Clearview National March 2016 - Issue 172 | Page 60

DOORS&WINDOWS

The Secrets of Composite
Doors and Windows
»»FROM THE MOST AMBITIOUS OF
Grand Designs, to the simplest DIY fixeruppers there is one build feature that keeps
cropping up – and that is composites.
Composite windows and doors are
becoming the solution of choice for the
discerning designer but just what is their
appeal? And what is behind the seeming surge
in popularity that has seen composites become
a true competitor with their traditional timber
and more modern PVCu competitors?
According to AluWood, a leading
manufacturer of composite windows and
doors, the secret of the product’s success lies
in a unique combination of factors, much like
its design relies on a unique combination of
materials.
Because they are constructed using timber
interiors and aluminium exteriors, composites
are the only option able to truly offer the
consumer the best of both worlds when it
comes to appearance and performance.
Combining the classic interior appearance
of a clear or coloured lacquered wood frame
with the external durability, performance and
visual impact of anodised or powder coated
aluminium, this product is fast becoming the
one to watch when it comes to windows.
The composite designers say the clean sharp
lines of the aluminium exteriors are especially
appealing to the modern architect, who also
appreciate features such as fully concealed
drainage within the aluminium (to negate
the need for unsightly drainage caps) and
concealed trickle ventilation - which help to

60 » M AR 2016 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M

ensure that the lines of all elevations stay sleek
and contemporary when using composites.
With the exterior profiles of these composite
units available in a choice of metallic finishes
as well as a matt, satin or gloss effects in
single or dual colour options (sashes, for
example, can be highlighted for maximum
visual impact) and interior options including
a range of hardwoods with a selection of stains
and colour coatings, it is no surprise that
composites are the darling of the designer,
with the option attracting a lot of interest
from architects.
But it is not only aesthetics that are behind
the growing appeal of composite options
within the building industry, with the
products’ practical features pushing them even
further up in the popularity stakes.
Homebuilders, it seems, are attracted to
composites because of their green credentials,
with unique designs ensuring the option offers
both longevity and energy efficiency to the end
user – making composites both eco-friendly
and economic in the long term.
The industry insiders explained how the use
of fully-recyclable aluminium outsides ensures
that composite units have a high strength to
weight ratio, resulting in less material usage
as well as a lower environmental impact at
the end of life, while timber for the interior
of their windows is sourced only from
sustainable Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
approved suppliers, with the FSC certification
being the only wood certification scheme
endorsed by major environmental charities

such as the WWF, Greenpeace and The
Woodland Trust.
The choice and combination of materials
also ensures there are no exposed timber
joints, reducing the opportunities for water
ingress and increasing the useful life of the
units, while all hardware is fitted using
austenitic stainless steel screws for maximum
longevity – resulting in less wastage over the
lifetime of the build through the reduced need
for replacement.
The designers explained that their
composites also include the use of nylon
clips and rubber inserts between the interior
and exterior profiles, which helps to reduce
thermal bridging, and increases the insulating
properties of the composite products, while
brush pile is fitted as standard on sashes to
improve weather performance (and help keep
out creepy crawlies!)
The use of multi-point window locks with
adjustable mushroom cams further enhances
the weather tightness of doors and windows
as well as ensuring they conform to the strict
demands of the British Standard security
certification PAS 24.
The resulting product is the perfect choice
for stylish, comfortable and energy efficient
interiors, saving money on heating for the
occupiers and helping to minimise their
environmental impact while helping architects
to ensure that their builds stand out for all the
right reasons.
www.aluwoodwindows.co.uk