Industrial Windows & Doors: Wooden Style V Aluminium
There’s no wonder why the Crittall style is enjoying an explosion in popularity in homes across the country.
Sleek, edgy and modern, with a nod to the industrial past, Crittall style doors and windows blur the lines between the outdoors and inside to completely transform a home.
But which material is best for the job?
Whilst there’s no doubt that solid wood is by far the superior choice aesthetically, there’s some misconceptions that its natural properties will lead to problems down the line.
That couldn’t be further from the truth. So let’s compare solid wood to aluminium and bust a couple of those myths:
"Wood expands and contracts in hot and cold environments"
Yes, this is true – but it is also the case with metal and aluminium.
The quality of fitting is the key to ensure window and door frames that do their job properly, whatever the material you are working with. Poor fitting will result in a poor product.
The good news is that you know when you that when you choose Wooden Luxury, you are dealing with expert craftsman and fitters with more than 100 years of experience in the industry to design, create and fit windows and doors that are a perfect fit for your frames and your homes.
All of our bespoke Crittall doors and window frames are made to measure, using the highest quality sustainable timber – known for its longevity, strength, durability and natural beauty.
"Wood degrades over time"
Once again, this is true of all materials you are likely to work with for your Crittall window and door frames.
Whether it is wood, metal or PVC, all will degrade over time.
At Wooden Luxury, all of our products are specially treated to protect against the elements and prevent degrading and rot.
Red Grandis (our preferred choice for Crittall Styles) is among the toughest material on the market, and treated properly, all frames can withstand even the harshest of elements and pressures – keeping the bad weather out and the warmth inside for a lifetime. Red Grandis is decay-resistant and resists moisture well, so with proper maintenance, wooden window and door frames have much more longevity than PVC and metals that are more prone to degradation and rust.
Now we’ve got the perceived ‘negatives’ out of the way, let’s take a look at some other reasons why wood always reigns supreme over metal and PVC when it comes to choosing the perfect material for your Crittall windows and doors.
Wood is more versatile
Unlike other materials, wood can be painted or altered aesthetically if you decide to change the overall look of your home.
Choose a natural wood for your Crittall door and window frames initially and then a few years down the line decide dusky greys would better suit your taste? No problem. Simply paint them. And you don’t need to limit yourself to just revitalising indoor frames with colour when you fancy a decor change as there’s an extensive range of specialist exterior paints on the market that protect wood against harsh weather conditions.
You can’t say you’d be able to do that with metal or PVC.
Wood is a thermally superior product
When it comes to choosing the best material for your Crittall doors and window frames, insulation is a key consideration.
They are there to do a job, after all, and you want to choose a material that will do it most efficiently.
Oak has outstanding insulation properties – an estimated 0.16k (the ‘k’ value is measured in W/m2/K and the lower the figure the better).
Whilst metal is a good conductor of heat, wood is less so, which means your solid timber frames will help to keep the heat in and the cold out – making a more comfortable living environment for your home and keeping those energy bills down.
Wood Is A More Sustainable Product
As a natural material, timber is much more sustainable and environmentally friendly material choice than metal or PVC.
A recent study found that uPVC windows are responsible for over 100kg of carbon dioxide equivalents over 60 years, assuming they have been replaced once in this period. Taking into consideration end-of-life scenarios such as recycling of materials, reuse of materials and incineration of materials, as well as the potential carbon intensity of the energy required, the study found that timber had a significantly lower global warming potential.
Material trends have shifted throughout the years – mainly due to the influence of cost. They include the introduction of softwoods and plywood, made up of layers upon layers of softer wood to boost their strength, and then the boom of plastic in the 1990s and early 2000s which became popular due to their perceived low maintenance and affordability.
Aluminium and composite, made from combining materials to create one that is stronger than its individual components, are currently enjoying a surge in popularity.
But none can compare to the sheer natural beauty, insulation properties, security and durability of Timber and Red Grandis in particular – although they may cost more in the short term than their contemporary alternatives.
And as the world becomes more aware of climate issues, the sustainability of wood – known globally to be one of the most naturally renewable energy sources – is another reason oak front doors reign supreme as the material of choice for luxury front doors.
Why choose wood for your Crittall doors and windows…In a snapshot:
- Red Grandis stands the test of time
- Outstanding insulation properties of timber – an estimated 0.16k (the ‘k’ value is measured in W/m2/K and the lower the figure the better)
- Treated properly, external timber can withstand even the harshest of elements and pressures – keeping the bad weather out and the warmth inside
- Red Grandis has unrivalled natural beauty
- Timber is one of the most sustainable materials available
- Doors and windows can be tailored to fit perfectly with any architectural style or age of home – and can be embellished with individual glass panelling, handles or latches to create a more modern, period or traditional look depending on your requirement
- Timber is decay-resistant and resists moisture well – an important factor to consider given the Great British weather
- Unrivalled natural security for your home