What Are the Benefits of Modern Composite Windows?

When it comes to composite windows, most people think of timber with aluminium cladding. However, another high-quality option is PVCu-aluminium composite fenestration.

Available in a wide range of styles and specifications, these products are finished with aluminium cladding externally, which results in a durable, low-maintenance window that suits any architectural style.

If you are looking for a high-performance glazing solution for your project, composite windows, especially triple-glazed, could be the answer.

What Are the Main Benefits of Modern Composite Windows?

If you compare traditional wooden windows to modern alu-clad units, the advantages are fairly obvious. No longer do you have to spend time and money repainting your timber windows every few years.

The long-term upkeep costs of this can run to tens of thousands over a window’s total lifetime – something that many self builders and renovators don’t factor into their calculations. If timber windows aren’t cleaned and maintained regularly, they can look unsightly.

While composite windows might be more expensive up front, the aluminium cladding means there’s little to no maintenance required. If powder-coated in the factory, the aluminium frame is exceptionally hardwearing, with a practically unlimited choice of colours, finishes and textures available.

You can opt for pre-anodised aluminum, which provides added protection against harsh weather conditions – making these windows ideal for coastal areas and other exposed settings.

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A cut-through image showing the construction of Internorm’s HF 510 timber-aluminium composite triple-glazed window, which delivers Uw-values as low as 0.65 W/m2K in a slimline, attractive profile

Mix & Match Window Materials

PVCu-aluminium windows are still not widely available in the UK market, but they are a great alternative frame material. They can be used in place of pure PVCu or timber-aluminium units, combining performance, style and durability – all while being a cost-effective window option.

At Internorm, we recommend avoiding an internal timber finish for damp areas such as bath or shower rooms. This is due to high humidity levels, which can affect the timber over time. Our product range of triple-glazed tilt-and-turn windows, French and lift-and-slide doors can all be specified in timber-aluminium or PVCu-aluminium.

That means you can mix internal frame materials without compromising a uniform appearance on the outside. So, if you’d like a beautiful natural oak finish on the inside for living spaces to complement your interior design, but PVCu windows for your bathrooms, no problem! There are also four distinct design styles to choose from, all with exceptional thermal and acoustic performance, as well as enhanced security.

Why Choose Composite Over Straight Metal?

Aluminium windows have become popular in recent years due to their slim frames, which help to reduce sightlines and maximise daylight. However, not everyone wants the modern, industrial look that comes with aluminium internally. Plus, the price difference between composite and aluminium windows can run into the thousands of pounds.

Internorm’s alu-clad composite windows offer a modern look alongside ultra-low maintenance, and can be finished internally in a range of styles to suit your home decor

What’s more, pure aluminium frames do not always provide the level of thermal performance that self builders and renovators might expect. This is especially important if you are looking to create a low-energy home or Passivhaus. With energy prices on the rise for the foreseeable future and Building Regulations becoming more stringent, it is important to always compare the U-values of windows. In particular, look for the Uw-value, which encompasses both the frame and glass.

Homeowners – and government – are waking up to the fact that homes in the UK have got to become better insulated and more energy efficient. With rising energy bills and Net Zero targets to meet, we’re seeing a shift towards specifying high-quality materials to build a house.

Opting for composite windows with high-performance triple glazing, delivered and installed by specialist providers, can make a big contribution towards achieving your goals for a low-energy and comfortable home.