Comparison of Vinyl-Clad Vs. Aluminum-Clad Windows

What is Cladding?

• Cladding may be considered a coat of armor for window frames. A vinyl or aluminum layer covers the frame and the sashing. In many cases, natural wood shows on the interior of the home while vinyl, manufactured in custom colors or aluminum, may be painted to match a building’s exterior. Outside casings can take on rounded, brick or flat properties. All cladded windows provide additional structural stability and energy efficiency and are resistant to humidity and water condensation, while needing little maintenance. These windows also do an excellent job of resisting the elements, making them the perfect choice for coastal homes.

Combining Characteristics

• Because cladding usually covers wooden frames, vinyl-clad and aluminum-clad windows combine best of both worlds. Both types are able to well resist the elements, making them an option for homes exposed to rain, salt and bad weather.

  Aesthetically, wood is the preferred choice for designers because of the richness it provides in décor. On the interior, wood frames can be stained or painted to match décor. For exteriors, vinyl or aluminum cladding protects against exterior elements. Cladded window frames are usually the most expensive type of replacement windows on the market.

Vinyl Cladding Properties

• The combination of wood and vinyl cladding offers windows with a traditional look as well as the additional benefit of low maintenance. Vinyl is available in many colors to match a variety of exteriors. Color runs all the way through the vinyl, making scratches appear non-existent. They are recommended for more extreme climates for a variety of reasons. Vinyl cladding resists humidity in warm, sticky climates. They also have exceptional insulating properties and thus save homeowners money on energy costs as they have a high resistance to heat transfer. For this reason, they are more energy efficient than aluminum windows.

Aluminum Cladding Properties

• Wood windows with aluminum cladding are the most expensive replacement windows on the market. In addition to basic material cost, these windows require extra sealants to make up for aluminum’s lesser thermal efficiency. These windows are more likely to experience condensation between glass panes and are more likely to stick over time when opening and closing windows. Aluminum cladding is less stylized than vinyl cladding, however, aluminum offers more color options because paint may be applied over it to match any color scheme. Aluminum may also be scratched or dented, which can cause water infiltration and ultimate rotting of interior wood. These windows offer the best protection in climates with extreme wind and severe weather.