How do curtain walls compare to timber or composite cladding in lifecycle cost?

When assessing lifecycle cost in Middle Eastern projects, aluminum glass curtain walls generally outperform timber or composite cladding in total cost of ownership. Timber cladding requires intensive maintenance—regular sealing, painting, and replacement in harsh UV and humidity conditions—making long-term costs high in Gulf or Levant climates. Composite panels may resist some weathering but can be heavier, more complex to repair, or have limited recyclability. Aluminum curtain walls provide durable finishes with long replacement cycles, simple local repairs for individual panels, and high recyclability at end of life. Operational savings from superior thermal performance also reduce HVAC operating costs. While initial façade costs depend on complexity and glass specification, the predictable maintenance schedule, reduced frequency of major remediation, and material longevity usually produce a lower lifecycle financial burden for aluminum glass curtain walls over 20–30 years in Middle Eastern environments.