Thermal break and sea: what windows to install in Batumi

What is special about the climate of Batumi

Batumi is the wettest city in Georgia: average annual air humidity is 70-80%, 2500+ mm of precipitation per year (for comparison: Tbilisi - about 500 mm). Add to this the salty aerosol from the sea and constant winds from the Black Sea. For windows this means three problems:

• Condensation The dew point in winter is on the inner surface of the profile. Aluminum conducts heat 200 times better than PVC: without breaking the cold bridge, the profile becomes icy and “cries”.
• Corrosion. Salt spray + condensation = electrolyte directly on the frame. Cheap profiles without anodizing/painting become covered with whitish spots within 1-2 years.
• Wind load. Strong sea winds require a rigid structure and high-quality fittings with pressure around the entire perimeter.

How does a thermal break work?

Thermal break is a polyamide insert between the outer and inner halves of an aluminum profile. Polyamide conducts heat ~200 times worse than aluminum, so the cold bridge is broken:

• The outer part of the profile is cold (like the street)
• Polyamide jumper 24-34 mm - barrier
• The inner part of the profile is warm (like a room)

In the ASAS systems on which we produce windows, the thermal bridge width is up to 34 mm - this is one of the widest indicators in the industry. Result: the temperature of the inner surface of the profile is close to the air temperature in the room, there is no condensation, the dew point moves outward.

What will happen to “cold” aluminum in Batumi

The cold profile (without thermal break) is legitimate for glazing terraces, gazebos, summer cafes - where there is no heating. But in a heated apartment or hotel in Batumi, he behaves like this:

1. First year — everything is fine, the window looks new.
2. Winter 1-2 - condensation and puddles on the windowsill during cold weeks, mold in the corners of the junction.
3. Year 2-3 — the fittings become stuck (the seals have become stiff from constant dampness), and pockets of corrosion appear on the frame.
4. Bottom line — replacement of the structure ahead of schedule, i.e. double payment for “savings”.

What to choose: a practical cheat sheet

Why we bet on ASAS

ASAŞ is a Turkish aluminium systems manufacturer with a 40+ year history, one of the largest in the region. For Batumi this is a practical choice:

• Factories and warehouse in Turkey → logistics to Georgia is fast and inexpensive, deadlines are not missed
• Full line: from RWT55 to panoramic RST116 lift&slide - the whole house from one manufacturer
• The quality of anodizing and painting is designed for the maritime climate (Türkiye itself is a maritime country)
• Price level - lower than European analogues with comparable profile geometry

A detailed analysis of three systems with characteristics from official catalogs is in the article ASAS RWT55 vs RWT64 vs RST116.

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to install plastic windows instead of aluminum?

Yes, PVC is cheaper. But for large openings and terraces, aluminum is stiffer and more durable, does not yellow in the sun and resists salty air. PVC is justified for small standard windows in the budget segment.

Is a thermal break really necessary if I have a condo without heating in winter?

If the room is not heated in winter, there will be no condensation on the profile, and the thermal break is not critical. But if you plan to live in winter with heating, without it you will sweat even at +12 outside.

How long does an aluminum window last in Batumi?

The profile itself is 40-50 years old. Fittings require adjustment every 2-3 years, seals require replacement every 10-15 years. We provide a 10-year guarantee on the profile and 2 years on installation.