AluClad vs AluHalf - pros and cos

GoneShootin

To define my terms, I say that an :

- AluClad window is a timber window with Aluminium Cladding on it.



- AluHalf window is a window where the entire moving section is Aluminium, the inner half is timber



I'm close to choosing one over the other in terms of who to go with. Pricewise there is not a huge difference between the two suppliers I'm looking at. So my decision needs to be based on the differences between the AluClad and the "AluHalf"

Please help!

Nick Elsulphide

Unfortunately you have put up a picture of a timber window rather than an aluclad window although I believe an aluclad version of the particular window is available.

I’m amazed that you say that ‘pricewise there is not a huge difference’ between the two windows. From a performance perspective there is a substantial difference. Comparing published u-values for the double-glazed versions of each window, the N*rd*n window has a u-value of 1.2 whilst the M*n*t*r window has a u-value of 1.6. That’s a 33% difference in heat loss!

The ‘AluHalf’ (or composite window as it is generally referred to) typically has inferior u-values then timber or alu-clad timber windows. The aluminium framing sections of these windows are not as good an insulator as a timber frame even though some of the more advanced models offer a basic thermal break.

Lets have a look at some other differences; The obvious difference is that one of those windows is inward opening and the other is outward opening - therefore one window can be safely cleaned from within the building. One window has a concealed trickle vent – the other has a prominent external hood (fortunately not visible in your picture). Internally there is a stark difference in the quality of the timber. One window has comb-joints in the timber every 250-300mm (giving a chessboard effect) whilst the other has continuous grain timber.

Other questions you might ask; What 3rd party certification is available for the specified system. What warranties are being offered? Is it for the whole window or selected parts. What is the watertightness/airtightness performance? How much experience does the manufacturer have with this type of construction? Is there security certification?

Patrick Hislop of TRADA in his reference work ‘High Performance Wood Windows’ notes that some windows are inherently more secure then others in that they prevent tools being inserted in such a manner as to be able to exert leverage between the opening and the subframe. A covered joint profile always offers the opportunity of exerting leverage behind the projecting lip of the casement.

Lastly from a sustainability perspective the composite window would have a significantly higher embodied energy content then the aluclad window. Published data indicates the composite windows to be in line with PVCU windows – which isn’t great for carbon emissions

Hope this helps !

Mellor

Nick Elsulphide wrote: »

post

While some of your post (the latter half) is relevant. for the most part you are talking nonsense.
The OP has simply provided two pictures to show the two example. There is no reason to believe he is going for those exact windows. So most of the differences are mute.
Items such as U-value, security, vents etc are manufacturer specific and the OP didn't ask for that.
Try approaching from a single manufactures point of view, one who makes both styles.

Also, ditch the large formatting and stick with the standard. You obviously have some involvement in the window industry. Feel free to be keep it private and long as advice is unbiased.
Generally your post and helpful, lets try keep it like that.

GoneShootin

Nick Elsulphide wrote: »

Hope this helps !

It did - thanks. Your point on

The aluminium framing sections of these windows are not as good an insulator as a timber frame even though some of the more advanced models offer a basic thermal break.

What would you say to the argument that the composite window is better suited to the wetter Irish conditions over the potentially more exposed timber in the AluClad setup?

Nick Elsulphide

Mellor wrote: »

While some of your post (the latter half) is relevant. for the most part you are talking nonsense.

The ad hominem is unnecessary. What didn't you understand ?

Try approaching from a single manufactures point of view, one who makes both styles.

Name a manufacturer who makes both styles and I'll provide an informed opinion

Nick Elsulphide

GoneShootin wrote: »

It did - thanks. Your point on



What would you say to the argument that the composite window is better suited to the wetter Irish conditions over the potentially more exposed timber in the AluClad setup?

It say it was yet another straw man. Some aluclad windows have no timber exposed. Some composites do have timber exposed. Areas of exposed timber are not a problem in a well detailed window. If you have a serious interest in windows I'd strongly recommend acquiring a copy of Hislops book which is avialable at the TRADA website.

Mellor

Nick Elsulphide wrote: »

The ad hominem is unnecessary. What didn't you understand ?

Mellor wrote: »

The OP has simply provided two pictures to show the two example. There is no reason to believe he is going for those exact windows. So most of the differences are mute.

I never said I didn't understand. I said your points were irrelevant.
Trickle vents, opening direction etc are not in any way related to alu-clad vrs composite. While they are a consideration in windows, you post was misleading.

Name a manufacturer who makes both styles and I'll provide an informed opinion

Surely you can think of one? They don't need to be named.



At least you dropped the formatting, now lose the attitude and stick to the informative posts.

Cissor

Mellor wrote: »

I never said I didn't understand. I said your points were irrelevant.
Trickle vents, opening direction etc are not in any way related to alu-clad vrs composite. While they are a consideration in windows, you post was misleading.


Surely you can think of one? They don't need to be named.



At least you dropped the formatting, now lose the attitude and stick to the informative posts.

lol

Nick Elsulphide

Mellor wrote: »

I never said I didn't understand. I said your points were irrelevant.
Trickle vents, opening direction etc are not in any way related to alu-clad vrs composite. While they are a consideration in windows, you post was misleading.

You concede the particulary points "are a consideration", ipso facto, they are not irrelevant.

Surely you can think of one? They don't need to be named.

No and yes.
If you recall this was your idea and much that I would like to help you out of your hole I can't think of a manufacturer that meets your criteria.

At least you dropped the formatting, now lose the attitude and stick to the informative posts.

If you don't mind me asking why are you using such confrontational language? I'm trying to be helpful and getting abused in the process. The OP asked for an opinion and based on the information he provided I gave an informed opinion. This in my experience tends to be more persuasive then the ill-informed variety.