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Clear anodised aluminium windows

7 years ago

Hi All - our architect specified clear anodised aluminium windows for our building. When our builder called to put the order in to the window company they said that the anodised option was an unnecessary expense and that the could get a similar look with a powder coated option. I relayed this to the architect who said the anodised option gives a completely different look and it I could spend the money it would be worthwhile. Anyone have any experience with use of anodised windows? What do they look like vs a powder coated option?

Featured Answer

oklouise

7 years ago

very happy with our anodised aluminium windows and was never offered a "cheaper" alternative..check out the two choices at your window suppliers to see and feel the difference

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Comments (12)

User
7 years ago
It sounds like you've gone shopping for apples and been offered some oranges! 2 completely different options and finishes (one looks like brushed bare aluminium and one looks painted).

Perhaps sometimes white powder coat can look the same as anodised in some lights/aspects....but generally they are different and do give a different look. Your architect is right.
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PRO
MB Design & Drafting
7 years ago
Not all manufacturers have clear anodised extrusion's. Hence the extra cost as they'd probably need to order it in.

Actually, clear probably should be a cheaper option.....
E L
7 years ago
This is a very relevant question for us right now as we also have to decide between clear anodised and silver coated. I was surprised to find the anodised more expensive but to me it does look entirely different. The manufacturer said one of the reasons it is more expensive is because if the anodised is scratched during manufacture, shipping or installation, it must be replaced. Whereas the powder coated option can just be touched up with a bit of paint. I'll attach a photo of my two options. Anodised is on the left, coated on the right. Interested in your responses and decision! Good luck.
Sen Nantha
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks for the responses everyone - very helpful! Especially the picture!
E L
7 years ago
Happy to help, here's another couple of photos. Anodised on left looks lighter in daylight. The silver powder coated, on right, is greyer with a shimmer through it similar to silver car paint. They both look great. For me, the anodised is is more striking, but it comes down to dollars. Is the extra money ($4k in our case) worth the minor differences? I'm just not sure.
Just to make things more difficult... I've taken I liking to bronze anodised! Lol, sorry I don't have a sample of it. It's gorgeous... But again, expensive.
Sen Nantha
Original Author
7 years ago
EL are you based in Sydney? Which providers are you looking at?
E L
7 years ago
Hi snanthac, we're in Gippsland VIC. Why do you ask?
Sen Nantha
Original Author
7 years ago
To find out which provider you were using/considering. We are looking at wideline I think they are a national brand
E L
7 years ago
I haven't heard of wideline, I'll look them up.
We've been quite sensible and sought three quotes. We're fairly sure we'll use Dynamic. They where the middle quote and we've enjoyed discussing options with them. (Although they might be sick of hearing from us! Lol)
PRO
Designers by Nature
7 years ago
We have used both finishes with great results, there is a price point difference and as mentioned above, unfortunately if the anodised windows are damaged or marked for some reason during construction they are much harder to fix. The closest powder coat colour we have found in the past is "precious silver pearl"

this project used powdercoat windows https://www.houzz.com.au/projects/1856175/blue-steel
Blue Steel · More Info

and this project, anodised (coastal)

https://www.houzz.com.au/projects/1191638/coastal-exposure

Coastal exposure · More Info

Hope those examples and a few others on our profile will help.

best of luck :)
Gallifrey
7 years ago
We had the same issue. Decided on powered coated silver for two reasons. Substantial cost differential and risk of scratching or damage to anodised windows during construction. We are happy with our decision, and glad we spent the money we saved on some features that we would actually notice, like more louvres and face stacking doors etc.

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