Aluminum Clad Windows
Aluminum clad windows are windows with aluminum wrapped around the outside frame that is exposed to the weather. Aluminum protects the outside of the window. Aluminum "capping" has long been used on window installations and is proven to last a long time and serve as a good way to cover exposed wooden sills and unsightly joins between the old window frame and the newly installed window. More recent forms of this window use a totally seperate alumimum frame that is "thermally broken" from the wood frame on the inside. The outer aluminum frame often has a small air gap between it and the wooden window frame beyond. Making an aluminum/wooden window is just a logical extension of the idea of capping a window. The best aluminum clad windows come from Germany and many USA companies are now distributing them. There are also a number of excellent clad windows made by Canadian manufacturers. Clad windows have some of the best insulating values in the industry, especially the german versions. This is not all due to the aluminum cladding though. German windows usually have triple glazing and multiple layers of weatherstripping. The build quality is also very high. The benefits of windows with aluminum cladding are as follows:
The window frames inside are very well protected against the weatherYou can still have a beautiful looking wood window frame on the insideThe aluminum cladding can be made in many colours to match the exterior of your houseAluminum cladding is easy to keep cleanThe windows are much better insulated than wooden windows aloneThere are also some disadvantages with combination aluminum-wooden windows Aluminum cladding is thin and soft, and can easily be scratched or dented during transport or installation.The manufacturer must seal the seams carefully where 2 pieces of aluminum frame meet or moisture may get inside the window frameClad windows are quite expensive relative to Vinyl or wood.
Overall, if you are considering wooden windows for your home because of how nice they look, then having aluminum clad frames on the outside makes it possible for you to have the best of both worlds.Some will argue that old wooden windows have often lasted for more than 100 years in older homes. But wooden windows do require regular maintenance on the outside and the inside regardless of the quality of the wood or joinery. In the past protection was always done with regular painting and caulking. The biggest threat to wooden windows is water. On the outside it may make its way through worn or improper flashings until its gets into the wood sashes and rots them. On the inside years of condensation can work its way into the mullions and warp and expand the joints. Keep the humidity under control and provide plenty of ventilation near windows that are exposed to very cold or very hot weather. Aluminum cladding on the outside provides a practical alternative to wood on the outside.
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