Sliding Window Aluminium

When people decide to replace their sliding sash windows or install them in their new home, they often struggle with the dilemma of choosing between traditional timber sliding sash windows and the more modern aluminium clad sash windows. Although there are obvious benefits of both, the decision will ultimately come down to the style of home you are trying to create, and of course personal preference.

Style

Modern aluminium clad windows are exactly that. While stylish, they may appear to be traditional windows, but on closer inspection the clean lines of the aluminium clad are very clean and precise compared to their timber counterparts. While they may look perfectly good on a brand new build home, sometimes on a more traditional style build or a restoration project the timber exterior offers a softer, more natural finish more in keeping with a period look.

Maintenance

The obvious advantage of the aluminium clad windows is they offer the owner a virtually maintenance free product. This is often the most influential factor when choosing between the two options. Although these windows are covered with powder coated aluminium, the colour of this finish will have a certain life-span.

Detail

When it comes to detail, the timber window is a clear winner. Solid timber hand crafted by a talented joiner can be transformed to create a piece of furniture incorporating traditional features such as weights and pulleys, period mouldings and classical ironmongery. A joinery workshop can replicate old windows for replacement by copying the existing units. This can allow for the retention of existing shutters and architrave and allow a seamless transplant of old with new.

Cost

As regards cost, there is often very little difference in price between the two options, but in some cases the advantage of the maintenance free versus painting is often enough to swing the final decision. Other people realise that the solid timber version, although requiring a certain amount of maintenance, will have a longer life. After all timber is the most tried, tested and proven method for making windows while many other options have come and gone over time.

Aluminium or steel window frames are a popular and modern choice. They are aesthetically suitable for many modern homes. Incredibly low maintenance, the downside of these is that they are good conductors of heat and thus are less energy efficient.