At City Sound Glazing we only work with Aluminium frames for several reasons. Many property owners have their own preferences when it comes to window frames, and there are benefits to each material, be that aluminium, wood or uPVC.
To explain the pros and cons of aluminium and wooden frames we go into more detail below to help you decide which one would be a better fit for your property.
Aluminium window frames
These types of windows have become the most popular style installed into domestic and commercial buildings over the past 10-15 years. Here are some of the many benefits they can provide to your property:
- Strength
Aluminium frames are not only strong but also slim and very lightweight. Manufacturers of jumbo jets use this kind of material extensively, so it must be strong!
- Style
Gone are the days when aluminium frames come in only dull silver. They are now produced in a variety of finishes and colours, which are perfect for more contemporary and modern homes looking for a style that is something other than uPVC or wood.
- Environmentally friendly
Aluminium is a naturally plentiful material and environmentally friendly to produce. 8% of earth’s crust is made of aluminium bauxite, and 94% is harvested in non-forest areas, meaning that the environmental impact of mining is low, as well as being fully sustainable.
- Good lifespan
These frames can take a beating from the elements and can withstand the heavy weathering in tough costal conditions. They don’t warp, corrode or rot, so are an excellent choice in terms of costs in the long run.
There are also some negatives that should always be considered before installing aluminium windows onto your property. These include:
- Heat retention
Aluminium offers very little in terms of heat retention. It is good at conducting heat, meaning that a lot of your homes heat can be lost through the aluminium frames themselves. In summer this isn’t a problem, if anything it’s a good thing, however in winter it may cause some issues.
- Expense
These frames will cost more, and although you won’t have to replace them any time soon like you might with wooden frames, initial costs can be off putting.
Wooden windows
Windows made from timber are generally suited to older, more traditional properties. There are a number of reasons why property owners refuse to change to other materials, such as:
- Aesthetics
The natural warmth and elegance of wood is almost unbeatable. Each type of wood has their own unique beauty and they add class and value to any property they appear in.
- Insulation
Compared to steel and aluminium, wood provides hundreds of times more insulation, which means good quality wood frames will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
- Long-lasting
When maintained well, good quality wooden frames can last for decades. They will never rust, which is ideal for properties in areas of high humidity.
Unfortunately, it’s not all good news when it comes to wooden window frames. Here are some of the issues facing property owners with timber-based windows:
- Rot and mould
If left untreated, rot and mould can quickly spread through wooden frames, which will eventually lead to having them replaced completely.
- Infestations
Termites and other insects love nothing more than making a home inside timber. If unnoticed or ignored they can eat away at the material until it has to be replaced.
- High cost
While wood looks fantastic, it also comes at a premium price. This is because the raw materials cost more, which makes purchasing wooden frames a much more expensive option.