What Are the Different Types of Aluminum Windows We Offer at GEM Windows & Doors?

If you are a homeowner planning an upgrade or a property buyer evaluating long-term value, windows often become part of the conversation sooner than expected. Aluminum windows, in particular, tend to come up when homes feature larger openings, modern architecture, or wide outdoor views.

In this guide, we walk you through the different types of aluminum windows we offer at GEM Windows & Doors. We also explain what aluminum windows are in simple terms and why they are commonly chosen for certain layouts, styles, and performance needs.

Our goal is to help you understand your options clearly, using straightforward language that makes the decision-making process easier.

The Different Types of Aluminum Windows We Offer

Aluminum windows are not limited to one style. Because aluminum is strong and stable, it can be used across many window types while keeping frames slim and sightlines clean.

Here are the most common aluminum window types we offer and install.

Casement Aluminum Windows

Casement windows open outward using a crank handle. They are popular because they seal tightly when closed and allow fresh air to flow easily when open.

In aluminum, casement windows can be made with thinner frames than many other materials. This means more glass and less frame, which is especially helpful if you want to maximize light or views.

Casement windows work well in living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms, especially where ventilation matters.

Sliding Aluminum Windows

Sliding windows move horizontally along a track. They are simple to use and work well in spaces where an outward-opening window is not ideal, such as near walkways, decks, or patios.

Aluminum sliding windows hold their shape well over time, which helps panels slide smoothly even in larger sizes. They are often chosen for their clean look and practicality.

Fixed Aluminum Windows

Fixed windows do not open. Their purpose is to bring in light and frame views.

Because aluminum is strong, fixed aluminum windows can be made quite large without needing bulky frames. They are often paired with operable windows nearby or used to create feature windows in living spaces, stairwells, or entry areas.

Tilt-and-Turn Aluminum Windows

Tilt-and-turn windows offer two ways to open. The window can tilt inward at the top for gentle airflow, or it can swing inward like a door for full opening and easy cleaning.

This European-style window design also allows the operating window to be larger than traditional casement windows. Because of aluminum’s strength, wider and taller panels can be used without compromising stability, which helps bring in more light and create a more open feel.

This type of window is often chosen by homeowners and property buyers who want flexibility, especially in multi-level homes where exterior cleaning may be difficult.

Push-Out Casement Aluminum Windows

Push-out casement windows open outward with a simple push, using a friction hinge to hold the window in place at different opening positions. Because there is no crank hardware, the interior look stays clean and uncluttered, which appeals to homeowners and property buyers who prefer a more minimal style.

When made in aluminum, push-out casement windows can support larger operating panels while keeping the frame slim. This allows more natural light to enter and works well when paired with fixed or picture windows. They are commonly used in living rooms, bedrooms, and other spaces where easy ventilation and clear views matter.

Double-Hung Aluminum Windows

Double-hung windows allow both the top and bottom sash to move.

While more common in vinyl, aluminum double-hung windows can still be designed for homes that prefer a traditional look but want the durability and slim profiles aluminum offers.

What Are Aluminum Windows, in Simple Terms?

Aluminum windows use metal frames instead of vinyl or wood. What makes aluminum different is its strength. It does not warp, swell, or rot, and it holds its shape well over time.

Modern aluminum windows are built with thermal breaks, which means there is insulation separating the inside and outside parts of the frame. This helps reduce heat or cold  transfer and improves comfort during both winter and summer.

In everyday terms, this means today’s aluminum windows are designed to handle Canadian weather while still offering clean lines and large glass areas.

How Aluminum Windows Support Design and Performance

The window types we discussed above are made possible through careful design, engineering, and material selection. Aluminum, by nature, allows for strength and stability that supports larger openings, slimmer frames, and more flexibility in how windows are configured within a home.

Behind the scenes, our team takes the time to research and collaborate with some of the industry’s most established window manufacturers, both locally and internationally. This allows us to bring proven designs and engineering standards into Canadian homes, while ensuring the final solution meets local building requirements and climate needs.

We work with well-known aluminum profile manufacturers such as Alumil and Reynaers, whose profiles are recognized for European engineering, clean detailing, and structural reliability. These profiles are commonly used in modern residential architecture and support many of the aluminum window types outlined earlier, from casement and fixed windows to tilt-and-turn configurations.

In addition to internationally sourced profiles, we also continue to expand our locally focused offerings. Our upcoming Spartan aluminum windows, which are Canadian sourced and coming soon, are being developed to meet or exceed many of Canada’s energy efficiency requirements. This gives homeowners and property buyers more choice, especially for projects that prioritize local sourcing and performance standards.

Aluminum Windows in Architectural Design

Beyond performance, aluminum windows play an important role in architectural design. Their strength allows for window layouts that would be difficult to achieve with other materials.

In many projects, aluminum windows are used to create:

• Feature walls with expansive glass areas

• Floor-to-ceiling window groupings

• Entire sides of a home designed primarily with glass

• Clean, modern elevations with consistent sightlines

Because aluminum frames can remain slim even at larger sizes, the focus stays on the glass rather than the frame. This makes aluminum a strong choice for homes that emphasize natural light, outdoor views, and open interior spaces.

We often work with homeowners, designers, and builders to plan these architectural elements early. Window placement, size, and configuration are carefully considered so the final result feels balanced, intentional, and well integrated into the home’s overall design.

How Aluminum Windows Perform in Real Homes

A common question from homeowners and buyers is how aluminum windows handle cold winters.

The answer depends on the system and installation. With modern thermally broken frames, proper glazing, and correct installation, aluminum windows perform well in Canadian conditions.

They remain stable through temperature changes and continue to operate smoothly over time, which is one reason they are often chosen for larger or more exposed openings.

What Is the Life Expectancy of Aluminum Windows?

Aluminum windows are known for their longevity. In residential settings, well-built aluminum window systems can last 30 to 40 years or more.

They do not rot or swell, and finishes are designed to resist fading and corrosion. For property buyers thinking long term, aluminum windows are often viewed as a durable feature that reduces the need for replacement down the road.

How Aluminum Windows Fit Today’s Homes

Aluminum windows naturally align with many of today’s design preferences. Larger glass areas, cleaner lines, and better connections to outdoor spaces are becoming more common in both renovations and new builds.

These ideas also connect with broader renovation trends we discussed in our Home Improvement Trends for 2026 blog, where natural light, openness, and long-term value continue to shape how homes are designed and updated.

Planning an Aluminum Window Project

If you are exploring aluminum windows especially in Toronto, it helps to see how the different types operate and how the frames feel in person. Details like frame depth, hardware, and glass size are much easier to understand when you can view and compare them up close.

We have been working with homeowners and property buyers across the Greater Toronto Area since 1961. Over the years, our role has remained the same: to share guidance based on experience and help you understand what makes sense for your home, without pressure.

You are welcome to visit us at 1590 The Queensway, Etobicoke, where you can view aluminum window systems in person and ask questions at your own pace. Contact us today!