Aluminium windows vs Wooden windows are both popular choices for homeowners in South Africa and for good reason! However, it's important to remember that the two materials hold very different benefits and drawbacks, and that one may be better suited to your home than the other. Let’s get started.
An easy way to determine what will work best for your home is to consider what each material is best for.
| Aluminium | Wood | |
| Investment Trends | Good | Good |
| Durability | Good | Fair |
| Stability | Good | Poor |
| Maintenance | Good | Poor |
| Security | Good | Poor |
| Cost-saving | Good | Poor |
In South Africa, where seasonal temperature fluctuations are much less extreme, opting for aluminium window frames is ideal.
Aluminium is lightweight, yet strong. The robust and versatile quality of this material lends more freedom to the design. For example, you can have a variety of fame sizes without compromising strength and choose from a range of colours.
Using aluminium window frames will also reduce future maintenance costs, which is why it’s adding value to homes even though it’s the cheaper option. It will also last 30 - 40 years when cared for properly. Contrary to wood, aluminium window frames will not warp or rust or rot.
Wood is often preferred as the eco-friendly option, but aluminium is 100% recyclable. In fact, the recycling of aluminium requires only 5% of the initial energy consumed to create it.
According to current real estate trends, Aluminium is the material of choice for windows and doors.
For residential, commercial, and industrial projects, Inso Aluminium provides custom designs, manufacturing, and installation of aluminium windows. With over 20 years of experience, they ensure their clients' needs are met.
Services: Custom design and manufacturing, delivery, installation, and online instant quote calculator.
Products: Aluminium windows, aluminium doors, aluminium sliding doors, frameless solutions, shade and shutter systems.
Inso Aluminium - 1 Elsecar St, Kya Sand, Randburg, 2163
Open 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Landline +27 11 708 4443
Sigma Doors focuses on supplying quality standard aluminium windows. Custom sizes can be manufactured to order. Delivery & installation can also be arranged on request.
Services: Supply, delivery, installation, custom manufacturing, and online quote request.
Products: Aluminium windows (top hung, side hung, horizontal sliding), aluminium hinged doors, aluminium sliding doors, aluminium folding doors, frameless shower doors and screens.
Sigma Doors - 12 Northern Works, Falkirk Rd., R114, Midrand, Johannesburg
Open 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Landline +27 10 495 2102
Metal Windows is a leading manufacturer and supplier of a wide range of aluminium products. They offer custom design, installation, free call outs, measurements and quotes to make sure their customers’ needs are met. Their windows hold a unique 5-year warranty.
Services: Refurbish or replace existing aluminium windows and doors, service aluminium windows and doors, custom designs, aluminium conservatories and greenhouses.
Products: Aluminium casement doors, aluminium french doors, aluminium tilt and slide doors, aluminium folding doors, aluminium pivot doors, and aluminium windows.
Metal Windows Cape Town - 12 Ravenscraig Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7925
Open 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Landline +27 21 448 4333
Prima Aluminium is a trusted brand that does not compromise on quality and only uses the best material available to resist corrosion or keep maintenance to a minimum for both residential and commercial buildings. Their design and manufacturing process is highly committed to energy efficiency.
Services: Supply, manufacturing, planning, delivery and installation.
Products: Arched windows, double hinge doors, single hinge doors, sliding shutters, sliding windows, stack folding doors, top hung windows, palace multi-track doors, outdoor gates, pergolas, french doors, enclosures, stack folding windows, side hung windows, EXP high performance, pool pump and gas enclosures, oval louvre shutters.
Prima Aluminium - 6 Coenru Street, Unit 7, 8 & 9, Stikland, Belville, Cape Town, 7530
Open 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Landline +27 79 417 5811
If you're looking for the best in architectural aluminium windows and doors, look no further than PG Aluminium. As a member of the PG Group, PG Aluminium is a leading manufacturer and installer of architectural aluminium windows and doors in Southern Africa.
Services: Professional window and door design, custom manufacturing, expert installation, and free measurements at your home.
Products: Windows, doors, showers, cladding, partitions, shopfronts, rooflights and enclosures, monkey-proof gates, and shutters.
PG Aluminium KZN - 14 Leeukop Rd, Westmead Ext, Pinetown, 3608
Open 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Landline +27 31 700 2669
With over 30 years of experience, Pro Aluminium lives up to its name. With extensive experience, an excellent reputation and all the necessary accreditation and certifications, your project will be in good hands.
Services: Commercial installations and residential installations.
Products: Commercial aluminium solutions, residential aluminium solutions, and double-glazing.
Pro Aluminium - 19 Suffert St, Pinetown, Durban, 3610
Open 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Landline +27 31 701 2001
With a range of services and the ability for in-house customisation, Apex Aluminium is your one-stop shop when it comes to aluminium doors and windows in Port Elizabeth. With a free consultation, you can get help from professionals to see what solution will work best for your needs.
Services: Aluminium manufacturer, design services, installation, and consultation.
Products: Aluminium windows, aluminium doors, partitioning, and shopfronts.
ApeX Aluminium - 22 Reed St, North End, Gqeberha, 6056
Open 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Landline +27 41 484 1033
Aluminium Advance is an independent, owner-managed business that has over 25 years of collective experience. They are committed to customer satisfaction and have financing options available for those who need them.
Services: Free consultation, design services, manufacture, installation, and maintenance.
Products: Aluminium doors, aluminium windows, and showers.
Aluminium Advance - 14 Uitenhage Rd, North End, Gqeberha, 6056
Open 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Landline +27 87 809 1596
Poor insulation: Aluminium is an excellent thermal conductor of heat or cold. That means you might have to deal with condensation. When choosing your aluminium window frames, you may need to include Thermal Break Technology- which will, unfortunately, increase the cost.
Corrosion: If you're planning on building in a coastal area, aluminium window frames might be more susceptible to corrosion. You'll have to deal with removing salt residue on a very regular basis. We recommend adding an anti-corrosive coating onto the aluminium.
Excluding installation costs, the average price for a 1500 x 1500mm aluminium window is between R900 and R1600. The price will depend on where you live, supplier brand, glazing, size, design, colour and any additional finishes.
Aluminium windows are one of the most durable materials. Unlike wood or PVC, it won’t swell, crack, split, or warp over time.
A new, quality window should last between 30 and 40 years before you need to consider replacing it.
Whether you’re building your dream home or renovating a home in your dream location, choosing the right window frames is a big decision. We hope that this article has helped you make an informed decision. When it’s all done, let Wise Move help you move and get settled.
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