People designing their own homes are uniquely positioned to choose the exact materials they want and achieve an aesthetic tailored to their specific tastes. Windows—which protect us from the elements and illuminate our lives—are one of the most important considerations.
Monumental Windows and Doors is proud to offer the best windows on the market: aluminum. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of aluminum windows versus their wooden counterparts.
Aluminum Windows Are More Durable Than Wood
Aluminum can be anodized or powder-coated for extra protection from natural elements, better equipping it to withstand heat and resist warping in the hot sun. While wood requires periodic maintenance to remain in good shape, aluminum is virtually maintenance-free. Mario Hernandez, president of Monumental Windows and Doors, points out that Palm Desert windows and doors, which can get dusty in desert winds, can be easily rinsed with water. Wooden surfaces, on the other hand, can be degraded by water. Furthermore, wood—unlike aluminum—is vulnerable to damage from pests such as termites and environmental factors.
Energy-Efficient Products Reduce Utility Costs
One major function of a home is to protect us from the elements. In climates with temperatures that sometimes reach 120°, air conditioning costs can soar, and heat remediation should be a serious consideration. California windows and doors have to address this geographically specific challenge, and aluminum is the better choice over wood. Engineered with a high-performance dual-glazing method that creates a thermal break in the framing construction, energy-efficient aluminum doors and windows have an energy-saving exterior that wood cannot replicate. In extreme climates, aluminum can help reduce the astronomical cost of cooling homes.
Eco-Friendly Windows
When it comes to environmental responsibility, there’s no contest between aluminum and wood. Most of the wood used for building materials is not farmed, and contributes to deforestation and illegal logging. While wood has the advantage of being a naturally renewable building material, experts estimate that farmed trees make up only a small fraction of all wood window and door products. Aluminum, which makes up about 8% of the earth’s crust, is an abundant resource. It is considered the most eco-friendly choice for sustainable windows and doors, and doesn’t require cutting down trees. It’s also one of the most recycled products on the planet, with nearly 75% of all aluminum produced in the U.S. still in use today.
Aluminum Windows Offer Greater Design Opportunities
Many people love the sleek, modern style of aluminum windows. Aluminum is highly customizable and can be shaped in ways that wood cannot, making it a very desirable option. Window frames can be designed to achieve a range of looks, including minimized profiles. A narrower frame translates to more glass, as no bulky materials obscure your view. This is a big perk for many property owners, especially those in places with gorgeous vistas like Coachella Valley or Palm Desert. A host of paints and finishes can also be applied to aluminum, making it an extremely versatile choice with a durable surface that requires little maintenance.
Many homeowners who prefer contemporary styles are drawn to aluminum as their window of choice. However, many people enjoy wood’s timeless character and innate beauty, especially when their design aesthetic is more traditional. Aluminum windows would not work well in a Victorian- or Tudor-style house, for instance, because wood windows are more suitable for an antique look.
Wood or Aluminum: Which Is Better for Today’s Homeowner?
Taste is entirely subjective. While some are married to the idea of wood-framed windows, aluminum products are the most popular choice for homeowners today, and with good reason. One top factor is cost—wood is almost always the more expensive choice on the market. There are other factors to consider as well, especially when building in the California region.
Extreme weather in the Palm Desert and Palm Springs areas, for instance, requires durable designs that can withstand high temperatures, severe thunderstorms, and blazing sunlight. High-quality aluminum is stronger and more resilient than wood and provides excellent protection against the elements. It also requires less maintenance, which reduces the need for replacement.
Aluminum products are also very energy-efficient. (Fun fact: The thermal strut design of windows offered by Monumental are the most energy-efficient on today’s market.) Thermal performance is enhanced further when combined with certain types of glass, coatings, and tints. This keeps indoor environments comfortable and also saves money in power consumption.
For homeowners wanting the sleek, contemporary look favored by so many, customizable aluminum windows offer more design flexibility, making them the obvious choice.
Monumental Offers Best-in-Class Products for Luxury Homes
Monumental Windows and Doors offers a wide range of products for property owners and builders, including specialty windows for luxury homes. Check out our company brochure to learn more about our line of beautiful, durable, energy-efficient window and door options.
Our customer service specialists are also ready to discuss your specific design needs. Contact us today to set up a consultation!