Windows used to be simple a small opening in the wall to let in light, air and most importantly to see if the outside was safe to step out. But today, they’re so much more. They shape how our homes look, how much energy they use, and how comfortable we feel inside. In India, the journey of windows has evolved dramatically over the past few decades. From basic wooden frames to sleek, high-performance aluminium systems, we’ve come a long way. Let’s take a quick look at how this transformation happened.

The 1980s: Wood and Steel Were the Norm

In the 1980s, if you visited most Indian homes, you’d find wooden or steel windows. The sizes were small around 4’x4’ or 6’x4’ just enough to bring in some air and sunlight.

Why wood and steel?

Wood was easily available, certain varieties of wood was cheap. Teak wood was considered premium and extremely looked good. Steel was strong and felt safe, especially with safety grills.

But they came with issues:

  • Wood would rot or get eaten by termites. Needed to be polished regularly to retain the rich look or painted.
  • Steel rusted and needed constant painting.
  • Both were heavy and not ideal for taller buildings.

 

As cities grew taller with high-rise buildings, using wood and steel became challenging because of their weight, rust, and need for regular upkeep. That’s when things started changing.

The 1990s: The Rise of uPVC and Aluminium

Aluminium windows first appeared in the early 1980s, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that they started catching on. At first, people doubted whether aluminium was strong enough or safe. But as high-rise buildings became more common, the benefits of aluminium became clear. In the late 1990s uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) also entered the Indian market. The major challenge was to overcome fear of fire. but by mid 2000s, uPVC became a popular choice because:

  • It didn’t rot or rust.
  • It was low-maintenance and looked neat.
  • Prices of uPVC windows stablized due to more local producers of profiles, hardware and steel reinforcement.

Aluminium  windows became more popular as well because they were strong, lightweight, and resistant to rust perfect for taller buildings. By 2010, aluminium systems were on the rise, while uPVC started to plateau.

Why Aluminium?

By 2010, aluminium systems started to take the lead because:

  • Light and strong – perfect for all kinds of buildings and bigger openings.
  • Doesn’t rust – no more worrying about corrosion.
  • Low maintenance – keeping them looking fresh is easy.
  • Works with large glass panels – letting more natural light in.
  • Powder coating – available in many colours.
  • Sleek and modern – aluminium frames give a stylish look.
  • Cost-effective – making aluminium systems available at affordable prices.

That’s why today, aluminium is the most preferred choice for windows and doors in both homes and commercial buildings.

What’s Popular Now?

  • Sleek Sliding Windows – Ideal for compact urban spaces where natural light matters.
  • Casement Windows – Great for airflow, perfect for both luxury homes and high-rises.
  • Pivot Doors – Modern, bold entrances, especially popular in metro cities.
  • Curtain Walls – Full-glass façades with aluminium frames giving a futuristic look in commercial buildings.

Noise Reduction: Finding Peace in the City

Cities can be loud with traffic, construction, and the hustle and bustle. That’s where soundproof aluminium windows help. With double-glazed glass and insulation, they help block out the noise, creating a calm and peaceful home.

Testing for Indian Conditions

While aluminium windows entered the market in the 1980s, it took a while for them to gain trust. People thought they weren’t strong enough or safe. Over the years, various companies worked hard to prove that aluminium was the best choice.

With rapid urbanization,  the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) worked with architects, developers, and system companies to develop standards for windows and doors suitable for the Indian climatic conditions making sure they meet high performance for things like:

  • Air and water tightness
  • Acoustic insulation
  • Wind resistance 
  • Durability
  • Safety glass standards
  • corrosion resistance

 

Today, aluminium windows are not only stylish but also safe, durable, and high-performing.

Technology and Design Advancements

Over the years, improvements in powder coating technology have given aluminium windows a big edge. Now, they come in a wide range of colours, and superior hardware makes them even stronger. Aluminium frames are sleek, lightweight, and have a high strength-to-weight ratio, making them the top choice for modern homes and commercial spaces.

What’s Next?

The future of windows is even more exciting. Imagine:

  • Self-tinting windows that adjust to sunlight.
  • Remote-controlled windows that open or close with a tap or open to allow natural ventilation when you are away
  • As buildings become more energy-efficient and sustainable, aluminium systems will continue to lead the way.

At PROCURAL, we’ve been a part of this incredible transformation. Whether helping architects design stunning facades or supporting builders with reliable, tested systems, we’re with you every step of the way. Let’s create smarter, stronger, and more beautiful windows together.

📞 Contact us: +91 8374092061
📧 Email: connect@procural-group.in
🌐 www.procural-group.in