Aluminum vs Aluminum-Clad Windows: Which Is the Better Choice for Your Projects?
This guide provides a clear, actionable comparison between aluminum and aluminum-clad windows, focusing on cost, performance, and aesthetics.
It’s designed to help design-build professionals, developers, and architects make informed decisions that align with their project goals.
Discover how modern windows from Europe can appeal to clients seeking premium, contemporary solutions while also enhancing property value.
In this article, you’ll find answers to key questions that can impact your project decisions:
- Which types of projects benefit most from aluminum windows, and when should you choose aluclad?
- How do aluminum and aluclad windows compare in terms of pricing and overall value?
- What are the key differences in performance, aesthetics, and maintenance?
- What are the delivery timelines for aluclad windows, and how can they affect your project schedule?
Aluminum vs aluminum-clad window pricing
|
Window Type
|
Price
|
Price Increase Compared to Aluminum
|
|---|---|---|
|
Aluminum
|
779 USD
|
baseline
|
|
Aluclad Pine
|
829 USD
|
6%
|
|
Aluclad Meranti
|
995 USD
|
20%
|
|
Aluclad Oak
|
1,285 USD
|
29%
|
Price calculated for a 36 in x 60 in tilt & turn window
Check more prices in the aluminum window price list
Types of wood in aluclad windows
Pine wood
Choose pine wood to enhance your windows’ thermal performance.
With a relatively low density of about 31 lbs/ft³, pine is durable, sturdy, and offers excellent thermal insulation.
Its high resin content also helps resist moisture damage, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.
Meranti wood
Choose meranti wood for a balance of thermal and acoustic performance paired with an attractive design.
With a density of about 39 lbs/ft³, meranti is more durable and robust than pine.
Its warm tones and unique grain pattern add an elegant touch to any interior.
Oak wood
Choose oak wood for its unmatched durability, strength, and prestige.
With a density of about 44 lbs/ft³, oak provides excellent sound insulation.
Its rich color and distinctive grain pattern add timeless elegance, making oak windows a premium, long-lasting choice.
Differences in materials and colors
Aluminum-clad windows: material and colors
Aluclad windows are made from extruded aluminum and wood: pine, meranti or oak.
More than 200 exterior colors
An aluminum overlay that can be powder-coated in any color from the RAL palette.
Wood interior colors
- On the interior side, we can leave the wood raw with a clear coating or paint it with multi-layer paint in a RAL color.
- We also offer many translucent wood stain options, allowing the natural wood grain to remain visible.
Aluminum windows: material and colors
Aluminum windows are made from extruded and thermally broken aluminum.
More than 200 colors (interior and exterior)
An aluminum overlay that can be powder-coated in any color from the RAL palette.
Options include matte, gloss, and textured finishes
Thermal parameters for aluminum and aluclad windows
Aluminum window (thermally broken)
- U-Factor 0.17 Btu/h·ft2·F
- R-Value 5.88 ft2*F·h/BTU
Aluminum window: thermally broken with additional insulation:
- U-Factor 0.15 Btu/h·ft2·F
- R-Value 6.67 ft2*F·h/BTU
Aluminum-clad wood window:
- U-Factor 0.15 Btu/h·ft2·F
- R-Value 6.67 ft2*F·h/BTU
Find the best energy-effcient aluminum windows in expert ranking
Both aluminum and aluclad windows exceed Energy Star thermal requirements
Both types of windows exceed the U-Factor requirement by 0.12 compared to the recommended U.S. standard.
- Aluminum 80 mm depth standard windows have U factor = 0.17
- Aluminum clad wooden windows 80 mm depth have U factor = 0.15
- The U-Factor of aluminum windows can be improved to 0.15 by adding extra insulation to the frame.
Frame and sash height
Aluminum windows are slimmer comparing to the aluclad windows
Choosing aluclad windows results in slightly less natural light entering the home due to thicker frames.
Lead time
- Aluminum windows – 11 weeks for job-site delivery
- Aluclad windows – 14 weeks for job site delivery
The longer manufacturing time is one of the key distinctions between the two materials.
In case of aluminum we can deliver it on the construction site in around 11 weeks, where the manufacturing time is 5 weeks.
For wood-aluminum windows, the manufacturing time is around 7 weeks for standard pine. It also mainly depends from the wood type that we choose. For example meranti or oak production time will be 8-9 weeks.
Our recommendation
Key takeaways
- If your project requires a unique and elegant design:
Both aluminum and aluclad windows offer a wide range of customizable finishes. Choose aluminum for sleek, modern designs or aluclad for a warm, natural wood aesthetic.
- If you want to maximize your profit margin or reduce costs:
Use aluminum windows, as they are more cost-effective while still offering durability and design flexibility.
- If thermal performance is important:
Both materials meet Energy Star standards, but aluclad windows offer superior insulation due to their wood interiors, ideal for projects prioritizing energy efficiency.
- If your project timeline is tight:
Choose aluminum windows for a quicker delivery time (about 11 weeks compared to 14 weeks for aluclad).
There are significant differences between wood-aluminum and aluminum windows, especially when it comes to technical details. Additionally, factors like the shapes and dimensions of your project’s structures should also be considered.
If you need help determining the best option for your project, schedule a free consultation to receive tailored expert advice for your project.
Gain deeper insights with the ultimate aluminum vs. uPVC window comparison
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