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Aluminum dominates Moroccan mid/high-end exterior joinery (40+ year durability, UV/salt/humidity resistance, fine profiles). Brands tiered: European (Schüco, Reynaers, Technal — premium), Spanish/Turkish (Sapa, Hydro — mid), local/Chinese (entry). Standards: RTCM-mandated double glazing, thermal break recommended zones 4-6.
Aluminum: 40+ year durability, thin profiles (more glass surface), UV/salt/humidity proof, recyclable. Cost: +50-100% vs PVC. PVC: cheaper, good inherent thermal insulation, but yellows after 8-12 years in Moroccan sun, thicker profiles. Hot/exposed zones: alu mandatory. Mid climates + budget: PVC OK.
Bare aluminum: excellent thermal conductor → indoor profile as cold as outdoor (condensation, cold sensation). Thermal break (polyamide resin between profiles) blocks this: Uw < 1.6 W/m².K vs 4-6 without. +25-40% premium. RTCM mandatory zones 4-6 (Fès, Meknès, Ifrane).
Double 4/16/4 (4mm + 16mm argon + 4mm): RTCM minimum, Uw ~1.4 W/m².K. Low-E double (VIR): -30% heat loss, +15-25% premium, 5-7 year ROI. Triple 4/12/4/12/4: excellent but heavy (60 kg/m²), reserved Ifrane/Midelt cold zones. Laminated security for ground floor and seaside.
Causes: 1) Sloppy install (insufficient or wrong-direction silicone). 2) EPDM joints degraded (replace every 10-15 years). 3) Incorrect shimming (warped frame). 4) Missing slope on sliding door sill. Solution: demand AEV A4-E9A-V5 minimum classification, certified pro install, post-install water test.
Standard R+1 villa: 12-16 windows + 2-3 sliders + 1-2 french doors = ~30-40 m² joinery. Economy (local Sapa no thermal break): 60,000 MAD. Mid (Sapa TB + Low-E): 96,000. Premium (Reynaers/Schüco + triple): 165,000. With motorized shutters: +50,000-150,000. Total: 110,000-320,000.
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