Clad Wood Window Options Compared

There are many clad wood window options today to compare. From vinyl to aluminum, and the somewhat new composite cladding, which is right for you? Vinyl clad wood windows are more affordable, fiberglass is stronger, aluminum is most durable. There are many factors to consider before you commit. Below, we weigh the pros and cons of vinyl, fiberglass, composite, and aluminum clad wood windows in an attempt to help you decide which is right for you.

new aluminum clad wood windows installed
new aluminum clad wood windows we installed

What Are Clad Wood Windows

Clad wood windows are wood windows with a protective frame covering, such as aluminium, on the outside. This exterior covering is the cladding. This cladding helps protect the wood frame from drying-out from the sun, getting damaged from hail, protects it from insect infestation, swelling from moisture, and more.

What Are The Clad Wood Window Options Today

  • Vinyl
  • Fiberglass
  • Composite
  • Aluminum

Vinyl, fiberglass, composite, and aluminum are today’s cladded wood window options. Each one has their own advantages and disadvantages. Which one you choose will depended upon your budget. Vinyl is generally the least expensive wood window cladding while aluminum is often the more expensive and the most durable.

Clad Wood Windows Pros and Cons

Solid wood windows without the protection of a cladding are more susceptible to many potential problems, such as swelling from rain and snow, contracting and drying-out from sun exposure, insect infestation, hail damage, paint flaking, accidental dents and scratches, and more. As a result, unprotected wood windows tend to not last as long as clad wood windows.

There are many advantages and disadvantages to clad wood windows. Some cladding is better than others. Generally-speaking, clad wood windows tend to last longer since they’re more resistant and durable. They also generally require less maintenance than non-clad wood windows. However, they do cost more than un-cladded wood windows.

Andersen’s Vinyl Clad Wood Window

Vinyl Cladding

Advantages

Vinyl is the most affordable of all the clad wood windows. If you’re wanting to step-up your windows from straight vinyl to a cladded wood, but can’t affordable aluminum, vinyl is a good option. With vinyl clad wood windows, you get the warmth of wood on the inside of your home with its many wood stain options, and the familiarity and low maintenance of of vinyl on the exterior.

Disadvantages

Vinyl isn’t as rigid as fiberglass or aluminum. As a result, it can flex and bind in extreme temperature shifts. Also, depending upon the manufacturer and vinyl, the paint can peel and flake from weather condition. Color options are often limited with vinyl clad wood windows. Re-painting vinyl often doesn’t adhere.

Fiberglass Cladding

Advantages

Fiberglass is known for its rigidity, strength, and being lightweight. It’s a great step-up from vinyl clad wood windows. Fiberglass clad wood windows do not expand or contract in extreme temperatures or weather.

Disadvantages

Low-quality fiberglass cladding can fade in our Colorado sun. Be sure to only have quality fiberglass clad wood windows installed by manufacturers we carry. As with any window, a professional installation matters. Make sure your fiberglass clad wood window is installed correctly. Contact us for a free estimate.

Andersen’s Composite Fibrex® Clad Wood Window

Composite Cladding

Composite clad wood windows are a mixture of reclaimed window frame waste, such as wood fibers and thermoplastic polymer. Currently, Andersen is the only window manufacturer to offer composite clad wood windows. They call it Fibrex®.

Advantages

The advantage to composite clad wood windows is that they’re much stronger than vinyl clad wood windows. As a result, they shouldn’t expand and contract in our extreme Colorado temperatures. Also, Andersen claims they won’t fade, peel, flake, or blister in the changing weather.

Disadvantages

Composite clad wood windows are somewhat new. Therefore, availability is limited. Currently, Andersen is the only window manufacturer we provide that offers them. Composite clad wood windows are also at the more expensive end of the price spectrum.

Andersen Aluminum Clad Wood Windows

Aluminum Cladding

Advantages

Aluminum clad wood windows are tried and true. They’ve been around the longest and of the 3 window manufacturers we carry that offer clad wood windows, all of them offer aluminum. Aluminum clad wood windows are very durable and low maintenance.

Disadvantages

Some aluminum clad wood window manufacturers offer lesser quality aluminum or aluminum that’s more conductive. That is to say, transfers heat better from the outside to inside your home. Therefore, if you’re shopping for aluminum clad wood windows, make sure they’re from Andersen, Jeld-Wen, or Marvin – the brands we carry. Also, make sure they’re professionally installed. We offer a 1-year workmanship on all window installations. 2-year on select Andersen window installations. Contact us for a free consultation and estimate.

Are Clad Wood Windows Worth It

You might be wondering with the potential disadvantages of the various claddings, are clad wood windows worth it? Are they worth the investment? We feel clad wood windows, especially fiberglass, composite, or aluminum clad wood windows are definately worth it. For one, they last a lot longer than any other window, such as solid wood or vinyl. Two, although they might cost more initially, they often cost less in the long run because they last so much longer. Three, they require much less maintenance than solid wood or vinyl windows.

Who Makes Clad Wood Windows

Currently, manufacturers of clad wood windows include Andersen, Jeld-Wen, and Marvin. These are quality window manufacturers you already know and trust. What’s more, Chateau Window and Shower is a Colorado window installation company you can also trust. We offer a 1-year workmanship warranty on all window installations, and an extended 2-year warranty on Andersen windows.

Andersen

Jeld-Wen

Marvin

The Bottom Line

If you’re considering upgrading your vinyl or wood windows to clad wood, it’s a smart move. There are many clad wood window options available today. Clad wood windows generally last longer and require less maintenance. Although they might cost more initially, they often cost less in the long run since they last so much longer than straight vinyl or wood windows. Contact us for a free consultation or estimate.

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