International Project Knowledge

Aluminium Windows, Doors & Facades Frequently Asked Questions.

Technical answers for architects, developers, contractors and international clients specifying European aluminium systems for projects in Europe, the United States, Canada and other international markets.

Since 1978 Aluminium fabrication experience
Made in Greece In-house manufacturing
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FAQ / Technical Guidance

Answers before the drawings become fabrication.

Mparolas Aluminium Systems manufactures custom aluminium windows, doors, minimal sliding systems and architectural façade solutions in Greece. This FAQ brings together the questions that most often arise during international specification, quotation, technical approval, production and delivery.

Performance and compliance always depend on the exact aluminium system, typology, dimensions, glazing, hardware, installation detail and project jurisdiction. For that reason, the answers below provide a strong technical starting point rather than replacing project-specific engineering or local-code review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Technical, commercial & export answers.

Use the search field or select a category. All answers remain part of the page content so visitors, search engines and AI systems can understand the context of your services.

01 Who is Mparolas Aluminium Systems? +

Mparolas Aluminium Systems is a European manufacturer of custom aluminium windows, doors and façade systems based in Greece. The company has been active since 1978 and supports residential, commercial, hospitality and demanding architectural projects in Greece and international markets.

02 What aluminium products can Mparolas manufacture for international projects? +

The scope can include thermally broken opening windows and doors, tilt-and-turn systems, minimal sliding and lift-and-slide systems, entrance and pivot doors, curtain walls, architectural façades, large glazed openings and other project-specific aluminium constructions. Screens, hardware, glazing and complementary components can be coordinated as part of the complete solution.

03 Which aluminium system brands do you fabricate? +

Mparolas manufactures selected architectural systems from established European suppliers, including ALUMIL, Reynaers Aluminium, ELVIAL and Forster. The appropriate system is selected according to architecture, dimensions, opening type, glazing, performance requirements and destination market.

04 Can you manufacture custom sizes and oversized aluminium openings? +

Yes. Large-format and custom-made openings are an important part of our work. Feasibility depends on the selected system, sash dimensions, glass weight, hardware limits, structural loads, wind exposure and installation conditions. Oversized units are reviewed individually before final system selection and fabrication.

05 Do you manufacture minimal sliding aluminium systems? +

Yes. Mparolas manufactures minimal and slim-profile sliding systems for projects where large glass areas, reduced visible aluminium and architectural continuity are priorities. System selection is based on opening size, glass weight, track configuration, drainage, thermal performance, wind loads and operational requirements.

06 Are European aluminium windows suitable for cold climates? +

They can be, when the complete assembly is specified for the climate and project. Cold-climate performance depends on the thermal-break design, frame depth, glazing, warm-edge spacer, airtightness, installation interfaces and the actual size and typology of each element. Triple glazing and higher-performance thermally broken systems may be evaluated where lower heat transfer is required.

07 Are your aluminium systems suitable for hot, high-UV and coastal environments? +

Appropriate systems and finishes can be specified for demanding environments. For coastal or high-UV exposure, the project review should consider surface treatment, colour, hardware, drainage, sealants, glazing solar-control strategy and maintenance. Enhanced coating or seaside-grade treatment may be selected where the exposure requires it.

08 What is the difference between Uw, Uf and Ug values? +

Uf describes the thermal transmittance of the frame, Ug refers to the glazing, and Uw refers to the complete window or door element. Uw is therefore affected by frame system, glass composition, spacer, geometry, dimensions and frame-to-glass ratio. A glass Ug value should not be presented as the Uw value of the finished window.

09 Can you provide project-specific thermal performance information? +

Yes, where the necessary system and glazing data are available. Thermal performance should be evaluated for the exact element rather than assumed from a generic catalogue value. For projects requiring calculated Uw or Ud values, dimensions, typology, frame system, glazing and spacer information are reviewed together.

10 Do you supply double or triple glazing? +

Both can be specified depending on the aluminium system, climate and project target. Glass selection may combine thermal insulation, solar control, safety, acoustic performance, security and visual requirements. The complete glazing build-up is coordinated with the selected frame system and allowable glass thickness and weight.

11 Can you provide solar-control and energy-efficient glazing? +

Yes. Depending on the design, glass options can include low-emissivity and solar-control glazing such as solutions from Saint-Gobain Glass. The correct specification depends on orientation, climate, façade area, daylight objectives, cooling loads, visual appearance and the required thermal and solar factors.

12 Can you provide acoustic glazing for noise reduction? +

Yes. Acoustic performance can be improved through appropriate laminated acoustic glass, asymmetric pane thicknesses, cavity design and correctly specified frames and seals. Final performance is a system-level result, so glass selection should be coordinated with the aluminium element, opening type and installation detail.

13 Do you offer laminated, tempered and safety glass? +

Yes. Laminated safety glass, tempered glass and security-oriented glazing can be specified according to the location and risk assessment of the opening. The required composition depends on application, dimensions, fall protection, impact requirements, security target and local regulations.

14 What powder-coating, RAL and architectural finish options are available? +

Standard RAL colours, matt and textured finishes, anodised finishes and selected architectural coatings can be evaluated according to the chosen system supplier and project requirements. Availability, minimum quantities, lead time and exact surface-treatment certification should be confirmed for the selected colour and production route.

15 What should be specified for aluminium in coastal or marine locations? +

Coastal exposure requires attention to pretreatment, coating class, hardware materials, drainage, fasteners, interfaces and maintenance. Where applicable, enhanced surface-treatment routes such as QUALICOAT SEASIDE-related specifications can be considered. The correct solution must be confirmed for the exact aluminium supplier, finish and exposure.

16 Can European aluminium windows be used in projects in the United States? +

Potentially yes, but suitability must be verified for the exact project. U.S. requirements vary by state, municipality, building type, wind exposure and specification. The selected aluminium system, tested configuration, glazing and documentation should therefore be reviewed against the applicable local code and project requirements before final approval.

17 Can European aluminium windows be used in Canadian projects? +

Yes, subject to project-specific review. Canadian projects may place particular emphasis on thermal performance, air leakage, water penetration, structural resistance and cold-climate detailing. Requirements can vary by province, municipality and project, so local-code and consultant review remains essential.

18 Do all European systems automatically comply with AAMA, NAFS or NFRC requirements? +

No. North American testing and certification are system- and configuration-specific. A classification or report for one tested size, typology or glazing configuration should not automatically be extended to every product in a manufacturer's range. For USA and Canada projects, the exact system and available supporting documentation must be checked before specification.

19 What documentation is available for European projects? +

Depending on product type and project scope, documentation can include CE-related information, Declaration of Performance where applicable, system technical data, glazing specifications, thermal information, performance classifications and project-specific technical documents. The final documentation set is confirmed according to the manufactured product and contractual requirements.

20 Are LEED and BREEAM certifications for the window itself? +

No. LEED and BREEAM assess buildings and projects, not an individual aluminium window as a standalone "LEED-certified" or "BREEAM-certified" product. Product-level environmental documentation, material data, EPDs or other supplier certifications may support relevant project credits or assessments where applicable.

21 Can you support architects with sections, details and technical submittals? +

Yes. Depending on project stage and scope, support can include system sections, opening layouts, typical construction details, glazing notes, hardware information, installation guidance and project-specific coordination. Early involvement is especially useful for minimal sliders, oversized elements and façades.

22 What information do you need to prepare an accurate quotation? +

The most useful starting package includes architectural plans, elevations and sections, an opening schedule, dimensions, opening types, project location, required performance, preferred colour/finish, glazing concept, security or acoustic requirements and any relevant tender specification. Site photos and access constraints are also valuable when packaging and delivery must be planned.

23 How do you select the right aluminium system for a project? +

System selection is based on more than appearance. We review opening dimensions, typology, glass weight, wind exposure, thermal and acoustic requirements, water management, hardware, accessibility, threshold design, finish, budget and destination-market requirements. The goal is to match the architectural intent with a buildable and technically appropriate solution.

24 What performance criteria matter most for curtain walls and façades? +

Key criteria commonly include air permeability, watertightness, resistance to wind load, structural movement, drainage, thermal performance, glass specification, interface detailing and, where relevant, acoustic, fire or seismic requirements. Building height, exposure and local engineering requirements can significantly affect the final façade specification.

25 Can you support large openings with heavy glass? +

Yes, where the selected system permits the required dimensions and loads. Heavy-glass applications require coordinated review of sash weight, rollers or hinges, profile inertia, locking points, glass support, transport, lifting and installation access. A large opening should be engineered as a complete assembly rather than selected only by profile appearance.

26 Can motorised aluminium sliding systems be supplied? +

Motorisation can be evaluated for compatible systems and configurations. The project review must consider sash weight, opening geometry, motor compatibility, electrical requirements, controls, access for service and emergency/manual-operation provisions. Final availability depends on the selected aluminium system and automation package.

27 What is the typical production lead time? +

A typical planning range for many projects is approximately 35–45 working days after final technical approvals, confirmed finishes, glass specification and the agreed payment required to release production. Complex façades, special colours, custom glass, automation or large project volumes may require a different schedule. The confirmed lead time is always stated for the specific order.

28 How are aluminium windows and doors packaged for international transport? +

Packaging is planned around product size, fragility, transport mode and unloading conditions. Protection can include surface film, separators, corner and edge protection, secure supports, palletisation or custom transport frames, together with clear identification of individual openings. Oversized elements may require dedicated handling and loading plans.

29 Do you export fully assembled windows or knock-down packages? +

The preferred delivery format depends on system type, dimensions, transport limits, glazing strategy and the capabilities of the local installer. Many windows and doors can be supplied as finished manufactured units, while specific large or façade components may need partial assembly or project-specific packing. The delivery format is agreed before production.

30 Which Incoterm do you normally use for export projects? +

Our standard export approach is typically EXW Greece, with the buyer or its logistics partner arranging international transport. Alternative logistics arrangements can be discussed for individual projects where appropriate. The agreed Incoterm and responsibilities are stated clearly in the commercial offer before production.

31 What documents can accompany an international shipment? +

Depending on destination and scope, the shipment documentation can include the commercial invoice, packing information, delivery documentation, transport documents and agreed product or performance documentation. For EU projects, CE-related and Declaration of Performance information may be included where applicable. Non-EU customs requirements are coordinated with the buyer and freight partner according to the agreed scope.

32 How is glazing handled for export projects? +

The glazing strategy is selected according to system type, glass size and weight, transport risk, local installation capability and project schedule. Units may be supplied factory-glazed where practical, while certain oversized or project-specific elements may require separate glass handling or local glazing. The approach is defined during technical and logistics planning.

33 What are your standard payment terms for export orders? +

Our standard export structure is generally 50% advance payment to release the order and full settlement before shipment/loading, unless different terms are expressly agreed in the project quotation or contract. The commercial offer always defines the exact payment stages applicable to the order.

34 Do you install aluminium windows on international projects? +

International export projects are generally structured as manufacture and supply, with installation performed by the client's local team or contractor unless otherwise agreed. Mparolas can provide installation guidance, technical coordination and project-specific information so the local team understands the required sequence, tolerances and interfaces.

35 How do you label products so that installation teams can identify them on site? +

Units can be identified according to the approved opening schedule, elevation, floor, zone or opening reference. Packaging can also be organised to support the planned unloading and installation sequence. Clear identification becomes especially important on multi-floor, multi-type and phased projects.

36 How do I start an international project enquiry with Mparolas? +

Send your drawings, opening schedule, project location and technical requirements to contact@mparolas.com or use our contact form. If available, include performance targets, glass requirements, finish preferences, estimated quantities and required delivery timing so the project can be evaluated more efficiently.

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Technical Note

System data must always be checked against the exact project configuration.

Certifications, classifications, thermal values, dimensions and performance reports may apply only to specific systems, variants, tested sizes, opening types, glazing configurations, hardware or manufacturing conditions. Local building-code requirements also vary by jurisdiction. Final specification should therefore be confirmed for the exact project before ordering.

Project Enquiry

Have drawings?
Start with the openings.

Send us your plans, elevations, opening schedule and project requirements. Our team can review system selection, dimensions, glazing, performance, manufacturing and export requirements before fabrication begins.

Athens Offices · Marousi, Attica, Greece · contact@mparolas.com

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