Wood-aluminum windowsAdvantages and disadvantages | Alex Garden

Choosing the right windows for your home depends on many different factors. Not only aesthetic considerations play a role, but also functional aspects such as thermal insulation, longevity and resistance to atmospheric agents. Preferences are different: on the one hand, lovers of classic wooden windows, on the other, fans of the robustness of aluminum windows. Wood-aluminium windows represent a pragmatic solution: cozy appearance on the inside, high resistance on the outside: the combination of the two materials, wood, meets almost all requirements of a window. In this article we look specifically at the advantages and disadvantages that wood-aluminium windows bring with them.

What are wood-aluminium windows?

A wood-aluminum window is an innovative window construction that combines the advantages of wood and aluminum. Technically it is a wooden window with a sturdy aluminum outer covering. The internal part of the wooden window is exposed, while the external part is protected with an aluminum cover. This structure offers wood-aluminum windows the advantages because the optimal material is used on each side.

What benefits do they offer? Wood-aluminium windows?

The combination of wood and aluminum means that homeowners who choose wood-aluminum windows can enjoy the benefits of both materials. This includes in particular the following aspects:

• Easy to maintain: Thanks to the ingenious combination of materials, wood-aluminium windows are extremely easy to clean. The aluminum exterior is easy to clean, while the wood inside attracts less dust than plastic. Thanks to the aluminum coating, wooden windows do not need to be painted; the cover is available in many attractive colours.

• Durable: Aluminum does not rust and is insensitive to humidity and UV rays. As the outer layer of windows, it makes them weather resistant and extremely durable. With the rain cover the wood-aluminium windows are also excellently sealed.

• Thermally insulating: Wood naturally has low thermal conductivity and therefore heat insulating properties. This reduces energy requirements for heating and saves money. Wooden window frames contribute to energy efficiency and are ideal for passive and low-energy homes.
• Regulate room humidity: Wood is a permeable building material that stores moisture and releases it back into the environment. In this way, windows containing wood can contribute to a better indoor climate.

What are the disadvantages of wood-aluminum windows?

However, the combination of two materials does not only bring advantages. Anyone who is thinking of purchasing wood-aluminum windows should also consider the following disadvantages:

• High acquisition costs: Thanks to the aluminum shell, wood-aluminum windows are placed in the higher price segment. This makes them an investment that is not a given for many homeowners, but one that must first be carefully considered.
• Medium strength: Due to the high proportion of wood, these windows are not as robust as windows with an all-aluminium frame. Anyone who places great importance on minimum maintenance and the greatest possible insensitivity of window frames will probably choose all-aluminium windows.

• Matter of taste: Not everyone likes the rustic look of wood. Those who prefer a very modern furnishing style like to use materials such as concrete, metal and glass, with which wood, with its natural grain, does not always go well. The different exterior and interior looks are not for everyone.

How much do wood-aluminum windows cost?

Thanks to the combination of high-quality materials, the costs of wood-aluminum windows are significantly higher than those of standard plastic windows. They are more expensive than wooden windows, which have an average price, but cheaper than all-aluminum windows. The price always depends on the quality of the windows. Depending on the type of glass – double or triple glazing – windows are cheaper or more expensive. Additional security measures such as burglary protection, locks on window handles or sun protection solutions also affect the costs. Ultimately, wood-aluminum windows represent an investment in quality, energy efficiency and aesthetics that can pay off in the long term thanks to their longevity and diverse design options.

We will be happy to advise you on the options that we can implement for you together with our long-standing partners. You can compare different materials live in our sampling center.

For further reading

Where there is a window, the sun shines into the house. When asked about the correct position of windows and the correct frames, the next step is to consider which sun protection solutions are most suitable. In our blog post “Sun protection for windows – effective solutions for indoors and outdoors” we have summarized the most common types for you. Happy reading!