Aluminium vs Wooden Windows – Which one is best? Building a home necessitates a great deal of thought in terms of construction styles and materials. When it comes to residential structures, Pakistan has a variety of construction styles to choose from, as well as a variety of building materials to work with. Making decisions, on the other hand, does not stop after the structure takes on a grey hue. In fact, the conclusion of development heralds the start of a new journey that will require you to make several significant decisions, one of which is whether to install wooden or aluminum windows in your home. Difference between Aluminium vs Wooden Windows.
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Aluminium vs Wooden Windows
Because both wood and aluminium have advantages and disadvantages, it’s vital to weigh a variety of aspects before deciding. The following are some of the most significant factors to consider while deciding between wooden and aluminium windows:
- Durability
- Cost
- Maintenance
- Energy Efficiency
- Appearance
- Versatility
- Pest Concerns
- Functionality
While both windows are equally effective at keeping the weather out and allowing natural light into the home, the following criteria are discussed in greater depth below to help you choose between wooden and aluminium windows.
Durability
If you want windows that will last for years, wood might not be the best choice. The reason is straightforward. During the summer and winter seasons, wood is prone to weather impacts such as warping, splitting, shrinking, and contraction and expansion. As a result, it’s probable that you’ll need to repair or replace your window frame sooner than you’d need to replace an aluminium frame.
Cost
Aluminium is a relatively inexpensive and weak metal that is made in such a way that it outlasts hardwood alternatives at a fraction of the cost. Wood is a raw material that is often expensive, particularly certain types of wood like lumber, teak, and others. Even if you used a less expensive sort of wood, the entire cost of your windows would be higher than if you used metallic versions of the same frame.
Maintenance
Wooden window frames are prone to cracking, chipping paint, and water damage owing to excessive moisture, in addition to required yearly repair due to weather effects and warping. To preserve your wooden windows from moisture, you may need to varnish, polish, or paint them once a year. Aluminium, on the other hand, is a more durable material with fewer wear and tear effects over time, and there’s no risk of paint flaking or cracking because it doesn’t require a coat of paint.
Energy Efficiency
If you want to build an environmentally friendly home or simply save money on cooling and heating, selecting between wooden and aluminium windows should be simple, as hardwood windows are far more energy-efficient than aluminium windows. Aluminium is a metal that conducts heat well, allowing extra heat to enter your room even while the window is closed.
Appearance
While the appearance of a window frame is purely subjective, it has been observed that aluminium windows go better with a modern construction style that includes more chrome, steel, and glass, but traditional homes still favour wooden windows in a variety of forms. While wooden windows have a classic look, aluminium is the material of choice for modern homeowners who want their construction materials to last longer and require less maintenance.
Versatility
If you’re debating between wooden and aluminium windows, you should know that the options are virtually unlimited. While wood has a natural appearance, there is a wide range of colours and finishes to choose from to give your windows the appropriate look to match your décor.
The same can be true about aluminium windows, which come in a variety of metallic and non-metallic finishes, as well as wood designs and polishes for a faux wood appearance. However, unlike wood finishes, which may be changed later with a new coat, aluminium is powder-coated for its finish at the time of manufacture, making future colour changes difficult.
Pest Concerns
Most potential homeowners examine which material will keep their home free of vermin and other critters when deciding between wooden and aluminium windows and aluminium wins hands down! Termites and ants, for example, can be attracted to wooden windows over time. If you leave the property empty for an extended period of time or skip maintenance checks, rotten wood will become a habitat for maggots or mildew.
Functionality
Sliding windows are the most prevalent type of aluminium window in Pakistan, and while they are incredibly functional, they do have a number of drawbacks. This includes being unable to fully open the window because the sliding panels will always block a portion of it, as well as having problems with the smooth flow of the ball bearings if they have corroded or if rainfall and dust have accumulated on the sliding channels.
Wooden windows, on the other hand, are commonly used for casement windows, which open partially or completely and frequently feature a locking mechanism to prevent them from closing with a bang owing to heavy winds. These are just a few things to think about while deciding between wooden and aluminium windows. After you’ve decided which material is best for you, you’ll usually have to choose between blinds and curtains as the ideal window treatment for ensuring privacy and light control in your house.
