Most homeowners see the final price of aluminium doors and windows on a quote and often ask, “Why is it so high?” The price is not an arbitrary number; it depends on many variables, including the quality of materials, the skill of the manufacturer, and expectations of performance, warranty, and service. The variables needed to produce a sustainable, durable and safe product.
As quality becomes increasingly important to the average homeowner, it is essential for them to understand where their money is going. A complete understanding of the bill will help them make better-informed decisions about their future purchases. By having a thorough understanding of the items included on the bill, it will be possible to avoid unexpected expenses, receive more value for their investment over time and select eco-friendly options that will benefit the environment and their home.
This blog explains the details of an aluminium door and window bill, so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Material Composition & Aluminium Grade
The first and most fundamental contributor to final price is the type and quality of aluminium used. Aluminium is a sustainable metal, which means, it’s 100% recyclable, highly durable, and long-lasting. But not all aluminium systems are created equal.
High-performance systems use:
- Architectural-grade aluminium
- High-purity billets resistant to corrosion
- Precision-extruded profiles with consistent wall thickness
- Thermally broken systems for energy efficiency
How this impacts price
Premium-grade aluminium ensures:
- Better structural stability
- Longer lifespan
- High wind-load resistance
- Improved thermal performance
- Better finish quality
Low-cost alternatives may compromise wall thickness or alloy quality, which affects structural performance and longevity.
Surface Treatments & Finishes
The next major component is the surface finish, which determines both appearance and durability.
Common treatments
- Anodizing improves corrosion resistance and colour retention.
- Powder coating provides a wide range of colour options, UV resistance, and long-lasting protection.
- Wood finish (sublimation) replicates the look of natural wood.
- Marine-grade coating is suitable for coastal environments.
Why it affects your bill
High-quality finishes:
- Protect aluminium from harsh weather
- Reduce fading and peeling
- Offer long-term colour stability
- Improve lifecycle sustainability
Premium powder coatings and anodizing processes have industry certifications. These certifications raise the cost, but they also greatly improve durability.
Design & Engineering
Contrary to popular perception, aluminium systems aren’t just metal frames. They’re engineered solutions designed for performance, safety, and effortless operation.
What you’re paying for
- System design & structural engineering
- Performance testing of systems
- Wind load calculations
- Thermal break technology
- Water infiltration & drainage engineering
- Acoustic insulation features
- Smooth sliding/hinged mechanisms
- Design detailing (sightlines, minimal frames, concealed drainage)
High-end systems like AluK’s undergo meticulous R&D to offer world-class performance. This engineering backbone is part of your bill and one of the biggest differentiators between regular and branded systems.
Hardware & Accessories
Hardware makes up nearly 20–30% of the cost, depending on system type.
What this includes
- Rollers, hinges, locks, handles
- Espagnolette systems
- Multi-point locking mechanisms
- Concealed hardware in premium systems
- Anti-lift and anti-burglar features
- Brackets, gaskets, EPDM weather seals
Why it matters
The durability and performance of a door or window heavily rely on hardware. Low-quality rollers or hinges may fail within years, while tested and certified hardware lasts significantly longer, ensuring smoother function and enhanced security.
Glazing Specification
Glazing, both its type and thickness, is one of the biggest determinants of cost and performance.
Glazing types you may pay for:
- Single glazing – basic applications
- Double glazing (DGU) – insulation, reduced heat gain
- Triple glazing – high thermal performance
- Laminated glass – security, acoustic control
- Low-E glass – energy efficiency
- Toughened glass – enhanced safety
Why it impacts the bill
Glazing contributes to:
- Energy savings
- Indoor comfort
- Safety
- Sound insulation
- UV protection
High-performance glass adds upfront cost but reduces long-term energy expenses, improving the overall sustainability of your space.
Fabrication, Manufacturing & Installation
This is where the aluminium system is turned into a precision product.
Fabrication costs cover:
- Cutting and machining
- Reinforcements
- Corner crimping
- Specialised punching tools
- Quality checks as per brand guidelines
- Skilled labour
Installation costs include:
- Site measurement
- On-site team labour
- Fixings and sealants
- Profile alignment
- Glazing installation
- Finishing and cleanup
Why it costs more for premium systems
Top-tier brands follow strict fabrication protocols and use advanced machines. Installing systems precisely ensures longevity, prevents water leakage, and keeps the system performing optimally for decades.
Cheaper quotes often reflect poor fabrication quality or unskilled teams.
Certification, Performance Testing & the Brand Ecosystem
Reputable brands invest heavily in certification, R&D, and system testing. These investments create real value for homeowners.
What this includes
- Wind load testing
- Air permeability & water tightness tests
- Thermal performance simulation
- Acoustic testing
- Industry-standard certifications
Why this matters
Certified systems:
- Perform as promised
- Last longer
- Deliver consistent quality
- Enhance sustainability credentials
- Provide peace of mind
AluK also offers design support, warranty support, and a strong partner network, all of which contribute to final quote, but add immense value.
Warranty & After-Sales Support
Warranty isn’t just a piece of paper. It’s a long-term promise.
What you’re paying for
- Product warranty from the brand
- Hardware and accessories warranty
- Glazing warranty
- Service and support
Better systems offer longer warranties because they use superior materials and engineering.
Further Customisations
Every building is different, and so is every aluminium system. Customisations that add to the bill include:
- Special colours and finishes
- Oversized panels
- Minimal/ultra-slim profiles
- Mosquito mesh systems
- Safety grills
- Motorised options
- Custom hardware
- Curved or arched designs
These aren’t “extras”, they’re personalised solutions tailored to your aesthetic and functional needs.
Packaging & Transportation
Once fabricated, the system must be protected and delivered safely.
What this cost covers
- Protective packaging materials
- Wooden crates for fragile systems
- Foam and corner protectors
- Transportation to site
- Handling, loading, and unloading
- Insurance in some cases
Larger panels or high-performance glass units require special transportation arrangements, which increase the cost.
Also Read : What to look for before you buy aluminium windows & doors
Conclusion
An aluminium system is a long-term investment, not just a quick purchase. Although an aluminium system will cost slightly more while buying, it also brings with it many long-term advantages, such as longer life, better insulation, lower utility bills, smoother operation, lower maintenance, attractive design and a commitment to sustainability, thus making it cost-effective in the long run.
When you are aware of what you are paying for, you can see how each component adds value to your home, e.g. Glazing, Hardware, Engineering and Certifications. When you select a high-quality aluminium system, both your home and the environment will benefit.
With complete knowledge of where all your money is going, you can make decisions based on what is best for you, including factors such as long-term comfort, performance and peace of mind. -------------------
FAQs
Q1:What factors decide the price of aluminium doors and windows in India?
Prices are influenced by multiple factors including the type and gauge of the material used, the finish, glazing specifications, hardware quality, etc. Other factors include the manufacturing process standards, degree of difficulty in installation of the product, manufacturer's product accreditations, fabrication types, and shipping costs.
Q2:Are aluminium windows expensive compared to other materials?
Although an aluminium window might cost typically more at the point of purchase than either uPVC or simple wooden windows, the durability, ease of maintenance, higher performance, greater strength, and improved appearance make aluminium a superior choice. Due to these qualities, aluminium windows will usually be a much better investment over time as compared to other materials, despite initial investment.
Q3:Does glass type affect the cost of aluminium windows?
Yes, the type of glass you choose significantly affects how much you pay. Factors such as double-glazing, laminated or safety glass, Low-E coatings, and acoustic properties, which offer better insulation, increased security, better UV protection, and greater energy savings. High-performance glazing involves a greater investment, but it improves comfort and lowers potential long-term utility bills.
Q4:How much do installation charges add to the bill?
The cost of installing adds about 10% to 20% to the bill, depending on how complex the project is. Installation charges include site measurements, labour, alignment, sealing, and other consumables that will ensure better performance.
Q5:Are there hidden costs when buying aluminium doors and windows?
Yes, quotes that are not detailed can lead to some unanticipated extra costs. Some common hidden costs include site prep work, higher quality hardware, upgrades, mesh / grill work, and more. By requesting a detailed quote for your window installation, you reduce the chance of discovering these hidden costs.
