When sourcing aluminum windows for a construction project, one of the most critical factors to consider is lead time. A delayed window delivery can push back your entire project schedule, increase labor costs, and create coordination headaches across multiple trades. As a leading casement window manufacturer based in Foshan, China, ALPES Windows understands that reliable delivery timelines are just as important as product quality. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about ALPES windows lead time, what factors influence it, and how to plan your project effectively.
Window lead time refers to the total period from when a purchase order is confirmed to when the finished products arrive at your project site. It is not simply manufacturing time — it encompasses the entire production pipeline, including design review, material procurement, fabrication, surface finishing, glazing, quality inspection, packaging, and shipping logistics.
For international orders from a tilt and turn window manufacturer like ALPES, the lead time also includes ocean freight, customs clearance, and inland delivery. Understanding each stage helps you set realistic expectations and plan your construction schedule accordingly.
ALPES operates a 100,000-square-meter production facility across Foshan and Zhaoqing, equipped with advanced CNC cutting machines, automated corner crimping lines, and precision glass processing equipment. With 6060-T66 aluminum profiles (1.8–2.5mm wall thickness), PA66GF25 multi-chamber thermal break systems, and partnerships with premium German hardware brands — including ROTO, Winkhaus, CMECH, and Wehag — ALPES delivers high-performance aluminum windows for residential and commercial projects worldwide.
| Product Category | Standard Lead Time | Custom / Complex Orders |
|---|---|---|
| Casement Windows (C120, C113, C116) | 4–6 weeks | 6–10 weeks |
| Sliding Windows (TS130) | 5–7 weeks | 7–12 weeks |
| Tilt & Turn Windows (AW90, AW113) | 6–8 weeks | 8–14 weeks |
| Sliding Doors (SL155, SL112/167, SL126/182) | 6–9 weeks | 9–14 weeks |
| Passive House Windows (AW90) | 8–10 weeks | 10–16 weeks |
Note: The above lead times are factory production estimates. International shipping adds 3–6 weeks for ocean freight plus 1–2 weeks for customs clearance and inland delivery.
Several variables can shorten or extend your window delivery timeline. Here are the most significant factors at ALPES:
Standard-size windows in stock colors move through production fastest. Custom dimensions, special shapes, or non-standard configurations add engineering and setup time. As an experienced aluminum sliding window supplier, ALPES handles custom orders regularly, but each customization layer adds approximately 1–3 weeks to the schedule.
ALPES offers four standard colors — Ice Cream White, Aurora Gray, Starry Sky Gray, and Brown Coffee — that are readily available and add minimal time. Custom RAL colors or special finishes require a separate powder coating batch, which can add 5–10 business days. Projects with dual-color (different interior and exterior) finishes also require additional processing time.
High-performance thermal windows — such as the AW90 passive house window with a U-value as low as 1.3 W/m²·K — require more complex fabrication. The double-matrix eight-layer sealing system and triple-glazed insulated glass units demand extra assembly and quality inspection time. Projects targeting passive house or net-zero energy standards should plan for longer lead times.
ALPES partners with top German hardware brands including ROTO, Winkhaus, CMECH, and Wehag. While commonly used hardware components are kept in stock, special hardware configurations or less common models may need to be ordered from the hardware manufacturer, which can add 2–4 weeks. Confirming your hardware selection early helps avoid delays.
Small orders (under 20 units) can sometimes be slotted into existing production runs more quickly. Large commercial projects (50+ units) receive dedicated production line allocation but require more advance planning. For bulk orders, ALPES may offer phased delivery, allowing early installation of critical units while the rest of the order is being manufactured.
The window manufacturing industry experiences seasonal demand peaks. Q2 and Q3 (April through September) are typically the busiest periods, as construction projects ramp up during warmer months. During peak season, lead times can extend by 2–3 weeks compared to off-peak periods. Planning your order for Q4 or Q1 can result in faster turnaround.
Double-glazed units with standard low-e coating are typically in stock and ready for assembly. However, triple-glazed units, laminated safety glass, acoustic glass, or glass with special coatings may require custom fabrication from the glass supplier. Oversized glass units — common in sliding door systems like the SL155 with panels up to 2800×2600mm — also need special handling and longer lead times.
Understanding the production stages gives you visibility into where time is spent and why certain factors affect your delivery date:
Proper planning is the best way to ensure your windows arrive on schedule. Here is a practical timeline to follow when working with ALPES:
Reach out to ALPES with your project specifications. This is the time to discuss window types, sizes, hardware preferences, glass specifications, and color options. Our sales and engineering team can provide detailed quotations and preliminary lead time estimates. Early communication allows us to plan production capacity for your project.
Finalize all specifications and confirm your order with a deposit. At this point, production scheduling is locked in. Make sure all technical drawings are reviewed and approved — any changes after production begins will delay your delivery.
Confirm shipping arrangements and delivery logistics. For international orders, track the ocean freight progress and prepare customs documentation. Coordinate with your installation team to ensure they are ready when the windows arrive.
A: For standard-size casement windows with stock colors and common hardware, production can be as fast as 4 weeks. Add shipping time based on your location.
A: Yes, expedited production may be available for certain products at a premium cost. Contact our sales team to discuss rush order options and feasibility for your specific project.
A: Yes, for commercial or multi-unit projects, ALPES can arrange phased delivery so that the first batch of windows arrives for early installation while remaining units continue production.
A: ALPES carefully packages all units to prevent shipping damage. In the rare case that a unit arrives damaged, we prioritize replacement production. However, a replacement unit still requires a full production cycle, so we always recommend inspecting shipments immediately upon arrival.
ALPES Windows' lead times are competitive with other premium aluminum window manufacturers, especially when considering the high quality of materials — 6060-T66 aluminum, PA66GF25 thermal breaks, and German hardware from ROTO, Winkhaus, CMECH, and Wehag. Standard orders typically ship from the factory in 4–8 weeks, with custom and high-performance configurations taking longer.
The key to a smooth project is early planning and clear communication. By understanding the factors that affect lead time and working closely with the ALPES team from the earliest stages of your project, you can ensure your windows arrive on schedule and meet your performance expectations. To get a detailed lead time estimate for your specific project, contact ALPES at jennifer@alpesvip.com or via WhatsApp at +86 18200804101.
