Aluminium is the most common window frame in new Lahore houses, flats and shops. It is slim, does not rust, and handles large sliding panels well. Quality varies a lot, though, and most of the difference sits in details a quote can hide.
What's included
| Item | What it covers | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Profile | Extruded aluminium frame and sash | Series/system name, wall thickness, finish (anodised or powder coated), colour |
| Glass | Panels fitted in the sash | Type (plain, tinted, frosted, tempered, double glazed) and thickness |
| Hardware | Rollers, locks, handles, hinges | Material and number of rollers per sash |
| Seals | Brush strips, rubber gaskets, silicone | Weather seal on all sides |
| Mesh | Fly mesh on sliding or fixed frames | Fibreglass or steel, sliding or fixed |
| Installation | Fixing to the opening, levelling, sealing | Who does making-good of plaster |
| Removal | Taking out old frames | Included or extra |
Common styles are two- or three-track sliding windows, casement (side-hung) windows, top-hung and fixed panes, sliding or hinged doors, and shop fronts with fixed glass.
When you need it
- New construction, once openings are final.
- Renovation, replacing old steel or wooden frames that leak or warp.
- Balcony and terrace doors where a large sliding panel is wanted.
- Shop and office fronts.
Step-by-step process
- Share opening details – count, rough sizes, floor, and whether walls are plastered.
- Site visit and measurement. Final measurement should be done after plaster.
- Choose the system. Decide sliding versus openable, track count, colour, glass and mesh room by room.
- Compare quotes line by line, not just the total.
- Agree stages and timeline in writing.
- Fabrication in the workshop.
- Installation and sealing, with glass and hardware fitted.
- Snagging – test every sash and lock, check sealing and scratches, then pay the balance.
Approvals and documents
Replacing windows inside your own home usually needs no permit. If you are in a society or a plaza with elevation rules, or you are changing an opening size on the front face, check with the society office or the building management first. Keep the final invoice and warranty card.
What affects the cost
- Profile series and thickness – heavier sections cost more but flex less on big panels.
- Finish and colour – special colours and wood-look finishes cost more.
- Glass type – tempered, laminated and double-glazed units add cost.
- Size – very wide or tall panels may need a heavier system.
- Hardware quality and lock type.
- Mesh, grills or built-in blinds.
- Floor level and access.
- Market prices of aluminium and glass on the day of the quote.
Fabricators usually quote per square foot for windows and per piece or per square foot for doors. Get at least three dated quotes for the same specification.
Questions to ask the fabricator
- Which profile series and wall thickness are you quoting?
- What glass and thickness for each opening? Is door glass tempered?
- How many rollers per sash, and what are they made of?
- Is the frame drained so rain does not collect in the track?
- Does the price include mesh, silicone, removal of old frames and making good?
- What warranty do you give, on what, and for how long?
- Can I see a job you finished recently in Lahore?
Red flags
- Quote with no profile name or thickness.
- Plain glass on full-height doors.
- Measurement taken before plaster with no re-check.
- Unwillingness to show a sample section.
- Pressure for full payment before installation.
FAQs
Sliding or openable windows? Sliding saves space and suits large openings. Openable (casement) windows usually seal better and suit kitchens and bathrooms. Many houses mix both.
Powder coated or anodised? Both protect the surface. Powder coating gives more colour choices; anodising keeps a metallic look. Ask about the finish warranty.
Can aluminium windows be soundproof? They can reduce noise with good seals and double or laminated glass, though UPVC usually seals tighter. Ask for a quote with upgraded glass.
How do I stop dust coming in? Ask for brush seals and rubber gaskets on all sides, a good interlock between sashes, and proper silicone sealing around the frame.
How long do they take? It depends on quantity and workload; ask for a written timeline from measurement to fitting.