(Source: City Sound Glazing)
Aluminium or wooden secondary glazing? Which is the better fit for your property? It might be that you don’t care what material is used in your window frames. Both types of material can keep panes of glass in place, and they can both hold windows on to the wall of a property, so you might assume there isn’t much of a need to choose between the two materials.
However, there are differences between these popular window materials, so before investing in aluminium or wooden secondary glazing, you should consider the pros and cons of each. This is because one type of material might be better for your home, so it’s worth researching your options before you part with your cash.
At City Sound Glazing we only work with aluminium window frames and there are several reasons for this. We explain more below but if you would like a wider discussion on window frames and why we prefer aluminium over wooden frames, get in touch with our team for more information.
To learn about the differences (and similarities) between aluminium and wooden frames, keep reading this article.
Aluminium window frames
(Source: City Sound Glazing)
Windows in a lot of modern properties are fitted with aluminium window frames. There are reasons why they have become so popular in the last 15-20 years, and we take a look at the advantages of these window frames below.
An aluminium window design is much slimmer and minimalistic than wooden windows. This is very important for period windows as is you add wooden secondary glazing on top of a period window it is very chunky, and you notice it within a room. It detracts attention away from the period window.
Aluminium sec. glazing (as the design is much slimmer) blends in and is almost invisible against a period window.
Advantages
- Durability
Aluminium window frames are strong, slim and lightweight. Manufacturers of jumbo jets use this kind of material extensively, so that is evidence of aluminium’s durability!
As aluminium is a metal material, it is better able to withstand the elements than wood. So, if you live in an area with inclement weather, such as a place where rain is more likely than the sun, you will get better results from aluminium as wooden frames would need far more maintenance.
The powder coating on aluminium frames, which is resistant to corrosion and rust, adds to the durability.
- Customisation
When used as a material for creating window frames, aluminium can be moulded to create unique designs. As such, homeowners can benefit from different shape options that match their home’s aesthetic.
Wooden window frames are far less malleable than aluminium, which limits their customisation.
- Affordability
If you’re on a budget, aluminium window frames are generally cheaper than their wooden alternatives, and you get more bang for your buck too! This is because aluminium window frames don’t rot so you won’t need to spend money replacing or maintaining them.
Wooden window frames are usually more expensive because they require more manual labour in their production. That being said, it depends on the type of wood in the frames. Aluminium window frames are often cheaper than timber windows made from hardwood but they can be more expensive than wooden frames that are made from softwood.
- Environmentally friendly
Aluminium is a naturally plentiful sustainable material that is environmentally friendly to produce. It’s also 100% recyclable so if you ever do replace your windows, the aluminium can be used to make something else, such as car parts, food containers, and frames for another window.
Wooden frames can also be considered environmentally friendly because the wood can be recycled or composted. You do need to make sure the wood has been sustainably sourced, however, so only consider wooden frames that are FSC certified.
- Style
Gone are the days when the only colour on aluminium frames was dull silver! Today, aluminium frames are produced in a variety of different colours so there is better scope to find something that matches your home’s decor and design.
Another benefit of aluminium, as mentioned earlier, is that it can be moulded into custom shapes for windows. As such, you have some degree of flexibility when choosing something that better fits the overall aesthetic of your property.
- Excellent lifespan
Aluminium window frames can take a beating from the elements, which makes them ideal for properties located in coastal regions. They won’t warp or rot, which is one of the reasons why they are preferable to wooden window frames that can easily become damaged.
If properly cared for, aluminium frames can last for upwards of 40-50 years, so are ideal if you have no intention of replacing them during that time.
- Better light entry
Aluminium frames are ideal for narrow window profiles, meaning the frames are narrower, allowing for more glass to be placed within. More glass means extra light so spaces that would otherwise be dark and shadowy can be illuminated.
- Improved security
As aluminium is strong and durable, it offers an improved level of protection than wood as it can’t be damaged as easily. If you live in an area where there is potential for a lot of crime, aluminium window frames can be another addition to your house to maximise your home’s security. Ideally for added security windows need to be glazed with a laminated glass.
Disadvantage
- Heat retention
Aluminium offers less in the way of heat retention compared to wooden windows.
Thankfully, the thermal performance of your house can be increased with secondary grazing which can stop the heat from escaping.
Wooden Window Frames
Owners of older, traditional properties tend to prefer wooden window frames so are less likely to replace them with aluminium alternatives.
Advantages
- Insulation
Wood provides more insulation than aluminium so good quality frames will keep you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Disadvantages
Wooden window frames are less popular than they used to be and you can understand the reasons why when considering the disadvantages.
- High cost
Wood isn’t cheap. You will have to pay a premium price due to the higher cost of raw materials. Of course, if you already have wooden window frames in your home, you might consider the cost worth it to maintain the look of your home and to increase your home’s value.
You can save money by choosing softwood over hardwood as this is generally less expensive. Savings can also be made on your energy bills due to wood’s energy efficiency. But if you are looking to save money upfront, you might want to choose between aluminium or uPVC instead.
- Poor durability
If the wooden frames aren’t maintained and treated to protect them from the elements, the moisture content will rise, leading to rot and mould that could permanently damage the frames. It could also lead to water leaking into the property and this will cause further damage.
If the window frames become unrepairable, they will need to be replaced, which is another expense you will be subjected to.
- Infestations
Termites are constantly looking for places to burrow so if you have wooden window frames, regardless of their quality, you might get an infestation of termites in your home after they have chosen your wooden frames to build their nest. Termites will also eat away at the wood so if not dealt with, you will be forced to replace your window frames if they inflict too much damage.
Which is better – aluminium or wooden window frames?
By now, it should be clearer to you which can be considered the better option.
When you choose aluminium window frames, you are choosing something that is more affordable, more durable, and sometimes more attractive than their wooden alternatives. If you are on a budget and you want to purchase window frames that are unlikely to need replacing after only a few years, then aluminium has to be the way to go.
This isn’t to say wooden window frames don’t have their advantages. In fact, they might be your preferred choice if you live in a country village and need something that better matches your home’s exterior. They are a good option if you live in a cold area too, due to their thermal efficiency.
But as aluminium can be customised with different colours and styles, and as it is possible to make aluminium window frames more thermally efficient, they can still be considered the best choice for a lot of people.
A qualified window installer can go into further detail with you, so if you are currently looking to replace your window frames, get in touch with our expert glazier today and we will discuss all available options with you.