Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a wood-aluminium window?
It is a window system consisting of wood and aluminium that combines the best properties of two different materials. Wood as a proven and environmentally friendly building material is not only highly durable and capable of withstanding strain; it also creates a friendly and warm atmosphere in living quarters.
Aluminium is a modern high-tech product characterised by versatility and indestructibility combined with low weight. Being weather-proof, it provides optimum external protection for the wood, similar to a bark.
Wood-aluminium windows are classic wooden windows with precisely fitting aluminium shells attached to them using special fittings.
2. What advantages does the wood-aluminium system have compared to wooden and plastic?
Wood-aluminium windows have the advantage that you can choose from a nearly unlimited number of possible colours for the facade design. And they also provide a cosy atmosphere inside your home.
In addition, wood-aluminium windows are extremely durable and provide permanent protection against inclement weather.
3. What do wood-aluminium windows cost in comparison to wooden and plastic windows?
Because wood-aluminium windows are so durable and easy to maintain, their slightly higher purchase price will pay off very quickly. Install wood-aluminium windows and you will never need to paint again!
A "whole life cost" appraisal carried out by Camden Housing Capital Projects took into account maintenance and replacement costs and the results show that high performance timber and aluminium clad timber windows cost 23-25 per cent less than PVC over a 60-year life span.
4. How long do wood-aluminium windows last?
Wood-aluminium windows last a lifetime, because the aluminium protects the wood like a bark.
5. Can mould develop between the aluminium shell and the wooden window?
Gutmann's aluminium profile systems provide large revolving water chambers and optimum back ventilation to ensure that no water condensation will form between the aluminium shell and the wood, thus preventing mould right from the start.
6. Does the aluminium shell have any influence on thermal insulation?
Yes. We have developed the "MIRATherm" system especially for low-energy homes. This system meets the requirements of the German EnEV regulation for saving energy. This aluminium shell with its special thermal insulation is also suitable for zero-energy homes, since it has been certified by PASSIV HAUS INSTITUT in Darmstadt, Germany and comply with the PASSIVE HOUSE standard.
7. Does the wood-aluminium system improve burglary protection?
Wooden and wood-aluminium windows are fitted with burglary-resistant Secured by Design certified hardware from MACO, Austria, whose efficiency is further supported by the aluminium shell.
8. Does the wood-aluminium system offer improved sound insulation?
Window sound insulation is foremost dependent on the glass itself. The aluminium shell has no significant influence on sound propagation.
9. Can the colour of the aluminium shell be selected to match the front door, the conservatory or the facade?
The number of possible colours is virtually unlimited. All colours according to RAL, NCS, decor and special colours are possible. Gutmann has compiled a colour fan with the most common colours to facilitate decision-making for architects and building owners. Colours can, of course, also be mixed. In this manner, it is possible to exactly match windows to their environment.
10. Can the wood-aluminium system be used for all kinds of windows?
Windows are available in almost every type and shape for customised facade design. No matter if the window is round, inclined or if you prefer transom windows, our specialists know exactly how even unusual types of windows can be fitted with an aluminium shell.
The same applies to unusual shapes of windows. There are wood-aluminium system solutions for every type of window, ranging from single casement turn windows to tilt-and-turn windows and sliding windows. All this is made possible thanks to the flexibility and adaptability of Gutmann aluminium profile systems.
11. Are aluminium shells available in different widths and systems?
Gutmann offers a wide range of different profile systems and versions. For example, the MIRA system with its classic offset design or the modernlooking flush design of the BRAGA system.
For conservatories, we offer the LARA system in different versions. Gutmann has the right product for every purpose. We will be pleased to help you select the right product from the Gutmann catalogues.
12. What must be observed when building new houses?
Mounting a wood-aluminium window is not different from mounting other types of windows. When a woodaluminium window is installed, only the usual guidelines must be observed.
13. How do I clean and care for the aluminium shell?
Aluminium is an easy-to-clean, lowmaintenance and colour-stable material. This makes it very suitable for protection against inclement weather. For maintenance, we recommend caring for the aluminium shell once per year. Gutmann provides a special aluminium care kit for this purpose.
14. How do I remove surface scratches?
Depending on the colour, special repair kits are available for easy and quick repairs, similar to those for damaged car paint. In the event of heavier damage, Gutmann’s practical system connection principle allows you to replace aluminium shells.
15. How can I get wood-aluminium systems from Gutmann?
High-quality window and facade systems for the most varied applications and demands are available at Rawington.
We will be pleased to give a specialist advice.
Just give us a call:
Telephone +44 (0)20 878 010 87.
Or send us an e-mail:
16. What is the Hermann Gutmann Werke?
Hermann Gutmann Werke AG has been manufacturing sophisticated aluminium products for the construction business and various industries in Germany for over six decades.
These aluminium profiles are tailored to individual customer requirements in state-of-the-art processing and surface finishing plants.
The system profiles sector concentrates on windows and facades. With its versatile range of systems and versions, Gutmann supplies window builders and further processing companies throughout Germany and other countries worldwide. In addition to offering our consulting services to further processing companies, we at Gutmann also provide consulting services to architects on questions of custom facade design involving windows, window doors and conservatories of all kinds. Thanks to our high degree of specialisation, there are no limits to shapes or colours.