When you invest in your home, you’re also investing in your wellbeing and future. One of the most impactful ways to enhance your living space is through thoughtful window selection. AliClad windows offer a perfect blend of style and security, making them an excellent choice for Australian homeowners. But what exactly is AliClad, and how does it compare to other windows on the market?
What are AliClad windows?
AliClad products, sometimes referred to as aluclad, are aluminium-clad timber windows, made with an internal timber frame and covered with a durable aluminium exterior. As window cladding, the sleek aluminium helps to improve the window’s durability and weather resistance, while also removing the need for painting. The timber offers a softer, cleaner look for interiors while being a more sustainable resource. Composite window frames have also been found to have a much longer life cycle than other window options like uPVC, providing a functional and elegant window that lasts.
Choosing composite
For years, builders and homeowners had to face the decision of choosing timber or aluminium windows for their projects. Both timber and aluminium windows offer different benefits to the home, but we have brought these benefits together without sacrificing quality in our AliClad system. What exactly are the benefits of each material though?
Aluminium windows
Aluminium is a popular material for windows because it requires little to no maintenance and is known for its durability. An aluminium window frame can also be coloured and styled using powder coating to match the preferences of a homeowner or builder. Importantly, aluminium can be recycled infinitely without being affected structurally, with recycling aluminium having extremely low energy output.
Timber windows
Timber provides a classic look for your windows, able to be stained or painted to match any individual preferences. Similar to aluminium, wood windows require maintenance internally, but can become a nuisance to maintain externally each year. Timber is also highly desirable for many people as an environmentally friendly, renewable resource, and adding more value to your home.
Why should you choose AliClad Windows?
Manufactured in Melbourne and designed for Australian conditions, our aluminium timber windows are a desirable solution for a variety of reasons.
Durability: Aluminium is highly resistant to rust, discolouration and other forms of decay, making it ideal as an external cover for window frames. This excellent protection helps windows to last for decades, with AliClad regularly lasting for more than 60 years without requiring any replacement.
Environmental: Both our aluminium and timber are sustainably sourced. By using aluminium only for external cladding instead of a full frame, we significantly reduce its impact on the environment. As the material doesn’t require paint, there is also no harmful wash-off. Our timber is also harvested from sustainably managed resources and regional forests to minimise the impact of transport emissions.
Easy maintenance: Aluminium does not require any painting to be effective or have a good appearance, and can be preserved by simply wiping it down with a damp cloth. On the other side, timber naturally lasts for years and can also be maintained with a regular wipe down.
Energy efficient: If you want to reduce energy costs and create a comfortable living space, AliClad windows offer top-notch thermal performance. Timber’s low thermal conductivity makes it very energy efficient as a building material, while aluminium conducts heat very quickly and effectively. AliClad window frames are made even more effective when paired with double glazing, which reduces the loss of heat during colder months and minimises its entry during warmer months. Energy efficiency also helps you save money on heating and cooling costs.
Secure: The aluminium exterior and strength of timber make AliClad stronger windows than other options. This helps to provide an extra layer of protection against forced entry. When paired with high-quality locking systems, these windows offer peace of mind and help to safeguard your home.
Design: The appearance of your home is important when choosing your windows, and AliClad windows can be made to suit your design and aesthetic preferences. At Miglas, our AliClad windows can be finished in over 200 colours and in a variety of sheens and styles thanks to powder coating.
AliClad vs uPVC
uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) is another common material for windows that resists moisture, warping and decay, and also has decent energy efficiency. As a material, vinyl chloride-based products have been scrutinised for their toxicity to landfills and waterways, with stabilised PVC (uPVC) being extremely difficult to recycle due to stabilising additives. Environmental and health experts have documented many negative outcomes.
uPVC does not match the long-lasting quality and aesthetic appeal of AliClad, which has a product life cycle twice as long as a uPVC window. And thankfully, AliClad frames are not double the price either. The combination of timber and aluminium in AliClad frames not only offers superior insulation but also ensures you are leading a more sustainable lifestyle and won’t need to replace your windows for years to come.
AliClad stands out as a premium window option, combining a robust aluminium exterior with a natural timber interior to give you the best of both worlds. AliClad is unmatched when it comes to enjoying style, durability and function.
Elevate your home with AliClad windows
While AliClad windows may have a higher initial cost due to their premium materials and construction, they offer more long-term value. Unlike other window options, like uPVC which requires more frequent replacements, AliClad windows are built to last, combining durability, thermal efficiency and beautiful appearance into a single system. At the end of their life, AliClad frames can easily be recycled or attributed to an extremely low carbon output.
For homeowners seeking a blend of style, security, and energy efficiency, AliClad windows provide the ideal solution. At Miglas, we source the best materials to create our products, combining with double glazing to provide comfort and protection in the harsh Australian climate.
To learn more about Miglas, our window offerings, or how you can elevate your living situation, get in touch for a chat or to arrange a consultation.
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