures, we must have clear perspectives and objectives because there is no material that is superior to the others regardless of eventuality and need. For this reason, we propose a brief summary with all the advantages and disadvantages of each material.
PVC fixtures
PVC, thanks to its limited cost and excellent value for money, has quickly become the market reference product.
Advantages:
- Low cost
- Lightness
- Good insulation (both thermal and acoustic)
- Good weather resistance
Disadvantages:
- In the long term they can be affected by sunlight
- As a plastic material, these fixtures are a source of pollution in the production phase and create problems in the disposal phase
- Due to their lightness they are not suitable for large windows
All in all, PVC is a good compromise material: it is more pleasing to the eye than many models of aluminium frames and has better thermal resistance properties (although aluminium has improved a lot in recent years). However, aluminium does not have indestructibility and is in fact subject to decay. The simple and clean design of PVC windows is particularly suitable for a house with modern furnishings.
Aluminium fixtures
Among all eligible materials, aluminium is the one that suffers the most from a bad name, especially due to the fixtures installed in many homes, offices and companies between the 80s and 90s. Today, however, the new thermal break models (i.e.: insulated with low emission and which prevent drafts and infiltration of heat and water) no longer have the dreaded defects of the past: tendency to condensation and poor thermal insulation. Actually, their thermal efficiency is almost at the same level as PVC nowadays.
Advantages:
- Resistance: aluminium frames do not scratch and practically never break
- The semi-indestructibility and excellent mechanical resistance make them perfect for those who need large windows
- Very good insulation (in new generation fixtures)
- They do not require maintenance
- 100% recyclable
Disadvantages:
- The significantly higher cost (compared to wood and PVC)
- The sense of cold to the touch
In summary, aluminium frames have a bad reputation due to the old models and a much higher cost than other similar products (but justified by the superior duration: even double the time of wooden or PVC frames). For many people, however, the biggest obstacle is the appearance – which is often considered unpleasant. But even in this case it is mostly a preconception due to the old generations of fixtures (often nowadays they are not very dissimilar from those in PVC). And if you are looking for perfect furniture for living rooms and kitchens with large aluminium windows, take a look at our new tables and at our new chairs.
Wooden fixtures
Wood has always been the fixture material par excellence according to Italians: the sense of warmth it emanates, the pleasure to the touch are characteristics that are difficult to find elsewhere. But beyond its aesthetic appeal (and sensory impact), let’s have a look to all its pros and cons.
Advantages:
- Very good thermal insulation
- Aesthetic pleasantness that make it an excellent piece of furniture for many homes (especially homes with classic and vintage furnishings)
Disadvantages:
- They require much more maintenance than PVC and aluminium
- More perishable due to wear over time and atmospheric agents
Wood is therefore confirmed as a highly appreciated material because for many people it is – quite simply – the only type of frame they can imagine between the walls of their house. But the disadvantages should not be underestimated and – from this point of view – above all it is worth evaluating hybrid products such as wood-aluminium fixtures (aluminium for the external part and for the mechanics, wood for the internal part), or wood-PVC fixtures (pleasantness of wood inside and adaptability of PVC outside).
But for those who can’t resist the charm of the classic, then why not think of furniture matching the same finishing like a good wooden design table or very comfortable sideboards with Walnut effect.
Eco-bonus on fixtures
The bonuses available in Italy for fixtures are of two types: 110% and 50%. Let’s see the conditions to get them.
Eco-bonus at 110%
Applies to expenses incurred from July 1st, 2020 up until December 31st, 2021.
Only for: thermal insulation interventions of vertical and horizontal opaque surfaces; Replacement of existing winter air conditioning systems with centralized systems for heating and / or cooling and / or the supply of domestic hot water on the common parts of the buildings; anti-seismic interventions.
50% eco-bonus
Applies to expenses incurred from July 1st, 2020 up until December 31st, 2021.
For replacement and installation of windows, fixtures or awnings without renovation.
Target Point, Italian Ideas
