Aluclad or aluminium?

saoirse88 · 07-12-2025 11:07AM #1

We’re currently deciding between aluclad and upvc windows. Main reason we’re siding with Aluclad despite it being roughly double the price is due to the slimmer look.

We’re now seeing a lot of negative comments about Aluclad because of the wood element. Is there anything we can do to protect against this or would aluminium be better? Costs ? Pros and cons? We have a large 2.6 x 2.6 widows also with no break that we are told can’t be done in upvc

We’re hoping to have windows and back door similar to below which can’t be achieved with uPVC. Any suggestions or recommendations is greatly appreciated?

Lumen · 07-12-2025 11:29AM

Those look like steel to me.

You won't get anywhere near as thin profiles with alu.

When I was looking at Reynaers alu they went down to 38mm sightlines.

Proper Crittall style steel are more like 20mm.

Charlie9999 · 07-12-2025 11:39AM

If you're open to upvc you could look at Deceunick windows.

We went for their flush fitting version which which looks very neat and resembles the aluclad in appearance while taking highly-rated double/triple glazed panels.

No connection but ours are fitted for 6 years now and we've had no issues.

https://www.deceuninck.co.uk/en-gb/

Charlie9999 · 07-12-2025 11:41AM

Sorry, just saw the note on 2.6x2.6 window so may not be an option after all !

saoirse88 · 08-12-2025 05:29PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124049867#Comment_124049867

Thanks for the feedback. We know it’s not practical to have steel in Ireland and we can’t get that exact look but hoping to recreate as best as possible.

Would Aluclad or aluminium be better? Is aluminium less expensive and what exactly are the cons of aluminium over Aluclad?

Lumen · 08-12-2025 05:46PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124053183#Comment_124053183

Aluclad is just wood frames with non-structural aluminium profiles bonded to the outside. You won't get narrow sightlines and you might have to use double instead of triple glazed.

So in general, alu is better for the kind of aesthetic you're going for.

Expensive though.

OscarMIlde · 08-12-2025 06:00PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058429535/aluclad-or-aluminium

I have aluclad triple glazed. They do look nice but the wood part is super soft and really easily damaged. We've only had ours three years and we need to touch parts of it up. I'd worry if you're putting it in and then getting further building work done that they might get damaged.

Have you seen what options that are available for your size in a showroom? I don't think pictures help as much as seeing something in person.

saoirse88 · 08-12-2025 07:05PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124053277#Comment_124053277

Thanks for the feedback. We have been to the showrooms and Aluclad is as close as we’ve seen granted we haven’t seen aluminium.

My understand is aluclad is more expensive because it’s more difficult to assemble. I could be wrong with that?

MacDanger · 11-12-2025 03:23PM

We have triple glazed aluminium on a few of our windows - needed the extra strength due to the size

Aluclad or aluminium?

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