One of the latest trends in the field of glazing is wood-aluminum windows. They hit the market not so long ago, but have already managed to earn considerable popularity among buyers.
Design features
Thanks to the use of modern protective equipment and varnishes, the quality of wooden windows has grown significantly in recent years. However, the nature of the tree itself is such that over time it nevertheless deteriorates due to the destructive effects of rains and the hot sun. Of course, you can constantly invest in order to return the appearance of the pristine gloss, but it will be much more convenient and less costly to worry about protection in advance. In this case, wood-aluminum models will come to the rescue. Conventional wooden frames or aluminum windows with double-glazed windows in comparison with them have many disadvantages.
Today this type of window is very popular in Russia and there are several reasons for this. The tree in this symbiosis plays the role of heat and sound insulation, helps to create an atmosphere of coziness and comfort in the room. Aluminum compensates for the lack of thermal insulation properties with its highest resistance to natural influences - neither rain nor the scorching sun are terrible to this material.
According to their manufacturing principle, wooden-aluminum windows practically do not differ from ordinary wooden windows. The only exception is the aluminum profile fixed to the sash and frame. At the same time, wood does not come into contact with metal; there is a ventilation gap between them.
It is made so that the tree breathes - this prevents the appearance of fungus and mold. Unfortunately, this results in a decrease in tightness, so that the space is filled with plastic polyamide, eliminating this problem.
Benefits
Windows of wood-aluminum type have several advantages:
- Resistance to weathering. For protection from the outside, the frame is equipped with an aluminum profile that protects from the sun, wind, rain, etc.
- Air exchange. The gap between the materials, as well as the properties of the wood itself, allow the product to breathe and not slow down the air exchange.
- Soundproofing and thermal insulation. In these parameters, wood-aluminum models are superior to analogues of wood and plastic. The tree itself has excellent soundproofing properties, and aluminum only enhances them.
- Ease of care. Such windows do not require any special care; periodic wet cleaning is sufficient.
- Strength and durability. Thanks to the treatment with anti-corrosive substances, the service life of such windows is 80 years.
- Aesthetics. The combination of glued beams and metal is visually beautiful and attracts attention.
- Environmental friendliness. Neither wood nor aluminum emits harmful substances, and the first also has a lot of useful properties.
Unfortunately, these windows have their drawbacks. The main one, without a doubt, is the high price, which starts from 20 thousand rubles for pine products and reaches 50 thousand or more rubles for oak structures.
It is worth noting that this price is fully justified, and today models made of wood with aluminum pads are rightfully considered the most advanced of their kind. They are durable, safe, practical, durable and beautiful.
Manufacturers and varieties
Wooden windows with aluminum plates according to the type of construction can be divided into 3 main categories: Finnish, Swedish and German.
Finnish
The main feature of the model is a specially designated space between the windows for installing the built-in blinds. The design consists of two wings, where the outer frame is made of aluminum and includes a single glass. At will it can be mirror, tinted, etc. The inner casement is a wooden double-glazed window with 1 or 2 cameras. The sash is fastened to each other with metal rods.
Due to the width of the frame (more than 20 cm), the main advantage of such windows is excellent sound and heat insulation. In addition, there is the possibility of installing blinds. Unfortunately, due to their size, the windows are very heavy. Also, the impossibility of installing hinged fittings should be added to the number of disadvantages.
In the domestic market, wood-aluminum windows with double-glazed windows of this category are manufactured by Lammin, Tivi, Domus, Skaala and other manufacturers.
Swedish
Structurally, they are almost identical to the models of Finnish manufacturers, but the sashes are much closer to each other, due to which the weight of the Swedish-style models is much lower. In addition, the designs are equipped with a swing-out mechanism, so they can be opened in two planes.
German
The main feature of this type of windows was a special aluminum cover designed to protect the profile from rain. They fix it outside with clips, and leave a compact gap to ventilate the wooden part. There is only one door, with double or triple glazing.
In our country, German wood-aluminum windows are represented by products of Kneer, Unilux, Gutmann and several others.
Customer reviews
It remains to note the opinion of the buyers themselves. If you look at thematic forums, you will notice that many refuse to buy wood-aluminum windows with double-glazed windows because of the high price. Another point for criticism was the lack of a hinged mode in some models, which creates certain difficulties - during rain it is necessary to close the window completely.
But those who nevertheless decided to purchase models of this type, unanimously note their highest performance, reliability, quality and style.