“Thermally Broken” Windows Explained

Mar 22, 2024 | Latest

“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 sales@westeckwindows.com for a consultation with one of our Project Consultants.

Search

In the news Latest

  • The Art of the View
    Large glass openings have become a defining feature of modern luxury homes. From expansive window walls to multi-slide patio openings, they transform how a space feels, functions, and connects to its surroundings. When designed thoughtfully, these systems do more than bring in natural light. They create a seamless relationship between indoor and outdoor living while enhancing comfort, performance, and architectural impact.
  • Westeck PVC Windows
    Westeck has always been known for custom PVC windows built for performance and design driven projects. For architects, builders, and designers working across the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada, durable, high-performing window systems are essential. PVC frames remain one of Westeck’s strongest offerings because they combine energy efficiency, durability, and design flexibility in a way that supports both creative vision and long term value.
  • Let’s Talk Windows
    When you’re planning a new home or a major renovation, windows are one of the most important choices you’ll make. They shape the look of the home, the comfort inside, and the long‑term performance of the home. That’s why meeting with a Westeck Project Consultant can make such a significant difference. An informative conversation can help you avoid guesswork, understand your options, and choose the window and door products that truly support your vision and needs.
  • Building Better Homes Together
    Summer heat waves across Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest are becoming more common, and many homeowners feel the strain on their cooling systems. But staying comfortable doesn’t have to mean running your air conditioner all day. With the right window technology, your home can stay naturally cooler, even during peak heat, while reducing reliance on air conditioning.
  • Keeping Your Home Cool Naturally
    Summer heat waves across Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest are becoming more common, and many homeowners feel the strain on their cooling systems. But staying comfortable doesn’t have to mean running your air conditioner all day. With the right window technology, your home can stay naturally cooler, even during peak heat, while reducing reliance on air conditioning.
  • The Hidden Technology Inside Modern Windows
    Modern windows may look simple, but behind the glass is a world of advanced engineering. Today’s homeowners expect comfort, efficiency, and long‑lasting performance, and the technology inside a window plays a significant role in delivering all three. At Westeck Windows, we believe that understanding what’s inside your windows helps you make better choices for your home. Here’s a closer look at the materials, coatings, and design features that are reshaping the fenestration industry.
  • Window Safety Week
    Window Safety Week: Simple Steps to Keep Your Family Safe. Every year, Window Safety Week is a reminder of something we often overlook in our homes: how important windows are for safety. This national awareness week is supported by the National Safety Council (NSC) and the Window Safety Task Force, two organizations that work hard to help families understand how to prevent window related injuries, especially for children.
  • The Truth About Window Screens
    Window screens play a bigger role in home comfort than most people realize. They shape how much fresh air flows inside, how clearly you see outdoors, and how well your home stays protected from insects. Today’s screen technology has improved in every way, giving homeowners better performance and cleaner views than ever before.
  • Natural Light, Wellness and Outdoor Living
    Wellness at home is no longer an add‑on. It’s part of how a space works, feels, and supports daily life. Natural light and fresh air play a major role in that. With the right window and patio door systems, these benefits become part of every room.
  • How to Plan a Window Replacement Project:
    A window replacement project can make your home more comfortable, more energy efficient, and more beautiful,—but the best results come from having a clear plan. Understanding your window replacement timeline, budget, and installation expectations helps you move through the process with confidence. This guide keeps the reading level easy and the steps simple, so you know exactly what to expect when working with a professional window company like Westeck.