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Choosing Between Aluminium or Wooden Windows – Which is Best for Me?

Written by Sumeet Manhas Posted On Monday, 11 January 2021 21:34
Choosing Between Aluminium or Wooden Windows – Which is Best for Me?

Kiwis typically choose either wooden or aluminium windows. Which one you want comes down to what style you like and price; but you also should be taking a whole range of other technical factors.

Whether you choose timber or aluminium frames needs a whole lot of research. You need to think about energy efficiency, environmental concerns, weathertightness, price, and appearance. Either type of window has benefits and problems, so it’s weighing up the concerns for you, your family, and your home.

Aluminium framing is the most common in New Zealand. Due to its durability, ability to deal with the extremes of NZ’s climate, and the modern housing stock, it’s preferred by many. Also, these aluminium frames can be retrofitted in the old, cold 1980’s homes easily, providing double glazing, warmth, and soundproofing at a reasonable cost.

The benefits of wooden windows

• Wooden frames look great. They emit a timeless, natural beauty and charm that gives a classic style to character or modern homes
• A wooden frame is made from timber, which is a way of storing carbon. This means that a wooden frame reduces the amount of Co2 in the atmosphere over the course of their life
• The manufacturing process of wooden frames is less intensive than aluminium
• Timber is a natural thermal insulator, making it efficient in reducing energy costs
• Can be transformed into a wide variety of styles to suit your home.

The disadvantages of wooden windows

• Maintenance is ongoing. This includes painting, varnishing, and keeping them dry to avoid rot or mildew. Over time, they may need sanding and major repairs in order to remain weather tight
• Generally, they are more expensive than aluminium windows
• May not suit every style of home, especially modern designs
• Heavier than aluminium frames

The benefits of aluminium windows

• They are more cost effective than wooden windows
• Minimal maintenance—a wash down with soapy water twice a year and they will last a long time
• No warping, rotting and very strong
• Lightweight, making them ideal for large sliding windows and doors in particular
• The range of colours, shapes and sizes is huge, with every awkward spot having the perfect window. They can be powder coated to suit whatever exact colour match you need.

The disadvantages of aluminium windows

• Unless thermally efficient, there may be the possibility of condensation
• Not naturally thermally insulating, as thermal conductance is high. You can choose windows with thermal breaks though, although there is an extra cost for this technology.

Should I choose a window frame on appearance or functionality?

Your home has unique needs depending on where you live, the site, and the climate, and your family. While there are also aesthetic requirements, it’s important to think about functionality first.

Wooden frames are heavier than aluminium frames and may require extra support in the building process. Large windows or bifold doors may be very heavy if constructed in timber, and there could be frame size restrictions due to the added weight. This may be a problem if you’re building a second storey or wanting large areas of windows. They also need more maintenance such as painting and sanding back every few years, which requires time, money, and scaffolding for any repairs. This increases the cost of the build and the long term maintenance.

However, the look of aluminium windows may not be ideal for all homes, particularly character or period homes. When renovating, it’s important to have the windows in keeping with the rest of the home. Also, if your home is located in a forest region, the timber look of wooden frames suits the outdoors.

Consider timber if you’re living along the coast. The natural beauty of the timber complements the views. Added to this, aluminium may need more regular cleaning when exposed to salt spray. Timber, although it will fade and require maintenance too, may be better suited to coastal areas.

High wind areas suit aluminium frames. These frames can be rated for gusty areas, and in general, aluminium is stronger than timber frames. 

What about composite framing?

If you’re still on the fence about timber or aluminium windows for your home, maybe a composite will work for you. Composite window frames are made using both timber and aluminium, offering the benefits of both; the beautiful appearance and insulation properties on the inside, and strength and durability of aluminium on the exterior. 

While this does offer the best of both worlds, it can be a lot more expensive. However, if you want to retain the character of the timber framing inside, but the durability and weather-tightness of aluminium outside, then it’s an easy choice. 

The choice between timber, aluminium and composite windows is entirely up to you. You can make decisions based on your budget, house requirements, and the type of weather you face. Speak to your window supplier about the different options available, especially around insulation, double glazing, thermal breaks in aluminium frames, and long term care and durability options.

Author Bio: 

Sumeet is a professional writer who loves to research unique topics and express his thoughts by content writing.
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