If you’re considering buying hybrid windows for your property renovation project, rest assured you’re investing in high end and luxurious glazing. This guide to hybrid windows provides a more detailed explanation of their make-up, what you get with these windows and doors.
Helping you when buying hybrid windows
First of all, it’s worth knowing hybrid windows are also known as composite windows, alu-timber windows as well as timber aluminium windows. Essentially, the window or door profiles of these windows is a combination of two materials – aluminium and wood. In its simplest form, a hybrid product uses aluminium outside and real wood inside. There are other windows on the market using a combination of PVCu inside and glass edges outside or aluminium outside and PVCu inside. The aluminium-wood combination is widely regarded as a more luxurious and higher quality product.
What makes hybrid windows different?
Whether you buy our Rationel composite/hybrid brand, or our new Velfac system, the manufacturing, design and quality of hybrid glazing differs from regular PVCu windows.
Furthermore, the craftsmanship of hybrid doors or windows is a step up from the quality you get with windows made of aluminium. For hundreds of years, windows made of timber come hand-made. Modern windows and doors today use the latest machinery and technology. Hybrid windows do too, however, the way these windows come together still represents true craftsmanship compared to PVCu or aluminium. As a result, you’re getting a more bespoke and hand-made product in your home.
And just like modern materials such as aluminium or PVCu the weather sealing, energy efficiency, security and certification is first class. You also get the same excellent choice of modern and high-specification glass, prestige locking systems and excellent quality components throughout.
Why hybrid glazing is a genuine investment in your home.
It’s not just high-end homes fitted with hybrid windows. These products are timeless, long-lasting and surpass trends. Perhaps the biggest reason for choosing this combination of materials is the look and feel you get inside the home. Whilst aluminium windows are great internally for their lines and styling, hybrid products give you the warm-to-the-touch feel of real wood.
Our own Rationel range, and most quality brands on the market use the best parts of the trunk. You benefit from a better look and especially when left natural. The grain of the wood runs better.
Importantly, every window is individual, as no piece of wood can be the same. It’s another sign of quality and luxury.
Buying hybrid windows also means the very best in insulation
Perhaps the biggest feature of any product made of wood is its thermal performance. Thermal conductivity is exceptionally low. Of course, there are low U-Values and Window Energy Ratings with other materials. But the solid nature of a wood profile goes that much further.
PVCu and aluminium windows rely on multiple chambers in the profile or thermal breaks giving the required energy performance and profile strength. Real wood is strong and stable being solid throughout. And again let’s highlight its natural look and warmth inside a room.
All the benefits of modern aluminium or PVCu windows
It’s easy to assume anything having wood inside is thick and chunky. Whilst hybrid windows technically can’t be as slim as something like a steel-look design of window, they do come with choices in styling.
You’ll find classically styled windows, contemporary flat profile windows and doors. Technology and glass performance also means slimmer windows and doors in this combined material.
Maintenance of any window isn’t an issue inside the home, but outside it’s exposed to the weather. The aluminium on the outside provides this low maintenance feature. At the same time, there are over 150 colours available.
As a result, hybrid doors and windows provide all the minimal maintenance expectations of modern windows and doors.
For security, energy efficiency, acoustics and weather resistance, these windows come with the same British and European credentials and certification. You get premium locking systems, luxurious handles, all sorts of glass options and a choice of door and window hardware.
Luxury and quality when buying hybrid windows from Open Living
Our prestigious range of Velfac or Rationel hybrid doors and windows gives you all the functionality and style with the benefits of it’s dual-material construction.
Available as windows, front doors, sliding doors and patio doors, every one of our hybrid window products has flawless build quality. They’re professionally installed by us with a peace of mind guarantee.
Contact us today for more information and to arrange a view in our showroom or a free quotation.
