Buying Aluminum Windows and Doors from Chinese Suppliers

Chinese suppliers offer quality aluminum windows and doors at competitive prices, but the buying process requires specific knowledge to avoid mistakes.

Understanding Aluminum Alloys for Philippine Conditions

Why 6063-T5 is the Philippine Standard

6063-T5 aluminum is the most common specification for windows and doors for the Philippines because:

• Corrosion resistance: Essential for coastal areas and high humidity
• Strength-to-weight ratio: Handles typhoon loads without excessive weight (see Philippines typhoon requirements)
• Extrusion compatibility: Easy to form complex profiles
• Cost effectiveness: Good performance without premium pricing

Typhoon and Rust Protection Essentials

Minimum Requirements:

• Alloy: 6063-T5 aluminum minimum
• Wall thickness: 1.5mm minimum for windows, 2.0mm+ for doors
• Thermal break: Essential for energy efficiency and condensation control
• Proper drainage: Built-in weep holes for water management

Upgrade Options:

• 6061-T6 aluminum: Higher strength for extreme wind loads
• Increased wall thickness: 2.0mm+ for enhanced typhoon resistance
• Marine-grade hardware: Stainless steel components for coastal areas

Aluminum Series Explained

Standard vs Premium Series

125-70 Series (Basic)

• Wall thickness: 1.5mm
• Thermal break: Yes
• Best for: Standard residential applications
• Price range: Most economical

110 Ultra-Narrow Series (Premium)

• Wall thickness: 1.8mm
• Thermal break: Enhanced
• Benefits: Maximum glass area, modern aesthetics
• Price premium: 15-20% over standard

116-76 Heavy-Duty Series (Doors)

• Wall thickness: 2.5mm
• Thermal break: Industrial grade
• Best for: Large sliding doors, high-traffic areas
• Applications: Main entrances, large openings

Key Questions for Suppliers

1. “What is the wall thickness of your aluminum profiles?”
2. “Is this 6063-T5 aluminum with thermal break?”
3. “What is the frame visibility width?” (Ultra-narrow vs standard)
4. “Can you provide structural load calculations for typhoon resistance?”

Glass Specifications That Matter

Triple Glazing Standard Configuration

Minimum Spec for Philippines:

• 5mm clear glass + 1.14PVB + 5mm clear glass + 12A Argon + 5mm LOW-E
• Total thickness: ~27mm
• Performance: Energy efficient, impact resistant, noise reduction

Configuration Variables:

• PVB thickness: 0.76mm (basic) vs 1.14mm (premium safety)
• Spacer width: 12A, 19A, 20A, 25A (higher = better insulation)
• LOW-E position: Outside pane for energy efficiency
• Glass type: Clear, tinted, or reflective options

Cost Impact of Glass Upgrades

• Basic to premium PVB: +$15-25 per sqm
• Standard to wide spacer: +$10-20 per sqm
• Adding LOW-E coating: +$20-30 per sqm (mandatory recommendation)
• Tinted/reflective glass: +$25-40 per sqm (Not required is you use laminated glass)

Don’t pay for deep “colored/low-UV” glass just to protect from UV. In the Philippines, you’ll get better comfort + durability by using neutral solar-control Low-E + laminated glass. Tints are optional for glare. Laminated blocks >99% UV, protects furniture/finishes, adds security.

Essential Questions

1. “What is your standard glass configuration?”
2. “Is LOW-E coating included in the price?”
3. “What PVB thickness do you use?”
4. “Can you provide thermal performance data?”

Hardware Quality Tiers

For detailed hardware specifications and coastal performance data, see our comprehensive Chinese hardware guide.

Brand Hierarchy (Chinese Market)

Tier 1: Premium Brands

• HOPO: Heavy-duty sliding systems
• KINLONG: Premium residential hardware
• For international projects—especially in coastal areas, it is recommend to use Siegenia (Germany) and Doric (Australia) for their superior durability and corrosion resistance.
• Price premium: 30-50% over basic

Tier 2: Standard Brands

• Various established Chinese manufacturers
• Good quality-to-price ratio
• Suitable for most residential applications

Tier 3: Basic/Generic

• Often just labeled “China Brand”
• Functional but limited durability
• Cost savings: 20-40% less than premium

Hardware by Window Type

Sliding Windows:

• Track system quality determines operation smoothness
• Ball bearing rollers vs plastic wheels
• Stainless steel vs aluminum tracks

Awning/Casement Windows:

• Hinge quality affects weight capacity
• Multi-point locking for security
• Weather sealing integration

Sliding Doors:

• Heavy-duty track systems required
• High-quality rollers for large panel weight
• Security locking mechanisms

3A molecules for the sealant are a common practice for absorbing moisture within the sealant of insulated glass units, as they effectively remove water and prevent condensation and fogging by absorbing moisture that penetrates the sealant barrier. The 3A molecular sieve, an alkali metal aluminosilicate, has pores of about 3 angstroms, which are selective for water, making it an excellent desiccant for these applications.

Surface Protection Options

Coating Types for Philippine Climate

Powder Coating (Standard)

• Process: Electrostatic spray, oven-cured
• Durability: 10-15 years typical
• Colors: Wide selection available
• Cost: Base pricing
• Best for: Protected environments

Fluorocarbon Coating (Premium)

• Process: Multi-layer PVDF coating
• Durability: 20+ years with minimal fading
• Weather resistance: Superior UV and salt protection
• Cost: +15-25% over powder coating
• Best for: Coastal areas, high sun exposure

Anodizing (Specialty)

• Process: Electrochemical oxidation
• Durability: Permanent color integration
• Colors: Limited to metallic tones
• Cost: Similar to fluorocarbon
• Best for: Architectural applications

Color Selection Strategy

Standard Colors (No Premium):

• White, black, gray, bronze
• Usually powder coating sufficient

Custom/Premium Colors:

• Wood grain effects, bright colors
• Fluorocarbon coating recommended
• Longer lead times possible

Screen and Mesh Options

Window Screens

Standard Sliding Screens:

• 0.8mm diamond mesh
• Aluminum frame
• Suitable for most windows

Fixed Fly Screens:

• Nylon mesh
• For awning/casement windows
• Lower cost, basic protection

Door Screens

HD Mesh Screens:

• Heavy-duty mesh material
• Reinforced frame
• Better visibility and airflow

Security Screens:

• Stainless steel mesh
• Enhanced frame systems
• Price premium: 100-150% over standard

For coastal projects, some recommend fixed aluminium mesh. The reason is that retractable fiberglass mesh, while convenient, does not perform well in salty and humid environments, the screen fabric tends to lose tension and the roller components are prone to corrosion.

Getting Accurate Quotations

Information You Need to Provide

Technical Drawings:

• Accurate dimensions (width × height)
• Opening direction specifications
• Frame installation details
• Glass requirements

Project Details:

• Location (for wind load calculations)
• Building height and exposure
• Performance requirements
• Installation timeline

Standard Quotation Components

Product Breakdown:

• Frame material and series
• Glass configuration
• Hardware specifications
• Screen/mesh type
• Surface coating

Pricing Structure:

• Unit price per piece
• Price per square meter
• Installation hardware
• Packing and shipping
• Lead time

Questions to Ask Every Supplier

Technical Specifications:

1. “Can you confirm 6063-T5 aluminum with thermal break?”
2. “What wall thickness for this series?”
3. “Is LOW-E glass included in the standard config?”
4. “Which hardware brand for each window type?”
5. “What coating type at this price?”

Commercial Terms:

1. “Is this EXW or delivered pricing?”
2. “What’s included in the packing fee?”
3. “Can you provide load testing certificates?”
4. “What’s the warranty coverage?”
5. “Do you stock inventory or manufacture to order?”

Avoiding Common Supplier Issues

Red Flags During Quotation

Vague Specifications:

• “High-quality aluminum” without alloy specification
• “Triple glass” without configuration details
• “Premium hardware” without brand names

Pricing Issues:

• Quotes mixing different series without explanation
• Glass specifications changing between revisions
• Hardware downgrades without price adjustment

Communication Problems:

• Cannot answer technical questions specifically
• Provides only generic product catalogs
• Unwilling to provide load calculations or certifications

Quality Verification Steps

Before Ordering:

1. Request material certificates (6063-T5 compliance)
2. Ask for load testing reports (typhoon resistance)
3. Verify hardware brand authenticity
4. Check coating warranty terms

During Production:

1. Request progress photos showing frame assembly
2. Verify glass configuration matches specifications
3. Confirm hardware installation per your requirements

Price Expectations and Budgeting

Realistic Price Ranges (EXW China)

Standard Windows:

• Basic series: $150-250 per sqm
• Premium series: $200-350 per sqm
• Specialty/large: $300-500 per sqm

Doors:

• Standard sliding: $250-400 per sqm
• Heavy-duty sliding: $350-500 per sqm
• Pivot/swing: $300-450 per sqm

Additional Costs: Shipping, Packing, Import duties (ASEAN Trade) and Local installation.

Working with Chinese Suppliers Successfully

Communication Best Practices

Technical Clarity:

• Use metric measurements exclusively
• Provide detailed drawings with dimensions
• Specify performance requirements clearly
• Confirm understanding with follow-up questions

Timeline Management:

• Allow extra time for specification finalization
• Plan for potential revision cycles
• Account for Chinese holidays in scheduling
• Confirm production capacity before ordering

Payment and Risk Management

Standard Terms:

• 30% deposit to start production
• 70% balance before shipment
• Letter of credit for large orders

Quality Protection:

• Third-party inspection services
• Photo documentation during production
• Hold final payment until arrival inspection
• Alibaba Trade assurance, see the article on Alibaba importing

The Bottom Line

Chinese suppliers offer excellent value for aluminum windows and doors, but success requires preparation and specific technical knowledge.

Related Guides:

• Chinese Aluminum Supplier Directory - Verified suppliers with typhoon certifications
• Getting Quotes from Chinese Suppliers - Step-by-step quotation process
• Chinese Hardware for Aluminum Windows - Hardware brand comparison and specifications
• Typhoon-Resistant Window Hardware - Coastal installation requirements

Essential Requirements:

1. 6063-T5 aluminum minimum with appropriate wall thickness
2. Thermal break construction for energy efficiency
3. Proper glass configuration with LOW-E coating
4. Quality hardware from established brands
5. Appropriate surface coating for Philippine climate

Success Strategy:

• Prepare complete technical specifications before contacting suppliers
• Ask specific technical questions and verify answers
• Compare quotes on identical specifications only
• Plan for total delivered cost, not just product pricing
• Allow adequate time for specification and quality verification

Note: Make sure the installers ACTUALLY use Stainless Steel screws & fixings!! Inspect them before they use them.

The lowest quote rarely delivers the best value. Focus on suppliers who demonstrate technical knowledge and provide complete, accurate specifications.