Overview of window materials Advantages and disadvantages

Plastic, aluminum or maybe wood: when it comes to choosing the right material for windows, homeowners usually have precise ideas. Therefore, in addition to the visual appearance, practical needs and efficiency also play a decisive role when purchasing. The fundamental requirements are longevity, thermal insulation and the minimum possible maintenance. But what does the optimal window look like? We will tell you the current trends and what you should definitely pay attention to when choosing window materials.

Overview of window materials

The most common variants are plastic, aluminum and wooden windows. But wood-aluminium or plastic-aluminium combinations are also becoming increasingly popular. So that you can have an overview, we have summarized the advantages and disadvantages of the different window materials for you.

Plastic windows – the practical and durable window material

In the production of windows Plastic is undoubtedly the most used material. On the one hand, why this variant very cheap to buy is and also to Small maintenance jobs occurs. On the other hand, there is one great variety of variations: From round to rectangular frames: a wide variety of shapes can be produced thanks to the thermoplastic properties. There are no limits even when it comes to the choice of color. Because through that high light and color fastness no additional coats are needed. This means your windows still look like new even after years of poor maintenance. However, with small repairs it becomes problematic: small defects and scratches are difficult to repair. In recent years, much has also changed regarding thermal insulation. The prejudice that windows are at risk of leaking has long been overcome. With the help of additional metal or glass reinforcements, plastic can easily compete with other window materials.

Advantages of plastic windows:

• long lasting
• easy to maintain
• good thermal insulation
• weatherproof
• high stability
• good noise protection
• inexpensive to buy

Disadvantages of plastic windows:

• it charges statically and attracts dust
• Possible deformations due to temperature variations
• not biodegradable

Aluminium: the robust and durable window material

Due to the good material properties, the demand for aluminum windows is increasing. The window material is not only impressive stabilitybut also with his optical elegance. Thanks to the versatile surface design, the windows can be individually adapted to any living style and therefore leave nothing to be desired. THE sturdy material points also in terms of load capacity. This means that even delicate frames or larger window surfaces with a high glass content can be easily manufactured. With only little care and maintenance effort Aluminum windows are extremely durable and continue to shine in their full splendor even after years. However, builders should do it a little more budget take into consideration.

Advantages of aluminum windows:

• long lasting
• easy to maintain
• excellent resistance to atmospheric agents
• sturdy and stable

Disadvantages of aluminum windows:

• more expensive to buy
• Possible deformations due to temperature variations
• not biodegradable

Wood: the natural and sustainable window material

The wooden window is considered classic and is still very popular. It doesn’t matter whether in new or old buildings: the material ensures comfort and a pleasant living environment within your four walls. The unique wood grains give each building a natural character. Homeowners can choose one Variety of woody species choose. This means there is definitely a look to suit every taste. Convincing too the sustainable raw material with all kinds of functional advantages. The wooden windows are robust, durable and offer excellent thermal insulation properties. However, the maintenance effort is higher than with other window materials. Since it is a renewable raw material, wood is particularly characterized by its Respect for the environment out.

Advantages of wooden windows:

• long lasting with good care
• environmentally friendly
• low energy consumption during production

Disadvantages of wooden windows:

• susceptible to bad weather
• Regular care is required
• Acquisition costs

Wood-aluminium: mix of materials

The choice for wood-aluminum windows is obvious. The advantages of both materials are used and combined optimally: The excellent thermal insulation of wood meets the resistance to atmospheric agents of aluminium. An aluminum profile is used for the exterior, while the interior consists of a wooden frame. This means annoying touch-ups are a thing of the past. Furthermore, the excellent thermal insulation values ​​make the window material combination ideal for use in passive houses and renovations of old buildings. Due to the complex manufacturing process, they are The costs incurred are significantly higher than competing materials.

Advantages of the window material mix:

• long lasting
• extremely easy to care for
• excellent resistance to atmospheric agents
• sturdy and stable
• excellent noise protection
• excellent thermal insulation
• stable and robust

Disadvantages of the window material mix:

• Significantly higher purchase costs than other window materials

Conclusion: window materials

In a direct comparison, all three window frame materials are close to each other. There is no perfect solution that meets all requirements and can be used universally. This is why homeowners must evaluate the various advantages and disadvantages individually. If budget is the deciding factor, many people choose the plastic version. However, if you value aesthetics more, wooden windows are the right choice. In addition to comfort, this window material gives your home a natural character. For those without financial constraints, wood-aluminium windows are a good choice. The all-rounder is one of the high-end products and impresses with the excellent combination of materials, both in terms of aesthetics and in terms of efficiency, safety and thermal insulation. When choosing the right windows, you should always make sure that they are to match the style of your home. We at Rötzer will be happy to advise you on which window materials best suit your needs and wishes.

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