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“Thermally Broken” Windows Explained

The term ‘thermally broken’ is used in the window and door manufacturing industry to describe a window's construction. It means that you manufacture the aluminum frame to have an interior and exterior side joined by barrier. The barrier helps inhibit conductive thermal energy loss.

3 min read

“Thermally broken” is a term used to describe a window’s construction in the windows and door manufacturing industry. The term refers to the fact that an aluminum frame is manufactured with an interior and an exterior side joined by a barrier. The barrier serves to reduce conductive thermal loss.

Thermally Broken Window

Understanding Thermal Breaks and Why They Matter

Thermal breaks sit inside the window frame, and they help control how heat moves through the window. Many energy‑efficiency upgrades focus on the glass because it covers the most surface area and loses the most energy. Thermal breaks stand out because they improve efficiency without changing the glass itself

How Thermal Breaks Work

A thermally broken frame uses reinforced polyamide strips made from a strong, non‑metal composite. During manufacturing, these strips go between the inner and outer parts of the frame. This creates an insulating barrier. Because the material has low thermal conductivity, it slows the transfer of heat and cold. This simple barrier can greatly improve how the entire window performs.

Why Thermal Windows Matter

Thermal windows help keep your home comfortable in every season. Older windows can lose up to 49% of a home’s winter heat. They can also let in as much as 87% of outdoor heat in the summer. By reducing heat loss in cold climates and heat gain in warm ones, thermal windows lower the U‑value and boost overall energy efficiency

Why Homeowners Choose Westeck

Westeck focuses on more than products—we focus on service, innovation, and helping you make the right choice for your home. Our team guides you through the selection process so you get a perfect fit. We stay ahead of industry trends and continue to improve our designs, bringing you the latest in window and door technology.
Choosing Westeck means choosing quality, style, and peace of mind. From windows to doors to patio doors, we offer solutions that enhance comfort, beauty, and efficiency. When you upgrade with Westeck, you bring home a blend of form and function that lasts.

Proudly Local, Proudly Custom

Westeck is a premier manufacturer of windows and doors. We build all major North American and European‑style products locally and showcase them in seven showrooms across Kelowna, Victoria, Vancouver, Chilliwack, Nanaimo, Kirkland, and Bellingham. Every window and door is made to order, giving you the freedom to design something personal and unique.
Explore our newest line of energy‑efficient windows and doors—crafted to complement modern and contemporary architecture and built to perform.

If you’d like to learn more about our windows, doors, and patio openings contact us Toll-free (US/Canada): 1-877-606-1166 or email us at for a consultation with one of our Project Consultants.

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