Aluminium double glazing?

Yorkie1

I have a traditional 1930s 3-bed semi with red brick. I still have the original wooden-framed windows but they either need lots spending on renovation or replacement.

UPVC double glazing looks very stark. Someone in the DG business (but another part of the country so not touting for work) suggested I might consider aluminium double glazing instead of uPVC. It's more expensive but less stark and obtrusive, apparently.

Does anyone have any experience or comments about this?

MX5huggy

You probably should go with wood again, as you have proved wood lasts 80 years.

Alu clad are top spec windows these days, the alu removes the need for servicing.

leveller2911

As a joiner I would obviously suggest wooden windows, however I have seen some of the Aliminium windows, powder coated etc and I quite like them........... I'm Gonna go to hell for saying that....:rotfl:


The thing I can't get my head round is how can they have a lower U value than solid timber when timber is solid ? are they filled with foam insulation?or timber clad?... Wonder if there are any Ally window guys around?

CKdesigner

Hi

We needed new windows in our 1930's home, we had quotes from several companies for new plastic frames, then we had a gentleman from a local independent window company who suggested that as we had old aluminium double glazing in hard wood frames that were in perfect condition why not just replace the aluminium inserts with new white powder coated aluminium. We stained the hardwood frames inside and out black to go with the white aluminium. We are so pleased we did this rather than just go for Upvc (like all our neighbours) as it looks much better and saved damaging the outside rendering as well.

Yorkie1

Thanks, all, those are really interesting comments.

My frames (and certainly sills) are in variable condition but based on your replies I won't rule them out. I'm visiting parents in a couple of weeks' time and will hopefully get to visit this person at his workshop so can inspect the alu versus upvc.

Hmmmmm. Decisions, decisions!!

moonrakerz

leveller2911 wrote: »

As a joiner I would obviously suggest wooden windows, however I have seen some of the Aliminium windows, powder coated etc and I quite like them........... I'm Gonna go to hell for saying that....:rotfl:

I had brown aluminium windows in my last house: no complaints at all, they looked superb, MUCH better than PVC or even the original wooden ones.

alzibar

Hi i am a professional installer of aluminum windows and i think your best option would be to fit VELFAC windows ,as they combine the best of both worlds ie they have wood internals and powder coated aluminum exterior with a exceptional weather rating/lifespan .

best regard Alex

dennycluckie

again i am a joiner and saying that am in favour of timber they have proven them self over hundreds of years the one thing i would say is check the type of paint/stain you get on your windows i have just trained on a window line machine and have been involved in set up so you need a breathable finnish with a garantee of at least 10 years
hope this helps

Yorkie1

@ alizbar, thanks very much for the suggestion, I quite like the idea of wood inside.

@dennycluckie, I think timber would be my first preference but I'm concerned about the cost of new double glazed wooden windows (compared to the alternatives) and the ongoing maintenance cost. Are you saying that you can get paint which doesn't need to be repaired / redecorated for 10 years after application? That's an interesting thought if it's not too exorbitant.

leveller2911

I'm just looking into water based paints for when the regulations change in 2012.... I'm not a fan of waterbased primers as IMO they don't penetrate the timber like oil based do.From my findings so far im yet to find a system that lasts for 10yrs, I suppose it depends how exposed to extreme weather conditions the property is..We are looking at a "Paint pump" system for our workshop which is a costly outlay to begin with costing £thousands whereas a decent paintbrush costs £5...:D

Be interested to see what other posters come up with...