Shopping for window replacements? You’ve probably encountered clad windows. These are wooden window frames installed with exterior cladding, which helps to protect the frame from exposure to outside elements.
If you are considering clad windows for your next window replacement, this is the guide for you. We will discuss the pros and cons of each type of cladding and explain which one might work best for your home.
Table of Contents
Aluminum Clad Windows
Aluminum-clad windows utilize a durable aluminum layer that wraps around the wooden window’s sash and frame. The placement of aluminum allows homeowners to enjoy the wooden aesthetic while providing the window with improved durability.
Pros of Aluminum Clad Windows
The main appeal of aluminum cladding is its durability. The exterior wrap holds strong against a variety of severe weather conditions and resists issues like fading. The material’s durability also minimizes the need for frequent maintenance.
Other benefits include:
- Aluminum is highly recyclable, making the frame much more environmentally friendly
- Excellent noise reduction
- Versatile applications with customizable colors, finishes, and sizes
- Modern, sleek look enhances your property’s curb appeal
Cons of Aluminum Clad Windows
Aluminum is a metal, but its primary downside is that it transfers heat easily, resulting in more condensation on the windows.
The potential of aluminum corrosion also arises with the persistent risk of condensation. When looking at aluminum cladding, check whether it is powder-coated or painted, as this can help reduce the risk of corrosion.
Vinyl Clad Windows
As the name suggests, vinyl-clad windows cover the wooden frame and sash with a layer of vinyl material. The exterior layer helps to add additional protection while not hiding away the classic wood look of the windows.
Pros of Vinyl Clad Windows
Vinyl cladding offers excellent insulation for windows at a competitive price compared to aluminum. This durable material effectively withstands severe weather conditions.
In addition, vinyl requires lower maintenance than wooden windows without any cladding, making it the ideal choice if you want something less expensive but still produces long-lasting results.
Cons of Vinyl Clad Windows
The critical downside to vinyl cladding is its innate weakness when combating severe weather. With Illinois’s varied climate, seasons with extreme temperatures are not unusual. Unfortunately, vinyl cladding can break down if exposed for too long.
Fiberglass Clad Windows
Often called the frame material of the future, fiberglass-clad windows are built with a wooden interior and layered with a fiberglass exterior. Although they first appeared on the market around 20 years ago, fiberglass has become a favorite among homeowners.
Pros of Fiberglass Clad Windows
If your ideal window is one made for energy efficiency and longevity, then fiberglass is the ideal pick. Fiberglass-clad windows offer a wide range of benefits, including:
- Enhanced resistance against elements like water, heat, and UV rays.
- Wide range of customization options, including size, color, and hardware
- Low-E glass provides low heat transfer and high energy savings
- Reduce material expansion and contraction
Cons of Fiberglass Clad Windows
While fiberglass has many advantages, it also has a notable downside: its price.
Fiberglass cladding is significantly more expensive due to its complex production process, which limits the number of available providers. The price will be higher than vinyl but lower than aluminum cladding.
Composite Clad Windows
Composite clad windows are a special case when it comes to cladding. Unlike the other types, composite is a mixture of different materials; typically wood fibers mixed with thermoplastic resins.
Pros of Composite Clad Windows
With the unique design, different materials combine to create enhanced thermal insulation, keeping indoor temperatures consistent. The material itself is built for long-lasting reliability, as it resists moisture, material rot, and even damage from environmental debris.
Homeowners will also be pleased to know that composite-clad windows can be customized to their unique style. The composite design offers a variety of colors, finishes, and even textures.
Cons of Composite Clad Windows
If you have a strict budget, composite clad is not ideal. The design uses different materials, which come with a high price tag. Production requires precise craftsmanship combined with the use of more expensive materials.
In addition, the more expensive production results in limited provider availability.
Copper Clad Windows
When looking for unique windows, few catch the eye more than the classic aesthetic of copper-clad windows. These windows cover the interior wooden frame with a sleek, durable copper layer.
Pros of Copper Clad Windows
Copper cladding has been a mainstay for windows for thousands of years. People keep coming back to the classic design due to benefits like:
- Requiring little maintenance
- High sustainability, allowing for long-lasting protection of the wooden frame
- Increased home value and enhanced curb appeal
- Durable metal design, resisting issues like corrosion
Cons of Copper Clad Windows
The main drawbacks of copper-clad windows become more evident if they go through the rolled-on cladding process. This process finishes the surface of the base metal by applying a thin layer of another metal.
While great for combining the best qualities of both metals, it actually directly affects the durability of the cladding. As a result, the metal becomes easier to scratch or dent, which can ultimately ruin the look of the window.
Is a Clad Window the Right Choice for Me?
You may have started asking the above question based on our breakdown of all the different window cladding types. In the end, your choice of window replacement starts with your preferences.
If you are looking for wooden frame windows, but don’t want to deal with routine upkeep, the answer is yes. No matter the material used, the extra layer of protection helps keep the interior wood safe from outside elements.
But there is a big sticking point for some homeowners–the cladding over the wooden frame. While protective, the material will cover the wooden interior, blocking the classic aesthetic from view.
If you want your home enhanced by the classic aesthetic, clad windows are not for you.
Interested in Having Clad Windows Installed at Your Property?
If you’ve reached the end of this article and feel that clad windows are right for you, it’s time to call NEXT Door & Window. Our Design and energy Experts work directly with you to help design your ideal windows, offering the best cladding materials to deliver windows and ensure the best possible results.
Not all the cladding materials discussed in this article are available. Please speak with one of our Design & Energy Experts for our full available line of product solutions.
For over 40 years, our company has been delivering a home improvement experience unlike any other. From completely customizable designs and dedicated project managers to efficient and thorough installations, our team is committed to bringing your window vision to life.
Call NEXT Door & Window today or go online and kickstart your stress-free window replacement project.
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