Building a house requires a lot of considerations in terms of construction styles and materials. When it comes to residential structures, there are several dominant construction styles followed in Pakistan, with a range of building materials used during the development process. However, making choices does not end once the structure takes a grey shape. In fact, the end of development marks the beginning of a new journey requiring you to make some major choices, one of which is deciding between wooden vs. aluminium windows for your home.
Wooden vs. Aluminium Windows—What’s the Right Choice & Why
Since both wood and aluminium have their share of benefits and drawbacks, it is important to consider several factors before you decide on one. Here are some of the most important considerations to keep in mind when choosing between wooden and aluminium windows:
- Durability
- Cost
- Maintenance
- Energy Efficiency
- Appearance
- Versatility
- Pest Concerns
- Functionality
While both windows are equally successful at keeping out the elements and letting natural light into the house, the above factors have been explained in detail below to help take a side in the debate on wooden vs. aluminium windows.
Durability
If you’re looking for windows that will last for years to come, wood might not be the material you should opt for. The reason is simple. Wood is often prone to weather effects, resulting in warping, cracking, shrinking, as well as contraction and expansion during the summer and winter seasons. Thus, it is fairly possible that you may need to repair or replace your window frame over time, far sooner than you would replace an aluminium frame.
Cost
Aluminium is a relatively cheap and flimsy metal that is manufactured in a manner that makes it a lot more durable than wooden alternatives at a fraction of the cost. Wood is a raw material that is generally costly, especially some specific varieties of wood, such as timber, teak, and others. Even using a less expensive type of wood would still cost you more overall for your windows in comparison to metallic versions of the same frame.
Maintenance
Aside from regular seasonal maintenance due to weather effects and warping, wooden window frames are prone to cracking, chipping paint, and water damage due to excessive moisture. Thus, you might need to varnish, polish, or paint your wooden windows once a year to protect them from moisture effects. In contrast, aluminium is a sturdier material with fewer wear and tear effects over time, and since the metal does not require a coat of paint, there’s no fear of paint chipping and cracking.
Energy Efficiency
If you’re aiming to build an eco-friendly home or simply want to ensure reduced cooling or heating costs for your house, choosing between wooden and aluminium windows should be easy, as wooden windows are a lot more energy efficient than aluminium windows. Aluminium is a metal and a good conductor of heat, resulting in more heat permeating into your room even through a closed window.
Appearance
While the choice of a window frame in terms of appearance is entirely subjective, it has generally been noticed that aluminium windows fit better with a modern construction style that contains more chrome, steel, and glass, while traditional houses still prefer wooden windows in a range of different styles. While wooden windows add a timeless appeal to homes, aluminium is the material of choice for modern homeowners who want less maintenance and more efficiency from their selection of construction materials.
Versatility
If you’re considering any option between wooden and aluminium windows, then you should know that the range is endless. While wood offers a natural appearance, there is a large variety in terms of colours and finishes to give you windows that perfect look that complements your interiors. The same can be said for aluminium windows, which are not only available in a range of metallic and non-metallic finishes but also in wooden designs and polishes for faux wood appeal. However, while wood finishes can be modified at a later date with a new coat, aluminium is powder-coated for its finish upon manufacturing, and future changes in colours are generally challenging to undertake.
Pest Concerns
While deliberating between wooden vs. aluminium windows, most potential homeowners also consider which material will keep their residence free from pests and other critters, and aluminium wins here, hands down! Wooden windows can attract a number of pests over time, including termites and ants. Rotten wood will also become home to maggots or mould if you leave the property empty for some time or ignore maintenance checks.
Functionality
The most common variety of aluminium windows in Pakistan is of sliding windows, which, while being extremely functional, do have a range of disadvantages. This includes being unable to open the window entirely since part of the window will always be blocked by the sliding panels, as well as facing issues with the smooth flow of the ball bearings if they’ve rusted or if rainwater and dust have collected on the sliding channels. In contrast, wooden windows are generally preferred for casement windows, where they open partially or completely and often also have a locking mechanism in place to ensure that they do not close with a bang due to strong winds.
These are just some of the factors to consider while choosing between wooden and aluminium windows. Once you’ve finalised which material works best for you, the next decision would probably be about choosing between blinds and curtains as the perfect window treatment to ensure privacy as well as light control into your home.
Stay tuned to Zameen Blog as we’ll also be covering a post on the types of tempered glass used in Pakistan for the construction of homes. Email us your suggestions at blog@zameen.com.
