Aluminum or wood windows? That’s the question. Well, let’s see how we usually feel about such materials. The warm feeling of wood brings elegance, a sense of luxury, some splendor. It has been in our lives for so long that it also brings a sense of tradition and stability. Aluminum, on the other hand, can truly steal your heart. In spite of some downsides, it has some hidden qualities that are luring. Tempting.
Which window material will be best for you? Well, it’s certainly not an easy choice if you consider that they both have their good and bad sides. As it happens with all window installation projects, there’s more to bring to the equation before you decide on the material. Which are these things? Your location and the climate, your home style and personal expectations, your budget – just to name a few.
So, why don’t we give you some elements to consider about these two materials before you make up your mind on whether to go for a wood or aluminum window installation!
Wood vs aluminum windows bras de fer: durability
While the expertise of the window installers always plays a role in the longevity of wood, don’t forget that this is a natural material. What do we mean by that? Depending on the temps and the level of humidity, wood contracts and expands. When such (among other too) factors are calculated by the window installers, problems are distanced. But at one point, you will still deal with such problems – always depending on the climate in your location.
Don’t get me wrong. Wood is strong. It’s actually extremely durable. But put on the bras de fer table opposite aluminum and it will lose. Why? Because wood rots, warps, and is susceptible to all elements and insects as opposed to aluminum that is resistant to all elements and very durable. As a consequence, wood needs maintenance regularly while aluminum hardly so. No wonder wood will soon abandon the bras de fer combat.
Aluminum and wood windows: the beauty & the queen
What’s a beauty to me may be a beast to you! There’s no measure of comparison when it comes to personal tastes. It’s truly and absolutely subjective. But overall, wood wins this combat. Since it’s natural, wood is never the same. The greatest quality of wood, in terms of aesthetics? Its warmth. Its elegance. There’s something charming & luxurious about wood. Another benefit is that it can be stained or painted. Got bored with the natural grain? You simply paint it.
To give aluminum some credit here, it is a versatile material since it can be shaped to form any window style. While it might not have the luxurious elegance of wood, it can be anything from dazzling to minimalistic. It can be transformed to unveil your home style.
Wood & aluminum windows: energy efficiency
As a natural material, wood insulates – a bad conductor that won’t let heat transfer. Aluminum stands on the side. It’s a conductor and so, lets heat transfer. At first glance, wood wins here. but if you consider its downsides – the fact that wood may crack, contract and expand, and warp, it’s hard to imagine whether or not it will provide the expected energy efficiency indoors – and for how long. Today, aluminum windows can be insulated and given that this material is stronger and more resistant than wood, it’s perhaps a better option than wood for the long term. In reality, neither is excellent if your priority is to increase the energy efficiency of your home. In such cases, it’s best to get vinyl and composite frames, double or triple glazing, gas fillers, excellent quality sealing, etc.
Torn between wood & aluminum? Which is the lover? Which is the spouse?
Depending on your needs and expectations, both wood and aluminum windows can be great. As a natural material that has been used in the construction industry since forever, wood will always provide assurance while aluminum will be like sleeping with the enemy. It does have some great advantages, which make it tempting, but one day you may realize that nothing can substitute traditional values. Or, do you see things the other way around? If you are torn, just ask yourself which material is the spouse, which is the lover and which are your expectations!
