How to choose timber-aluminium windows: wood species, glazing, opening

A timber-aluminium window has timber on the inside, visible in the room, and aluminium on the outside, which protects against the weather. You choose it by deciding the wood species (pine, oak or meranti), the glazing (double or triple) and the type of opening. In the collection the profile comes in thicknesses of 68, 78 or 92 mm, and there is also a sliding patio door.

The types

• INNOVIEW windows: the Fakro timber-aluminium window, with an inner timber profile (Classic or Regular) and an outer aluminium cladding in the SOFT, MODERN or PURE shapes.
• HST lift-and-slide patio door: the sash lifts and then slides, for wide openings (HST data sheet).
• PSK parallel tilt-and-slide patio door: the sash can be tilted to let air in or moved parallel to the glass (PSK data sheet).

How to choose by job

A few words on the differences between the two patio doors. In the lift-and-slide (HST) the sash lifts off the tracks and then slides, and when closing it lowers back onto the seals. In the parallel tilt-and-slide (PSK) the sash can tilt for ventilation and then move parallel to the fixed glass. If your priority is a large glazed opening with heavy sashes, look at the HST; if you also need ventilation in the tilted position, look at the PSK.

For the INNOVIEW window the choice is made in two steps. First the inside: the timber profile (Classic or Regular) and the wood species you want to see in the room. Then the outside: the shape of the aluminium cladding (SOFT, MODERN or PURE), which decides the look of the façade.

The features to look at

• Wood species: pine, oak or meranti. They change the look and the grain: see the samples before deciding.
• Profile thickness: 68, 78 or 92 mm. Choose according to the glazing, the installation and how much insulation you need.
• Glazing: double or triple. Triple insulates more but is heavier and thicker.
• Shape of the aluminium cladding: SOFT, MODERN, PURE, i.e. softer or sharper lines.
• Opening schemes: the data sheets show the schemes (A, B, C or 1, 2, 3, 4, depending on the model) that show how many sashes there are and how they open.
• Warranty: stated as 15 years on the manufacturer's data sheet.

Common mistakes

• Ordering without surveying the dimensions of the opening.
• Thinking the window alone is enough: installation and sealing of the joint matter as much as the product.
• Choosing triple glazing without checking that the profile and hardware can bear the weight.
• Not checking the opening scheme before ordering.
• Confusing the two sliding doors: the lift-and-slide and the tilt-and-slide behave differently, and the space needed around the opening changes.
• Forgetting maintenance: seals and hardware must be lubricated periodically.

Frequently asked questions

Why timber-aluminium?

Because it combines the look of timber on the inside with the resistance of aluminium on the outside.

Double or triple glazing?

Triple insulates more but is heavier and thicker. The choice depends on the climate, the exposure and the profile.

Can I have different wood species?

Yes: pine, oak and meranti.

What do I need to know to ask for a quote?

The dimensions of the opening, the type of opening you want (scheme), the wood species, the shape of the cladding and whether you prefer double or triple glazing.

What happens after installation?

The sashes are adjusted and the hardware and seals are lubricated periodically, to keep them airtight over time.

The models are in the Windows, Doors and Profiles collection: for dimensions and configuration, request a quote or ask the AMES technicians for advice.