What is exterior window cladding?

Author: Maudie Larson  |  Last update: Monday, May 23, 2022

Window cladding is a vinyl or metal cover that covers a wooden core. Cladding is found on the side of the window that faces the home's exterior. Cladding windows helps preserve the wood and improve its weather resistance.

What is cladding on a window?

Cladding is a protective exterior that guards your wood windows against water damage, rot, and mold. Inside your home, you'll see visible, exposed wood. But outside, your windows will be covered with cladding and safeguarded from the elements.

What are clad windows made of?

Clad windows utilize a wood window frame with an exterior cladding of fiberglass, vinyl, or aluminum.

What is an aluminum window cladding?

What is aluminum cladding? Simply put, aluminum clad windows are wood windows or doors with a protective exterior layer of aluminum 'wrapped' around the sash and frame. The cladding is durable and requires very little maintenance, other than occasional cleaning.

What is the difference between wood and wood clad windows?

Wood-clad windows offer the benefits of wood on the inside (such as customization, durability, and increased energy efficiency), but the low-maintenance aluminum jacket or vinyl on the exterior helps prevent against rot, warping, peeling and bending that can occur with low-quality, poorly maintained all-wood frames.

WE HAVE A WINDOW and the CEDAR CLADDING is Finished!

What type of windows last the longest?

What Replacement Windows Will Last the Longest?
  • Wood. Wood used to be the most popular window type in the marketplace, but the top spot is now vinyl. ...
  • Vinyl. One of the key features of vinyl windows is that it's very durable and will resist peeling, warping, and chipping. ...
  • Fiberglass.

How long do aluminum clad windows last?

Aluminium windows will typically outlive (30-40years) both vinyl and wood windows. Length of warranty is typically different from one manufacturer to another. Lifetime warranty on the frames and sash.

Do aluminum clad windows fade?

And the answer in yes. Black windows do tend to fade over time due to UV damage. Black fiberglass, Aluminum and UPVC windows all fade in different ways and at different rates. Choosing black windows over white or wood is a big decision.

Do aluminum clad windows rot?

And then, to bring it full circle, it rains and water seeps into the split seams behind the aluminum cladding, rotting the wood frames from the inside out.

What is a metal clad window?

Metal clad windows are a combination of an extruded aluminum exterior and a clear hemlock interior frame. Our metal clad windows provide the perfect combination of strength, durability and low-maintenance exterior.

What trim to use for exterior windows?

Available in several sizes and able to be cut and finished like other wood products, preservative-treated wood trim is the ideal choice to help complete any exterior application.

What is vinyl clad?

What Are Vinyl Clad Wood Windows? Vinyl clad wood windows, as its name suggests, is composed of both vinyl and wood. The base of the window frame is manufactured with wood and then vinyl is wrapped around the exterior of the window. The interior, which is wood, can be painted or stained to match your décor.

What are fiberglass clad windows?

Unlike real wood, fiberglass windows are guaranteed not to crack, peel, warp or stick. Their original beauty endures regardless of season or climate. When compared with other window materials, fiberglass windows offer superior features and benefits: Unaffected by water, cold, heat, insects, salt, air and UV rays.

What is clad siding?

Metal cladding is a type of exterior siding that is both durable and low maintenance. Common metal siding types include galvanized steel, aluminum, zinc, and copper. Similar to composite, metal cladding is available in a variety of different architectural styles and finishes.

Why do wood windows rot?

Wood swells and warps when inundated with moisture, which leads to rot. Broken or damaged caulking also allows water to seep into the frame and your home. On the inside of the home, a leaky window frame is another sign of wood rot which causes the frame to bow and not adjoin appropriately with the window.

What is a wood clad window?

A clad wood window is one with a wooden frame, but the exterior surfaces of the window are clad with another material—typically either vinyl or aluminum. This is true for clad doors, too.

Do Vinyl windows rot?

Vinyl windows are a common and suitable option for replacement windows because they won't warp or rot. They are made from polyvinyl chloride—a very durable material—and other components that prevent ultraviolet light from deteriorating the frame.

Why fiberglass windows are not popular?

Fewer options Compared with wood, fiberglass is more difficult to customize into unique shapes and profiles, and has fewer color and hardware options to choose from. Harder to find Only a handful of companies make these windows, and not all of them distribute nationwide.

How do I know if my windows are vinyl or aluminum?

Aluminum windows are generally thin-framed, so most of the window is the glass pane. On the other hand, vinyl windows usually mimic traditional window frame features, though they come in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you can get a traditional style with a modern color.

Can windows be black outside and white inside?

Black window frames are an available option in fiberglass or wood. Pella vinyl frames with black exterior and white interior add a definite modern appeal with a fast and professional installation. Find out more about all of the available design options, hardware combinations, and get your quote today online.

Are aluminum windows worth the money?

Aluminum windows cost more than vinyl - If you are looking for a long-lasting window, Aluminum will be lower cost in the long run for the life of the window even if upfront costs are higher. Efficiency - aluminum conducts heat and cold and is a poor insulator on its own.

Which is better aluminum or vinyl clad windows?

Vinyl windows insulate better than aluminum windows.

Vinyl windows excel when it comes to insulation and improving energy efficiency because the vinyl material minimizes heat transfer. Aluminum windows tend to conduct heat (and cold) and, therefore, are less energy efficient.

Should I replace 20 year old windows?

Many window design professionals agree that new, quality windows should last between 15 and 20 years before you start to think about replacing them. Most companies producing vinyl windows often provide a 20-25 year warranty, which is essentially a lifetime warranty – the expected lifetime of the product.

What is the difference between vinyl and fiberglass windows?

Fiberglass windows are up to eight times stronger than vinyl, which means they generally last longer. A good quality vinyl replacement window can last up to 30 years or more, while fiberglass windows can last 50 years or more. The reason fiberglass replacement windows are stronger and more durable is due to its makeup.

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